What is Safer Gambling?
Safer gambling means enjoying casino games responsibly while maintaining control over your time and money. It involves understanding the risks, setting limits, and knowing when to seek help. At UKBonusList, we are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and player protection.
Keep Gambling Fun
Gambling should be an entertaining activity, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. Remember that casino games are designed to favor the house, and losing is more likely than winning in the long term.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
It's important to recognize the early warning signs that gambling may be becoming a problem. If you notice any of these behaviors in yourself or others, it may be time to seek help:
Behavioral Warning Signs
- Spending more time and money than intended
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Lying about gambling activities to family or friends
- Borrowing money to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
- Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities
Responsible Gaming Tools
Most licensed UK casinos offer various tools to help you maintain control over your gambling activities. These tools are designed to help you set boundaries and stick to them:
Available Control Tools:
- Session time limits and reminders
- Daily, weekly, and monthly deposit limits
- Loss limits to control spending
- Cool-off periods for temporary breaks
- Self-exclusion for extended breaks
- Account activity and spending reports
Setting Healthy Limits
Before you start gambling, decide how much time and money you can afford to lose. Treat this as the cost of entertainment, not as an investment. Never gamble with money needed for rent, bills, or other essential expenses.
Healthy Gambling Guidelines:
- Set a budget before you start playing
- Never chase your losses
- Take regular breaks from gambling
- Don't gamble when upset, stressed, or under the influence
- Balance gambling with other activities
- Keep track of time and money spent
GAMSTOP - National Self-Exclusion
GAMSTOP is a free service that allows you to exclude yourself from all UK-licensed gambling sites. You can choose exclusion periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Once registered, you cannot reverse the decision until the exclusion period expires.
Help and Support Resources
If you're concerned about your gambling or someone else's, help is available. These organizations provide free, confidential support and advice:
Support Organizations:
- GamCare: 0808 8020 133 (Free helpline)
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
- BeGambleAware: Online support and information
- Gambling Therapy: Online chat and email support
- Gamblers Anonymous: Peer support meetings
- GamFam: Support for friends and family
Treatment and Recovery
Problem gambling is a recognized condition that can be effectively treated. Treatment options include counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, and in some cases, medication. Recovery is possible with the right support.
For Friends and Family
If someone you care about has a gambling problem, remember that you cannot force them to seek help, but you can offer support and encourage them to get professional assistance. Take care of your own wellbeing too.
Emergency Support
If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis due to gambling-related problems, please contact:
Samaritans: 116 123 (Free 24/7 emotional support)
Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258
Emergency Services: 999 (if in immediate danger)