Responsible Gaming
Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or recover losses. At ads-hull.co.uk, we encourage you to set affordable limits, take regular breaks, and never gamble with money needed for essential expenses. Using cryptocurrency does not reduce the risks of gambling, and price volatility can increase potential financial harm.
Age Verification
You must be 18 or over to gamble in Great Britain. Licensed operators are required to verify customers’ age and identity. Never provide false information, gamble on behalf of someone under 18, or help another person bypass age-verification checks.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling may be becoming harmful if you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else:
- Chasing losses or increasing stakes to try to win money back.
- Spending more time or money gambling than intended.
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about losses.
- Borrowing money, using credit, or selling assets—including cryptocurrency—to gamble.
- Neglecting work, education, relationships, or other responsibilities.
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other difficult feelings.
- Feeling restless, irritable, or distressed when trying to cut down.
- Repeatedly trying and failing to stop or control gambling.
These signs are not a diagnosis, but they are reasons to pause and seek confidential support. You do not need to wait until gambling becomes a crisis.
Self-Help Tools
Consider using the following controls before you gamble:
- Deposit limits: Cap how much you can deposit over a daily, weekly, or monthly period.
- Loss limits: Set a maximum amount you are prepared to lose and stop when you reach it.
- Reality checks and time limits: Receive reminders about how long you have been playing and take regular breaks.
- Time-outs: Block access to an account for a short period when you need space.
- Self-exclusion: Block access for a longer period. Never open new accounts to circumvent a limit or self-exclusion.
- Transaction controls: Review your gambling history and ask your bank or payment provider about gambling blocks.
GamStop provides free self-exclusion from online gambling businesses licensed in Great Britain. Websites that are not licensed in Great Britain may not participate in GamStop or offer the same regulatory protections.
Support Organizations
- GamCare — Confidential information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling. GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline, available 24 hours a day, every day, on 0808 8020 133. Live chat and other resources are available at www.gamcare.org.uk.
- GamStop — Register for free to self-exclude from online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain. Find out more at www.gamstop.co.uk.
- NHS — Information about gambling addiction, treatment options, and accessing help is available from the NHS gambling addiction support page.
If you are struggling emotionally, you can contact Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time. If you are in immediate danger or at risk of seriously harming yourself or someone else, call 999.
If Gambling Is Causing Harm, Seek Help
If gambling is affecting your finances, wellbeing, or relationships, stop gambling and contact GamCare or another support service today. Use self-exclusion and payment blocks to create distance from gambling, and consider speaking to someone you trust. Asking for help is a positive step, and free, confidential support is available.