Safer gambling

Land-based gambling still involves real money and real risk. Set limits before you walk in, take breaks, and never borrow to play.

Harm often builds slowly. Watch for these patterns in yourself or someone close:

• ▲Spending more time or money than planned
• ▲Feeling anxious, guilty or low about gambling
• ▲Hiding gambling from family or friends
• ▲Borrowing or selling items to gamble
• ▲Neglecting work, study or caring responsibilities
• ▲Thinking constantly about the next bet
• ▲Needing larger stakes for the same buzz
• ▲Struggling to cut down or stop

UK-licensed operators must offer safer gambling tools and staff interventions. Ask at the desk for information on limits, self-exclusion and cooling-off periods for that estate.

• Reality checksOn-screen reminders on electronic machines where fitted
• Time-outsShort breaks from play arranged with staff
• Self-exclusionVenue schemes plus GamStop for remote gambling with UK licensees
• SignpostingHelpline numbers and BeGambleAware / GamCare materials on display

These UK organisations are free and confidential:

Gambling harm affects families too. If you are supporting someone:

• ◆Do not ignore the problem - hope alone will not fix it
• ◆Encourage professional help early
• ◆Do not lend money or pay gambling debts for them
• ◆Protect your own finances and wellbeing
• ◆Consider support for yourself (GamAnon UK)
• ◆Use GamCare’s services for affected others

We only recommend groups that, so far as we can verify:

• Hold appropriate UK Gambling Commission permissions for their activities
• Provide visible safer gambling information in venues
• Train staff to identify and respond to harm
• Offer clear routes to self-exclusion and help
• Verify age rigorously at the door or counter
• Publish transparent house rules