Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At Sustainability and Services, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or watching live sports. It should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.

The odds are always in favour of the bookmaker. If you find yourself gambling to make money or recover losses, it's time to seek help. Please remember that gambling carries risk, and you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to use any gambling services, including online betting with UK bookmakers.

All reputable bookmakers verify your age before allowing you to open an account. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble. If you suspect someone under 18 is gambling, please report it to the relevant operator.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do you recognise any of these signs in your own behaviour? If so, problem gambling may be affecting your life:

• Chasing losses: Continuing to gamble to try to win back money you've lost
• Hiding your gambling: Concealing the extent of your gambling from family or friends
• Loss of control: Difficulty controlling how much time or money you spend gambling
• Neglecting responsibilities: Gambling instead of attending to work, school, or family obligations
• Gambling with borrowed money: Using credit cards, loans, or borrowed funds to gamble
• Mood changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
• Escalating stakes: Needing to bet larger amounts to get the same excitement
• Failed attempts to stop: Repeatedly trying to cut back or quit without success
• Financial problems: Experiencing debt or financial difficulties due to gambling
• Jeopardising relationships: Gambling causing conflict with loved ones

If you've ticked even one of these boxes, it may be time to take action and reach out for support.

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features

Most UK bookmakers offer tools to help you gamble responsibly. These include:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before your account is temporarily closed
• Stake Limits: Restrict the maximum bet amount you can place on individual wagers
• Time Limits: Set reminders or automatic timeouts to limit your gambling sessions
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up notifications during play to remind you of time spent and money wagered
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account if you feel you've lost control

We encourage you to use these tools proactively. Speak to your bookmaker's customer support team if you need help setting these up.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out to one of the following organisations:

United Kingdom

• GamCare
  Free, confidential support and counselling for problem gambling
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamStop
  National self-exclusion scheme covering all licensed online gambling operators in Great Britain
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous
  Peer support groups and meetings across the UK
  Phone: 0330 094 0322

Other Countries

• Australia — Gambling Help Online
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada — Responsible Gambling Council
  www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States — National Council on Problem Gambling
  www.ncpgambling.org
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Germany — Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  Telephone Counselling: 0800 137 27 00 (free)

If You Need Help

Please do not hesitate to seek support. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and help is available.

Whether you're experiencing warning signs yourself or you're concerned about someone else, reaching out to one of the organisations listed above is a positive step. All services are confidential, non-judgmental, and many are free to access.

If you're in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact:

• Samaritans (UK): 116 123 (available 24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258

Your wellbeing matters. Seek help today.