Responsible Gaming

Introduction

At maternityvoices.org.uk, we believe that gambling should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Crypto casinos and online gambling carry real financial risk, and outcomes are determined by chance, not skill or strategy. If gambling ever stops being fun, or begins to cause stress, debt, or conflict in your life, it is time to stop and seek support. Please gamble responsibly and only ever wager money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

Gambling is strictly restricted to adults aged 18 or over in Great Britain, in line with the Gambling Act 2005. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble. All licensed operators are required to verify the age and identity of their customers. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to use parental control software and account filters to prevent minors from accessing gambling websites. Never share your accounts, payment details, or crypto wallets with anyone under 18.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you or someone you care about:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win money back
• Hiding your gambling activity from family or friends
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or going into debt to gamble
• Gambling with money meant for essentials such as rent, bills, or food
• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Neglecting work, studies, or relationships because of gambling
• Lying about how much you gamble or how much you have lost
• Using gambling as an escape from stress, depression, or other problems
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling

If you recognise any of these signs, please take them seriously and consider using the tools and support services listed below.

Self-Help Tools

All UK Gambling Commission-licensed operators are required to offer responsible gambling tools. We encourage you to use them proactively:

• Deposit limits — set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Loss limits — cap the amount you can lose within a chosen period.
• Reality checks — receive on-screen reminders of how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
• Session time limits — restrict how long you can play in a single session.
• Cooling-off / time-out periods — take a short break from gambling, from 24 hours up to several weeks.
• Self-exclusion — block yourself from gambling sites for a longer period (6 months to 5 years). In Great Britain, you can self-exclude from all licensed online operators at once via GamStop.
• Bank gambling blocks — many UK banks allow you to block gambling transactions on your debit card.

Support Organizations

Free, confidential help is available. If you are in Great Britain, these are the primary services:

• GamCare — free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling, including the 24/7 National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133). Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop — the free national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain. Register once to be excluded from all participating licensed operators. Website: www.gamstop.co.uk

For readers outside the UK, support is also available internationally:

• 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 (call or text 1-800-GAMBLER)
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Glücksspielsucht helpline 0800 137 27 00, www.check-dein-spiel.de

Call to Action

If you feel that gambling is no longer under your control, please do not wait — help is available, free of charge, and completely confidential. Contact GamCare today, register with GamStop to block yourself from online gambling, or reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or your GP. Taking the first step is a sign of strength, not weakness. Remember: when the fun stops, stop.

Last updated: 2026. maternityvoices.org.uk is an informational affiliate website and does not operate gambling services. Please gamble responsibly.