Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At Barton Hill Activity Club, we're committed to promoting responsible gambling. Betting should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or a restaurant. It should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set strict limits on both time and expenditure.

Age Verification – Must Be 18+

All online gambling in the UK is strictly regulated for persons aged 18 and over. If you are under 18, or under the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction, you must not participate in any betting activities. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirements before accessing any betting sites featured on this website.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Recognise these warning signs in yourself or others:

• Chasing Losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
• Hiding Gambling: Being secretive about the amount you gamble or how much money you've spent
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, college, or family commitments due to gambling
• Borrowing to Gamble: Taking out loans or using credit to fund gambling activities
• Mood Changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or defensive when discussing gambling
• Gambling Longer: Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement
• Loss of Control: Unable to stop or cut back on gambling despite wanting to
• Financial Problems: Struggling to pay bills or mounting debts due to gambling
• Relationship Strain: Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling habits
• Using Gambling to Escape: Gambling to forget about problems or relieve stress and anxiety

Self-Help Tools Available at Licensed Betting Sites

Most reputable UK betting operators provide tools to help you gamble responsibly:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you can lose within a set timeframe
• Session Time Limits: Automatically log you out after a predetermined period of play
• Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders showing how long you've been gambling and how much you've wagered
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a betting site for a period ranging from weeks to years
• Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely

Support Organisations – Get Help Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional support is available:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free confidential support, counselling, and information
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamStop – National Self-Exclusion Scheme for online gambling
  www.gamstop.co.uk
  Allows you to self-exclude from all UK-regulated online gambling operators
• Gamblers Anonymous – Free peer support meetings across the UK
  Helpline: 0207 384 3060
• National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS-funded specialist treatment
  Based at South London and Maudsley NHS Trust

International Support

• 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 Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  Telefonberatung: 0800-1 372 374 (free)

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or financial status. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you recognise problem gambling symptoms in yourself or someone you care about, please contact one of the organisations above immediately. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Remember: Betting should enhance your entertainment – never compromise your wellbeing, relationships, or finances for gambling.