Responsible Gaming

Why Is This Topic So Important?

Gambling does not always lead to gambling addiction, but when it does, problem gambling can cause serious financial and social problems that should never be underestimated. Some players find that their gambling has spiralled out of control and need support to regain it. Slots have a particularly high risk, as their fast gameplay and engaging visual and audio effects can keep players hooked more easily than other casino games.

What Is Problem Gambling?

In general terms, problem gambling is characterised by numerous difficulties in restricting time and/or money spent on gambling, which can lead to negative consequences for the gambler, other people and the community as a whole. Basically, any form of gambling that causes harm to the gambler or others can be deemed problem gambling.

Pathological gambling, or gambling disorder, is classified as similar to substance-related addictions, rather than an impulse control disorder. There are 9 symptoms which are used to assess whether a person has a gambling disorder.

These include the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement, lying to conceal the extent of a gambling habit, chasing losses and increased gambling during times of distress. If 4 of the 9 symptoms are experienced within a 12 month period, the gambler can be diagnosed as having a gambling disorder.

Who Is Most at Risk of Becoming Addicted?

There are various reasons and different factors that can lead to someone becoming addicted to gambling. As already mentioned, gambling does not necessarily lead to gambling addiction. Yet it has been found that certain types of people can be more susceptible to gambling addiction.

Triggering factors for problem gambling can include certain personality traits (e.g., lack of impulse control, narcissistic attitude), genetic or neurological conditions (lower levels of norepinephrine or serotonin deficiencies), and mental health disorders (depression, anxiety). Plus, social factors such as education, religion, health, and occupation can also play a part.

How Can I Test Myself?

There are various self-assessments available online, that you can take to help identify if your gambling is at a problematic level. Generally speaking, these tests work merely as an indicator of any problems, and it is highly recommended to seek professional help to deal with your gambling habits. You should treat the problem as soon as possible, before any serious harm happens.

By speaking with a counsellor or psychologist, you can ensure that you get specific help and advice tailored towards your specific situation and needs. But of course, these self-assessments are a good starting point for you to notice if you are in danger, and give you a quick, simple (and anonymous) summary of your general situation.

GambleAware

The gambling harms assessment from GambleAware takes around two to four minutes and is completely anonymous. You answer a short series of questions about your gambling, or about the gambling of someone close to you, as the tool is also designed for friends and family. At the end, you receive advice tailored to your answers, along with links to free and confidential support, including the National Gambling Helpline. GambleAware points out that the assessment is a guide, not a diagnosis, so it works best as a first step before speaking to an adviser.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of people who help each other recover from compulsive gambling, with meetings across England, Wales and Ulster. Its 20 questions test asks you to reflect honestly on your gambling habits, for example whether you gamble to escape worry, borrow money to gamble, or lose time from work because of gambling. Each question takes a simple yes or no answer, and your score is shown as soon as you submit the form. According to Gamblers Anonymous, most compulsive gamblers answer yes to at least seven questions. Whatever your result, the site encourages you to attend a local meeting, where no appointment is needed.

GamCare

GamCare is a leading UK charity that supports anyone affected by gambling harm. It does not offer a self-test, but its guide to understanding your gambling explains how a gambling problem can affect your finances, mental health, relationships and work, which can help you put your test results into context. If something feels wrong, you can speak to a trained adviser for free through the National Gambling Helpline, available 24 hours a day by phone, live chat or WhatsApp. GamCare also supports friends and family members who are worried about someone else’s gambling.

Royal College of Psychiatrists

The website of the Royal College of Psychiatrists offers clear, expert information on gambling disorder, including its causes, the harms it can bring, and the treatment and support available. It does not include a self-test, but it gives practical advice on what you can do right away, and a dedicated section for anyone worried about the gambling of someone close to them.

GAMSTOP

This is a free self-exclusion service that blocks your access to gambling websites and apps licensed in Great Britain. When you register with GAMSTOP, you choose a minimum exclusion period of six months, one year or five years, with the option to renew a five-year block automatically. Once your self-exclusion is active, it cannot be cancelled before the chosen period ends, which gives you a reliable break from online gambling while you seek support.

The Next Steps – Organisations That Can Help

If you are worried about your gambling, the National Gambling Helpline is a good place to start. Run by the charity GamCare, it offers free and confidential support to anyone in England and Scotland on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day, every day of the year, as well as by live chat and WhatsApp.

If you live in Wales, you can call the free NHS Wales gambling helpline on 0808 2819 265, which is also available around the clock. You can contact either service about your own gambling or about someone close to you, and they can guide you towards further support, such as counselling or treatment.

Problem gambling should always be taken seriously. Left unaddressed, it can lead to growing debt, damaged relationships and serious harm to your mental health. A self-assessment is a useful first step, but it is also worth listening to the people around you, as friends and family often notice changes in your behaviour before you do.

If you recognise a problem, reach out for support as soon as you can. Being open with people close to you can feel difficult, but most relatives respond with more understanding than you might expect, and recovery is often easier with their support behind you. Many support services also welcome family members, so you do not have to take the first step alone.

If someone close to you opens up about their gambling, try to listen without blame or accusations. Criticism can push them away at the very moment they need support, while a calm and patient response makes it easier for them to accept help.

Alongside the helpline, the organisations mentioned above, including GambleAware, GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous, all offer free support. You can also turn to Citizens Advice for free guidance on gambling-related debt, call Samaritans on 116 123 if you are struggling to cope and need to talk to someone urgently, and in an emergency, always dial 999.

Only Play at UK-Licensed and Regulated Casinos

If you want to gamble online, only play at casinos that are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. Reputable UK-licensed casinos work with charitable organisations to build tools that help players spot the early signs of problem gambling and stay in control of their play.

These tools include limits on your deposits, bets and playing time, as well as the option to take a break or self-exclude for a set period. UKGC-licensed online casinos must also take part in GAMSTOP, and their staff are trained to recognise problem gambling and help players find the right support.

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