Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
Horse racing betting should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and remember that the odds always favour the house in the long term.
If you find yourself betting more than you intended or chasing losses, it may be time to seek support.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in betting activities. All licensed betting operators are required to verify your age before allowing you to place bets.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access betting services. Gambling at a young age can lead to serious harm.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these warning signs that may indicate a problem with gambling:
- Chasing losses by betting more money to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activity or lying to friends and family about how much you bet
- Feeling unable to stop or control your betting
- Neglecting work, school, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Experiencing mood swings, irritability, or anxiety related to betting
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools and Controls
Most reputable betting operators offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on the amount you're willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders during your betting session about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from betting sites
- Time-Out: Take a break from betting for a set period without closing your account
You can also use GamStop, a national self-exclusion scheme that blocks access to online gambling sites across Great Britain.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, confidential help is available:
United Kingdom
-
GamCare β Free support and counselling for problem gambling
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential) -
GamStop β National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk -
Gamblers Anonymous β Peer support meetings throughout the UK
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
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 -
Germany: Bundeszentrale fΓΌr gesundheitliche AufklΓ€rung (BZgA)
www.bzga.de
Take Action Today
If you are experiencing problems with gambling, please reach out for support. There is no shame in asking for help, and support services are available 24/7 and completely confidential.
Remember: Help is just a phone call or click away. Your wellbeing is more important than any bet.