Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution

At Stephen Thompson Foundation, we believe gambling should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. It carries real risks, and it's essential to play within your means and stay in control.

We encourage all players to gamble responsibly and to seek help immediately if gambling becomes a concern.

Age Verification

We are committed to protecting minors. All players must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities on unaffiliated platforms. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble in the United Kingdom.

If you are under 18, please do not use gambling services. If you have concerns about a young person's gambling, contact GamCare immediately.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop quickly. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, help is available:

• Gambling more than you intended or can afford
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other difficult emotions
• Neglecting work, studies, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
• Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
• Experiencing mood swings, irritability, or anxiety when unable to gamble
• Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control gambling
• Feeling a "high" or rush when gambling, requiring higher stakes for the same effect
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling

If any of these apply to you, it's important to take action now.

Self-Help Tools & Controls

Many gambling platforms offer built-in tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a session or period
• Time Limits: Set automatic session time limits to remind you when to take a break
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during play to help you stay aware of time and money spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an operator's platform
• Account Closure: Request permanent closure of your account if you need to stop entirely

We strongly encourage you to use these tools as part of your responsible gaming strategy.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, please reach out to one of these trusted organisations:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free, confidential support and counselling for problem gamblers and their families
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain
  www.gamstop.co.uk
  Register to exclude yourself from all GamStop-registered operators
• Gamblers Anonymous – Support meetings and peer recovery for problem gamblers
  www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• National Debtline – Free debt advice if gambling has caused financial problems
  www.nationaldebtline.org
  Telephone: 0808 808 4000

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 Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (free, confidential, 24/7)
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  www.bzga.de

Need Help? Take Action Today

If gambling is causing you distress, affecting your relationships, finances, or mental health, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support—problem gambling is a recognised condition, and help is available.

Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) or visit www.gamcare.org.uk to speak with a counsellor today.

Remember: Your wellbeing is more important than any bet. Recovery is possible with the right support.