GAMBLING is an extremely popular pastime in the UK. Thousands of people love to take the slots for a spin or to place a cheeky acca at the weekends, but there is also a darker side to this. For some people, gambling is not something that is done for fun; it is an addiction and is something that can lead to a lot of harm. 

This is why responsible gambling practices are important. In this guide, we will look at exactly what responsible gambling means and provide you with some useful links and resources where you can learn all about responsible gambling techniques and how to practise them.

👩‍🏫 What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling essentially means being able to gamble without putting yourself or others around you at risk. Gambling is supposed to be a fun activity, and when it no longer becomes fun or players become dependent on it in any way, they should take a break, step back, and use some responsible gambling techniques. 

Being able to gamble responsibly means knowing when to take breaks, managing your budget, and recognising any signs that your gambling is becoming an issue. 

🛑 Signs of gambling addiction

The following are some of the key warning signs that someone may be suffering from gambling addiction: 

• Loss of control and being unable to manage impulsive urges to gamble
• Problems at work
• A preoccupation with gambling and loss of interest in other hobbies
• Ignoring family and friends
• Increasing the quantities gambled to recoup lost bets or to experience the same thrill
• A negative impact on relationships with those closest to you
• Concealing the amount of money and time spent betting from family members
• Stealing money in order to gamble
• Denial that you have a problem
• You may also suffer from physical symptoms. These symptoms include anxiety, irritability, headaches, stomach upsets and stress-related symptoms

🚨 What are the consequences of gambling irresponsibly?

There are many potential consequences for those who gamble irresponsibly. The most obvious of these is the financial consequences. People who gamble irresponsibly are at a huge risk of losing money, ending up in debt, and losing their assets. Those who feel they are managing their bankroll badly should put restrictions on their betting accounts and, if necessary, seek financial advice. 

On a more personal level, irresponsible gambling can damage your relationship with your friends and family. It can lead to erratic behaviour, and poor financial management can quickly put pressure on relationships. 

There are also mental health issues associated with irresponsible gambling. Addiction and depression often go hand in hand, and the added burden of financial stress will only amplify this. If you feel as though your mental health is suffering as a result of gambling, then you should seek professional help. 

🔞 Gambling and young people

Young people are increasingly at risk of being exposed to gambling at a young age in the UK, and the government, along with the UKGC, has taken several steps to protect them and stop this from happening. 

The publication of the Gambling White Paper in mid-2023 made several amends to advertising laws regarding gambling, and there has also been a concerted effort in the industry to make sure adverts online are not targeted at young or vulnerable people. 

There is also a lot of ongoing debate regarding things like loot boxes and the impact these can have on young people. Football clubs and sporting bodies have also taken action, with the removal of gambling products from the front of Premier League shirts from the start of the 2024/25 season. 

⚖️ National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms

The National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms was a strategy launched by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission in 2019 and closed in April 2022. It was a commitment to helping reduce gambling harm, with studies from multiple parties involved to help outline a clear strategy. 

While the program is no longer active, you can find plenty of archived information and resources at the following links: 

🌐 Responsible Gambling Organisations in the UK

📊 Responsible Gambling Statistics

Gambling addiction among UK residents has become more common in recent years, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following are some key stats provided by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. 

1. Prevalence of gambling addiction: Approximately 2-3% of the world’s population is estimated to have a gambling problem. – World Health Organization (WHO), 2018.
2. Online gambling: Online gambling addiction is more common among young adults, with 6-9% of internet gamblers being at risk of addiction. – LaBrie, R. A., et al., Journal of Gambling Studies, 2007.
3. Responsible gambling measures: Only 1 in 10 individuals with a gambling problem seek treatment or help for their addiction. – National Council on Problem Gambling, 2020.
4. Self-exclusion programs: In the UK, over 1.3 million people had registered for self-exclusion from gambling websites by 2020. – GambleAware, 2020.
5. Responsible gambling funding: Various gambling operators contribute substantial funds to support responsible gambling initiatives. For example, in the UK, gambling operators collectively contributed £19 million to fund responsible gambling efforts in 2019. – UK Gambling Commission, 2020.

These are just a small collection of stats that have been provided by the UKGC. You can find more information and research by visiting the Gambling Commission website:  

🤔 How do you gamble responsibly?

There are many ways that you can practise responsible gambling. The following seven points are just some of the techniques you should implement to ensure you remain in control of your play. 

1. Gambling budget
2. Talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed
3. Think about why you are gambling
4. Monitor how often you are gambling
5. Give yourself timeouts from gambling
6. Always read the terms and conditions
7. Make sure that the gambling business is licensed

1. Gambling budget

Firstly, it is important that you set yourself a gambling budget. You should have a limit on how much money you can afford to lose, and you should never go over this. Bookmakers and casinos in the UK all offer betting limits that players can put on their accounts. If you can not find these options, then reach out to a member of your chosen operator’s customer support team. 

2. Talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed

If you feel as though your gambling is becoming an issue, or you are beginning to feel any sort of pressure, either financially or emotionally, as a result of gambling, then take a step back and find someone to talk to. While a trained professional is always a good option, some people may feel like talking to a friend or family member is just as useful. The important thing is that you explain your situation and are seeking advice. 

3. Think about why you are gambling

This is absolutely essential. Gambling should be fun and should not be done for financial gain. If you are gambling to make money, earn an income, or pay off debts, you should stop and seek advice. Gambling should always be fun, and the moment it becomes more than this, and the consequences increase, then you should stop. 

4. Monitor how often you are gambling

Monitor your gambling activities and behaviour closely. If you are beginning to gamble compulsively and you are gambling on too regular a basis, then you should take a step back. Casinos and sportsbooks all have tools that will allow you to monitor how long you have been playing. As per UKGC standards, slots and games in the UK will always display the time you have been playing and your win/loss record. 

5. Give yourself timeouts from gambling

It is always important to take a breather from gambling. All UKGC licensed operators will provide players with a cooling-down option. You can set your own time limits on this, and you will not be able to access any of the operator’s services during that time. 

6. Always read the terms and conditions

When gambling online, you should make sure you read through all of the terms & conditions of the online casino. This is also important whenever you are claiming any welcome bonuses or promotions. 

7. Make sure that the gambling business is licensed

The first thing you should do when you visit an online casino or sportsbook is check the licensing information. This should be clearly displayed on the operator’s website and is normally located at the bottom of the webpage. In the UK, all operators should be licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. If you can find this licensing information, then you should head elsewhere. 

🔍 What is an example of responsible gambling?

Let’s take a look at several real-world situations where someone is practising responsible gambling. 

1: A player has set himself a budget of £50 and has just lost his last £5 on a blackjack bet. Instead of chasing the loss, the player acknowledges that they have reached their budget and stops playing. They do not get into their head that they are ‘due a win’ and continue to lose more money. 

2: A bettor lands a 10/1 win on a bet. They read an article that suggests a 5/1 bet is going to come in. Instead of placing this bet, the person walks away while they are in profit. 

3: A person realises they have been playing a slot game too much. They visit their account settings and place a two-week cool-down period on their account. This prevents them from playing more. 

⛔ Who is at risk for problem gambling?

Anyone who gambles puts themselves at a degree of risk, but there are some people who are much more likely to be impacted than others. Anybody with a history of addiction should be cautious, while those who are in precarious financial positions should be extremely careful when they are gambling. If you are looking to gamble as a fix for financial issues, then you should not be gambling. 

🎲 What types of gambling cause the most problem gambling?

There is not one type of gambling that is more likely to cause problem gambling than any other. All types of gambling can put the player at risk, and people should be cautious not to lull themselves into a false sense of security simply because they have changed the game they are playing or the sport they are betting on. 

💷 How much money do you have to lose before gambling becomes a problem?

This is totally dependent on the individual person. In short, though, people should never bet any more than they can afford to lose. Set a budget and stick to it. If you are going over this budget, then you are significantly increasing the chance of putting yourself at risk. 

🤷‍♂️ How can a person be addicted to something that isn’t a substance?

Addictions to things like gambling or sex are known as behavioural addictions. These are more psychological than physical but can be equally as damaging. Like nicotine or alcohol, people will get a buzz of some kind from gambling, and this can create dependence. It is also possible for people to become financially dependent on gambling, which, in itself, can create an addiction. 

🆘 How can I help someone who is not gambling responsibly?

If you feel as though someone you know is gambling irresponsibly, then there are a number of things you can do. If you do not feel comfortable talking to them yourself, you can recommend they seek help or provide them with some useful information and resources to help them out.

Dealing with someone with an addiction can be extremely difficult, and you should seek professional advice before doing so. There are also a lot of resources available online for those affected by people with gambling problems. 

About the author

Liam Hoofe

Liam is an experienced iGaming and sports betting journalist based in Cardiff. He has worked in the sports betting industry since 2017 and has provided content for some of the biggest casino and betting brands in the UK. He has also covered football and other sports for both regional and national newspapers. 

Find Liam on Twitter: @LiamHoofe

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.