Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At simonmcgregorwood.co.uk, we believe that gambling should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or watching live sports. It should never be considered as a way to make money or solve financial problems.

The odds are always in favour of the operator. If you're gambling with money you cannot afford to lose, or if gambling is causing you stress or financial hardship, please seek help immediately.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in the United Kingdom. This is a legal requirement and is strictly enforced. If you are under 18, gambling is not permitted.

If you become aware of anyone under the legal age gambling, please report this to the relevant operator or contact the UK Gambling Commission.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know? If so, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses – gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down or stop gambling
• Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
• Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
• Neglecting work, school, family, or hobbies due to gambling
• Lying about the extent or nature of your gambling
• Failed attempts to control or stop gambling
• Experiencing financial difficulties as a result of gambling

Self-Help Tools and Controls

Most licensed operators provide tools to help you maintain control of your gambling. Consider using these features:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a set timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose
• Betting Limits: Cap the size of individual bets
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders during gambling sessions about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Time-Outs: Take a break from gambling for a set period (typically 24 hours to several weeks)
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from an operator's services for a predetermined period

Speak to your operator about the tools available to you, or check their responsible gaming page for more information.

Support Organizations and Resources

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
  The National Self-Exclusion Scheme. Register for free to self-exclude from all licensed UK online gambling operators simultaneously.
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous
  Peer support meetings available throughout the UK for people affected by problem gambling.
  Telephone: 020 7384 3040

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

If You Need Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out today. Help is available, and it is free and confidential. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 or visit one of the organisations listed above. They are there to help.

Tips for Safer Gambling

• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
• Set a budget and stick to it
• Set time limits for gambling sessions
• Never chase losses
• Take regular breaks
• Keep gambling separate from other activities and responsibilities
• Avoid gambling when upset, stressed, or under the influence
• Don't borrow money to gamble
• Keep a record of your gambling activity
• Talk to someone you trust if you're concerned about your gambling