Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment

At CFEP, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase your losses.

Remember: the odds always favour the house. Play for fun, within your limits, and always stay in control.

Age Verification

All gambling operators in the UK are legally required to verify that users are at least 18 years of age before allowing them to place bets.

If you are under 18, do not attempt to gamble or create an account. Underage gambling is illegal and can cause serious harm.

Parents and guardians: Please talk to your young people about the risks of gambling and use parental controls to prevent access to betting sites.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:

• Chasing losses — trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
• Hiding your gambling — keeping your betting activity secret from family or friends
• Loss of control — gambling for longer or spending more than you intended
• Neglecting responsibilities — missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
• Mood changes — becoming anxious, irritable, or depressed when unable to gamble
• Borrowing to gamble — taking loans, using credit cards, or borrowing money to fund gambling
• Escalating stakes — needing to gamble larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
• Failed attempts to stop — repeatedly trying and failing to cut down or quit
• Relationship problems — gambling causing conflict with loved ones
• Financial difficulties — struggling to pay bills or having debts due to gambling

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately.

Self-Help Tools and Controls

Most reputable UK betting operators provide tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits — Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits — Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a specific period
• Stake Limits — Control the maximum amount you can bet per wager
• Reality Checks — Receive regular notifications about how long and how much you've been playing
• Time-Out — Temporarily suspend your account for a cooling-off period (typically 24 hours to several weeks)
• Self-Exclusion — Permanently or temporarily close your account if you need a break from gambling
• Account Restrictions — Disable certain features or betting types

Take advantage of these tools. Most can be accessed through your account settings on any betting platform.

Support Organisations

If you're struggling with gambling, professional help is available. Please reach out to:

United Kingdom

• GamCare
  Free, confidential support for problem gambling
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7)
• GamStop
  National Self-Exclusion Scheme — exclude yourself from all UK-licensed operators simultaneously
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous
  Support meetings and peer assistance
  www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• Citizens Advice
  Free advice on gambling-related debt and financial issues
  www.citizensadvice.org.uk

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
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung
  www.bzga.de

Take Action Today

If you have a problem with gambling, help is available — and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Whether you're experiencing difficulty controlling your gambling, facing financial problems, or concerned about a loved one, organisations like GamCare and GamStop exist to provide confidential, non-judgmental support.

Don't wait until the problem becomes severe. Reach out to one of the support services listed above today. You deserve help, and recovery is possible.

Gamble responsibly. Play within your limits. Seek help if you need it.