Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Charlotte Stewart, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as entertainment, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites offer games of chance where the odds always favour the house in the long run. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and set strict limits before you start playing.
Age Verification
It is illegal to gamble in the UK if you are under 18 years of age. All operators must verify that users are at least 18 before allowing access to betting services. If you are under the legal age, please do not attempt to register or use any gambling websites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, problem gambling may be developing:
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Hiding the extent of your gambling from family, friends, or healthcare professionals
- Using gambling as an escape from problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
- Neglecting work, education, or family commitments due to gambling
- Continuing to gamble despite repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop
- Jeopardising relationships or career opportunities because of gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties as a direct result of gambling
If you identify with any of these behaviours, please reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable betting operators provide responsible gambling tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit on how much money you can deposit into your account.
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you can lose during a specific time period.
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up notifications at regular intervals reminding you how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent.
- Time Out: Temporarily suspend your account for a set period (e.g., 24 hours to 6 weeks) without permanently closing it.
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily ban yourself from an operator's platform.
- Account Closure: Close your account completely if you wish to stop gambling with a specific operator.
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling activity.
Support and Help
If you are struggling with gambling or suspect you may have a problem, confidential support is available:
United Kingdom
- GamCare: Free confidential counselling and support. www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop: The UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Register to be excluded from all licensed gambling operators. www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gamblers Anonymous: 12-step peer support programme. www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
- National Problem Gambling Clinic: Specialist NHS treatment service in London. www.cnwl.nhs.uk
International Support
- Australia: Gambling Help Online β www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council β www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling β www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany: Bundeszentrale fΓΌr gesundheitliche AufklΓ€rung (BZgA) β www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Please Act Now
Gambling problems often develop gradually and can have serious consequences for your mental health, finances, and relationships. The good news is that help is available and recovery is possible.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, reach out to one of the organisations listed above today. They offer free, confidential, and non-judgmental support.
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The earlier you act, the better your chances of recovery.