Responsible Gambling

Problem gambling has always been a sensitive subject, and the debate continues over whether online casinos could do more to protect players who are at risk. At the end of the day, it should be up to individuals to control themselves and their spending, but casino operators still do their best to help players stay in control.

Responsible Gambling at ComprCasino

Playing casino games online should, first and foremost, be a source of entertainment. Most players enjoy online casinos responsibly, but for some, gambling can develop into a problem. If you feel you're losing control, it's important to recognise the warning signs and act immediately.

Do you have a gambling problem?

If you find that you can no longer gamble responsibly, it's important to take action and seek help. Start by contacting the casino you play at to close or pause your account, or self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed casinos and betting sites at once via GamStop (gamstop.co.uk). Many casinos also offer counselling and can refer you to professional support organisations. They also have staff who specialise in responsible gambling and can help you review your play patterns.

Common signs of a gambling problem:

• You gamble with money you can't afford to lose, such as money for bills or rent.
• You increase your stakes because smaller amounts no longer give you the same thrill.
• You avoid withdrawing and instead gamble away your winnings, hoping for bigger prizes.
• You try to win back lost money by betting even higher amounts.
• Gambling takes up more and more of your time and is prioritised over other activities.
• You lie about your gambling to the people close to you.
• You borrow money or use credit cards to fund your gambling.

If any of this sounds familiar, it could be a sign of a problematic relationship with gambling. Seek help as soon as possible.

GambleAware

GambleAware is an independent charity that offers support to people affected by gambling problems, as well as their friends and family. You can reach the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, chat live, or find more support options at gambleaware.org. You can also self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed online casinos and betting sites in one go through GamStop (gamstop.co.uk). Remember, you don't need to have a serious problem to reach out - you can also get advice on how to maintain a healthy relationship with gambling.

Why the numbers matter

Gambling support helplines across the UK report tens of thousands of enquiries every year, and the number of people reaching out continues to rise. This growth is a clear reminder of just how important responsible gambling practices are for every player.

Problem gambling - a real illness

Problem gambling, also known as compulsive gambling, is a genuine psychological condition. The body releases endorphins during gambling, which can create a dependency similar to substance abuse. A person struggling with gambling addiction will often find reasons to keep playing, chasing that same feeling of euphoria. If you notice that gambling is having a negative impact on your life, it's important to take this seriously.

Personal symptoms of gambling addiction:

• Significant mood swings tied to wins or losses.
• Constant preoccupation with gambling, even in social settings.
• Feeling relief or excitement about cutting short work or other activities in order to gamble.
• Breaking your own responsible gambling limits, especially after a loss.

If people around you point out that you've changed for the worse because of your gambling, listen to them and consider seeking help.

Symptoms in others

If you suspect someone you know has a gambling problem, watch out for:

• Changes in mood or stress levels.
• Lying about time spent gambling.
• Increased irritability and distance from friends or family.

Start a conversation and offer support, but be careful about confrontation.

To play at an online casino, you must be at least 18 years old. Reputable casinos require age verification before allowing withdrawals. If you are under 18, any funds will be confiscated.

Responsible gambling tools

ComprCasino highlights several tools that help you gamble responsibly:

• Session reminders: Show how long you've been playing, along with your wins and losses.
• Deposit limits: Restrict how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Loss limits: Set a maximum limit on how much you can lose within a given period.
• Time-outs: Temporarily lock your account to take a break.
• Self-exclusion: Close your account for at least 6 months to regain control over your gambling, or use GamStop (gamstop.co.uk) to self-exclude from every UKGC-licensed online casino and betting site in one go.

How to protect your finances

To avoid problems with your gambling spending, you can block casino payments through your bank or via third-party tools like Revolut. Most casinos use the payment code 7995, which your bank can block on request.

Take responsibility for your gambling

Responsible gambling means playing because you want to, not because you feel you have to. Follow the advice above to keep your gambling under control and ensure a positive experience.

ComprCasino is here to support you. If you have questions or need help, feel free to contact us for more information.