Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Hay History Group, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or use gambling as an escape from personal difficulties.
Age Verification
Gambling is strictly for adults only. In the UK, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in any form of gambling or betting activities. All UK betting sites are legally required to verify your age and identity before you can open an account or place bets. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a gambling problem:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or previous gambling experiences
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Gambling to escape problems, relieve stress, or cope with negative emotions
- Chasing losses by returning another day to try to win back lost money
- Lying to family, friends, or therapists about the extent of gambling involvement
- Jeopardizing or losing important relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or engaging in illegal activities to fund gambling
- Feeling desperate or hopeless about your financial situation as a result of gambling
If you experience any of these warning signs, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Reputable UK betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you can lose during a set period
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up notifications reminding you of how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Time-Out (Cool-Off Period): Take a break from gambling for a set period while maintaining access to your account
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling for a fixed period or indefinitely. This prevents you from accessing your account and placing bets
- Account Closure: Permanently close your betting account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Make use of these tools if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you're struggling with gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organizations offering free, confidential support:
United Kingdom
- GamCare — Free support, counselling, and information about problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential) - GamStop — The National Self-Exclusion Scheme. Register to self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling operators
www.gamstop.co.uk - National Problem Gambling Clinic — NHS-funded treatment service
Telephone: 0203 318 5391 - Gamblers Anonymous — Free peer support meetings across the UK
www.gamblersanonymous.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
1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) - Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
www.bzga.de
If You're Struggling, Seek Help Today
Problem gambling can affect your mental health, relationships, finances, and overall wellbeing. You are not alone, and help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of the support organizations listed above. These services are free, confidential, and staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling.
Remember: It's never too early to ask for help, and recovery is possible with the right support.