Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Southlea Group Practice, we believe that online casino gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set limits on time and spending.
Age Verification
Online casino gaming in the UK is strictly regulated and available to adults aged 18 years and over only. It is illegal to gamble if you are under the legal age limit in your jurisdiction. All legitimate operators conduct age verification checks to ensure compliance with UK gambling law.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or access any online casino.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop quickly and may affect your finances, relationships, and mental health. Please review the following checklist and seek help if you recognize any of these signs:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or accumulating debt to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, studies, hobbies, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent on gambling
- Experiencing financial problems due to gambling activity
- Feeling a need to gamble with increasing amounts for excitement
If you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or someone else, please reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools and Controls
Responsible online casinos provide built-in tools to help you maintain control of your gambling. We encourage you to use these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose during a session or time period
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders at regular intervals to check how long and how much you've been playing
- Session Time Limits: Automatically end your gaming session after a set duration
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an online casino to take a break from gambling
These tools are designed to support responsible gambling. Always review your casino's responsible gaming options during account setup and adjust them according to your personal limits.
Support Organizations and Resources
If you are struggling with problem gambling, professional help and support are available. The following organizations provide free, confidential advice and assistance:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling, support, and information for problem gamblers and their families
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Allows you to exclude yourself from all licensed UK online casinos for a period of 6 months to 5 years
International Support
- Australia: Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org - United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) - Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (Federal Centre for Health Education)
Website: www.bzga.de
Take Action Today
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out—professional support services are confidential, free, and available to help you regain control.
Remember: gambling should always be fun and within your means. If it's causing you stress, affecting your finances, or impacting your relationships, it's time to take action.
Contact one of the support organizations listed above. They are here to help.