Responsible Gaming

1. Introduction: Gambling Should Be Entertainment

At aaocc.org.uk, we believe that gambling should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or escape from everyday stress. Casino games are games of chance: the house always has an edge, and over time, losses are statistically inevitable. You should only ever gamble with money you can comfortably afford to lose, and you should treat any winnings as a bonus, not an income.

If gambling stops being fun, it is time to stop. We encourage every visitor to set limits before playing, to take regular breaks, and to be honest with themselves about their gambling habits.

2. Age Verification (18+)

In Great Britain, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble. All visitors to aaocc.org.uk must be at least 18 years old, or the legal gambling age in their local jurisdiction if higher.

• Licensed operators are required to verify the age and identity of all players before allowing deposits or withdrawals.
• If you share a device with minors, use parental control software such as NetNanny or GamBlock to restrict access to gambling websites.
• Never share your casino account details or payment methods with anyone under 18.

3. Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you:

• Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money you have lost.
• Hiding your gambling — lying to family or friends about how much time or money you spend gambling.
• Borrowing to gamble — using credit cards, loans, or money meant for bills, rent, or essentials.
• Gambling beyond your means — spending more than you planned or can afford.
• Neglecting responsibilities — missing work, studies, or family commitments because of gambling.
• Gambling to escape — playing to avoid stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems.
• Failed attempts to stop — trying to cut down or quit but being unable to do so.
• Preoccupation — constantly thinking about gambling, planning your next session, or reliving past wins.

If you recognise one or more of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, please seek support using the resources listed below.

4. Self-Help Tools

Most reputable casinos offer responsible gambling tools. We strongly recommend setting these up before you start playing:

• Deposit limits — cap how much money you can deposit per day, week, or month.
• Loss limits — set a maximum amount you are prepared to lose within a given period.
• Wagering/session limits — restrict the total amount you can stake or the time you can spend playing.
• Reality checks — enable on-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
• Cooling-off periods — take a short break (24 hours to several weeks) from your account.
• Self-exclusion — block yourself from a casino for a longer period (typically 6 months or more). In Great Britain, you can also self-exclude from all UK-licensed operators at once via GamStop.

You can also ask your bank to block gambling transactions on your cards — most major UK banks offer this feature free of charge.

5. Support Organizations

Free, confidential help is available. If you are struggling, please reach out to one of these professional organizations:

• United Kingdom — GamCare: Free advice and support via the National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 (24/7) or live chat at www.gamcare.org.uk
• United Kingdom — GamStop: Free national self-exclusion scheme covering all UK-licensed online gambling operators at www.gamstop.co.uk
• United Kingdom — Gamblers Anonymous UK: Peer support meetings at www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• Australia — Gambling Help Online: 24/7 support at www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada — Responsible Gambling Council: Information and support at www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States — National Council on Problem Gambling: Call or text the 24/7 helpline 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org
• Germany — Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): Free helpline 0800 137 27 00 and online counselling via "Check dein Spiel".
• International — Gambling Therapy: Free global support service at www.gamblingtherapy.org

6. Call to Action: Help Is Available

If gambling is causing you or someone you love distress, financial difficulty, or relationship problems, please do not wait. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7), speak to your GP, or use any of the services listed above.

Remember: gamble responsibly, set your limits, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. When the fun stops, stop.

Last reviewed: 2026 · aaocc.org.uk