Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Damage Assist, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or a sporting event. It should never be considered as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. The odds are always in favour of the betting operator, and losses are an inevitable part of gambling.
We're committed to promoting responsible gambling practices and supporting those who may be struggling with their betting habits.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. This is a legal requirement and protects young people from the potential harms of gambling.
If you are under 18, we strongly encourage you not to gamble. If you have concerns about a young person's gambling, please contact the support organisations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognise any of these signs in your own gambling behaviour? If so, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses: Continuing to gamble to try to win back money you've lost
- Hiding gambling: Being secretive about how much you gamble or how much money you've spent
- Loss of control: Gambling for longer than planned or with more money than intended
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or social events due to gambling
- Borrowing to gamble: Taking out loans or using credit to fund your gambling
- Relationship strain: Arguments with family or friends about your gambling
- Mood changes: Using gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
- Failed attempts to stop: Trying to cut down or quit but being unable to do so
- Tolerance: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Physical symptoms: Experiencing anxiety, irritability, or restlessness when not gambling
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most responsible betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit in a set period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're prepared to lose before stopping
- Time Limits: Set session time limits to remind you to take breaks
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a betting site if you feel you've lost control
- Take a Break: Request a cooling-off period away from gambling
We recommend using these tools proactively, even if you don't currently feel you have a problem.
Support Organisations
If you're struggling with your gambling, or if someone you know is, help is available. Please reach out to one of these organisations:
United Kingdom
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GamCare
Free, confidential support for problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) -
GamStop
The National Self-Exclusion Scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Allows you to self-exclude from all online gambling operators at once -
Gamblers Anonymous
Support meetings and peer support for problem gamblers
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
International Support
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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
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 -
Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or financial status. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in doing so – support is confidential, non-judgmental, and free.
Contact one of the organisations above, speak to your GP, or call a helpline. Recovery is possible, and support is available.
Remember: You don't have to struggle alone.
Last updated: 2026. Responsible gaming information is accurate as of this date.