Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At elemartelot.org, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or playing sports. It should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself gambling beyond your means or relying on gambling for income, please seek help immediately.
Always gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase your losses by betting more.
Age Verification
Gambling in the United Kingdom is strictly regulated. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in any form of gambling, including betting on sports, playing casino games, or using betting sites.
If you are under 18, please do not use any betting platforms. Parents and guardians should actively monitor their children's online activities to prevent underage gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these common signs that your gambling may be becoming problematic:
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble to recover money you've lost
- Hiding Your Gambling: Concealing the amount of money you spend or time you spend gambling from family and friends
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Increasing Stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same level of excitement
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Lying About Gambling: Being dishonest with loved ones about your gambling habits
- Financial Problems: Borrowing money or facing debt due to gambling
- Loss of Control: Being unable to stop or reduce your gambling despite wanting to
- Neglecting Health: Skipping meals, losing sleep, or neglecting personal care due to gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, professional help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Most reputable betting sites offer built-in tools to help you stay in control. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you're willing to lose during a specific timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to prevent extended gambling sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account if you need a break from gambling
- Account Restrictions: Reduce your betting limits or restrict access to certain games
Use these tools proactively as part of your responsible gambling strategy.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional support is available. Here are the most relevant organisations for your location:
United Kingdom
- GamCare: Free, confidential support for problem gamblers and their families. www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop: The National Self-Exclusion Scheme for online gambling. Register to block yourself from all licensed online gambling sites in Great Britain. www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gamblers Anonymous: A peer support fellowship for those with gambling problems. Meetings available throughout the UK.
- National Problem Gambling Clinic: NHS-funded treatment service offering cognitive behavioural therapy and other support.
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
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) - www.bzga.de
All of these organisations offer free, confidential advice and support. There is no shame in seeking help.
If You Need Help
If you feel that your gambling is becoming a problem, or if you're concerned about someone else's gambling, please reach out for help today. Professional support is available and confidential.
Do not wait until the situation becomes worse. The sooner you seek support, the sooner you can regain control of your life.
- Contact GamCare at www.gamcare.org.uk
- Self-exclude via GamStop at www.gamstop.co.uk
- Speak to your GP or contact the NHS
- Reach out to a trusted family member or friend
Help is available. You are not alone.