Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Bridgetown Stores, we believe that gambling should only ever be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites we review are meant for adults who can afford to lose what they stake. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
All gambling in the United Kingdom is strictly regulated and only available to individuals aged 18 years or older. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble. If you are under 18, please do not use any betting sites. Operators have a legal obligation to verify your age before allowing you to play.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop quietly. If you recognise any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone else, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with money intended for essentials (rent, bills, food)
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount spent
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or guilty about gambling
- Neglecting work, education, or relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts for the same excitement
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Experiencing financial difficulties you cannot explain
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable UK betting sites offer built-in tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a chosen timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose over a specific period
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Time-Out (Cool-Off Period): Take a short break from gambling for a few hours or days
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from an account for a longer period (weeks to years)
Make use of these tools proactively. They are designed to protect you.
Support & Help Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential support is available:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free, confidential support and counselling for problem gamblers
www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential) - GamStop – The National Self-Exclusion Scheme; self-exclude from all UK gambling operators at once
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gamblers Anonymous – Support meetings and peer-to-peer help
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
Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) - Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Information on problem gambling support available in German
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Problem gambling is treatable, and support services are confidential and free in most cases. If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone close to you, reach out to one of the organisations listed above today.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is available.