Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At libraryhousepress.com, we believe gambling should always be a form of entertainment — a leisure activity enjoyed within affordable limits. It is not a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or escape from personal difficulties. The odds always favour the operator, and losses are a normal part of gambling. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never borrow money to gamble.

This page was last reviewed in 2026 and applies to visitors from Great Britain. All operators featured on this site should hold a valid licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

Age Verification — 18+ Only

In Great Britain, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble. Licensed operators are required by law to verify the age and identity of every customer before allowing them to deposit or play.

• You must be 18 or over to open an account with any UK betting or casino site.
• Operators will request identity documents (e.g., passport, driving licence) to confirm your age.
• Parents and guardians should use parental control software (such as Net Nanny or GamBlock) to prevent minors from accessing gambling sites on shared devices.
• Never allow anyone under 18 to use your gambling account or payment details.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

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

• Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money you have lost
• Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or colleagues
• Gambling with money meant for bills, rent, food, or other essentials
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or going into debt to fund gambling
• Spending more time or money gambling than you intended
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to cut down or stop
• Lying about how much you gamble or how much you have lost
• Gambling to escape stress, depression, loneliness, or boredom
• Neglecting work, studies, relationships, or responsibilities because of gambling
• Unsuccessfully trying to cut back or quit on your own

If you recognise several of these signs, please consider taking a self-assessment (such as the free tools on GamCare's website) and reaching out for support.

Self-Help Tools Available at Licensed Operators

All UKGC-licensed betting and casino sites are required to offer player protection tools. We strongly encourage you to use them:

• Deposit Limits — set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit.
• Loss Limits — restrict how much you can lose over a set period.
• Wagering/Session Limits — cap the total amount you can stake or the time you spend playing.
• Reality Checks — on-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing and your net position.
• Time-Outs — take a short break from gambling, from 24 hours up to several weeks.
• Self-Exclusion — block yourself from an operator for 6 months to 5 years. For a national scheme covering all UK-licensed online operators, register free with GamStop.

Support Organizations

Free, confidential help is available. For visitors from Great Britain, these are the primary services:

United Kingdom

• GamCare — free information, advice and support, including the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133, available 24/7). www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop — free national online self-exclusion scheme covering all UK-licensed gambling sites. www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous UK — peer support meetings across the country. www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• BeGambleAware — information and signposting to treatment services. www.begambleaware.org

International Resources

• Australia: Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling (call or text 1-800-GAMBLER) — www.ncpgambling.org
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — www.check-dein-spiel.de

If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Problem gambling is treatable, and thousands of people recover every year with the right support.

If gambling is causing you or someone you love harm, take the first step now:

• Call the National Gambling Helpline free on 0808 8020 133 — open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Register with GamStop to self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling sites.
• Talk to someone you trust — a friend, family member, or your GP.

You are not alone, and help is always free and confidential.