Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Fire Gathering, we believe that betting and gambling should only ever be enjoyed as a form of entertainment. It is never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting apps and casino games are designed with a mathematical edge in favour of the operator, meaning that over time, players are more likely to lose than win.
Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. All UK-licensed betting apps and casinos have strict age verification procedures in place.
If you are under 18: Gambling is illegal for you. If you are struggling with underage gambling, please reach out to a support organisation listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be honest with yourself and watch for these warning signs:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses (gambling more to try to recover money lost)
- Hiding your gambling activities from family or friends
- Feeling anxious or irritable when you try to cut down or stop
- Using gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, school, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
- Failed attempts to control or reduce gambling
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Player Controls
Responsible betting apps include built-in tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a day, week, or month. Stick to your budget.
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose over a specific period.
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you have been gambling and how much you have spent.
- Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a few hours, days, or weeks without closing your account permanently.
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from a betting app or casino for a set period (typically 6 months to 5 years). You cannot access your account during this time.
Most reputable UK betting apps allow you to access these tools directly in your account settings. If you need help using them, contact the app's customer support team.
Support Organisations & Helplines
If you are struggling with problem gambling, you are not alone. Professional support is available:
United Kingdom
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GamCare
Free counselling, information and support for problem gamblers and their families
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential) -
GamStop
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Phone: 0800 197 8928 -
Gamblers Anonymous
12-step peer support programme for problem gamblers
Phone: 020 7384 3040
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
Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you are experiencing mild concerns or serious difficulties:
- Contact one of the support organisations above — they are confidential and free
- Talk to someone you trust: a friend, family member, or healthcare provider
- Use self-exclusion tools on your betting app to take a break
- Consider registering with GamStop to block access to all UK online gambling sites
Help is available 24/7. You don't have to struggle alone.