Responsible Gambling

Updated February 29, 2024

It is important to WhichBingo that all our visitors are aware of the potential risks in regards to gambling and that they know how to spot the warning signs of any potential gambling problem. We want people to play and have fun, but we realise that problems can develop. Here you will find details of the warning signs that all may not be well with your own gambling habits, or those of someone close to you. We explain how gambling works and how easy it can be to get carried away, together with tips and measures to ensure you stay aware of how you are playing. We have checked out what the gambling sites have to do to try and ensure you play in a safe and worry free environment, the responsible gambling tools that are available for you to help yourself as you play and how the industry is endeavouring to protect minors from trying to gamble too soon. We also have a list of resources that you can reach out to for fast and confidential help.

Our Safer Gambling Partner – Better Change

We are working with the Better Change organisation to ensure that bingo, slots and casino games can be enjoyed in an environment of ‘Positive Play’ – so while we advertise all sorts of bingo offers, staff are trained to be aware of potential risks to customers.

At Better Change, the primary mission is to foster a culture of responsible gambling and empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to maintain a healthy gaming experience. Collaborating closely with WhichBingo, they strive to create an atmosphere of ‘Positive Play’ within the realm of bingo, slots, and casino games. Our partnership extends beyond mere promotion, as it involves comprehensive training programs for staff members to recognize potential risks and warning signs of gambling-related issues. Many of the gaming brands endorsed by WhichBingo actively engage with Better Change , both in the online space and on the high street, reinforcing a commitment to player safety and well-being.

As part of our collective effort, this section provides valuable insights into identifying warning signs of problematic gambling behavior and offers links to tools and organizations dedicated to assisting those facing challenges related to online gambling activities. We believe that through education, awareness, and support, individuals can enjoy their gaming pursuits responsibly and maintain a positive balance in their overall well-being.

If you’re worried about your own gambling or a friend’s please visit begambleaware.org.


warning signs of problem gambling

Is your gambling causing problems for you or others around you? The following signs may indicate a problem:

  • Spending more money and time on gambling than you can afford.
  • Finding it hard to manage or stop your gambling.
  • Having arguments with family or friends about money and gambling.
  • Losing interest in usual activities or hobbies like going out with friends or spending time with family.
  • Always thinking or talking about gambling.
  • Lying about gambling or hiding it from other people.
  • Chasing losses or gambling to get out of financial trouble.
  • Gambling until all your money is gone.
  • Borrowing money, selling possessions or not paying bills in order to pay for gambling.
  • Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for a longer time to get the same feeling of excitement or buzz.
  • Neglecting work, family, personal needs or household responsibilities because of gambling.
  • Feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed or irritable.

Remember, problem gambling behaviour is often hidden. It can be difficult to know if someone has a problem with gambling. It can also be difficult to detect because many people who gamble do not show their feelings and may lie or get angry if questioned about their behaviour.

tools to help with responsible gambling UK and Staying in Control

As the UK Gambling Commission launches a new public awareness campaign regarding gambling control features and support groups, it seems an ideal time to check out the options provided by each software provider.

Online bingo provides hours of entertainment, fun and community to players across the UK, however, it’s incredibly important for players to put safety and wellbeing first. Software providers for the biggest and best online bingo sites in the UK each offer a set of measures to make everyone’s gambling experience great and you can easily implement their range of tools should you need to scale back or control your gameplay. Below, you’ll find the some responsible gambling tips and some of the safe play tools available in one form or another at most bingo, slots and casino sites in the UK.

  • Reality Check: This tool prompts users with reminders at regular intervals during their gambling session to inform them of how much time they have spent playing. It helps users maintain awareness of their gambling behavior and encourages them to take breaks.
  • Self-Exclusion Program: This tool allows users to take a break from online gambling for an extended period. By requesting self-exclusion, the individual’s access to the gambling site is restricted, preventing them from logging in and participating in any gambling activities.
  • Deposit Limit: Users can set a maximum deposit limit on their account to ensure they do not exceed their budget. Once this limit is reached, the user will be unable to deposit any more funds into their account, helping them to control their spending.
  • Unsubscribe from Marketing: This tool allows users to opt out of receiving marketing emails from the gambling site. By removing themselves from the email list, users can reduce temptation and avoid being enticed by promotional offers.
  • Game Time Reminder: Users can activate this tool to receive reminders of how long they have been playing on the site. This helps users to keep track of their gaming sessions and take breaks when needed to avoid excessive gambling.
  • Autoplay Limits: With the autoplay feature, users can set the number of rounds they want to play and their budget. If they reach a specified loss limit, the autoplay function will stop automatically, preventing them from exceeding their budget.
  • Take a Break: This tool allows users to take a temporary break from online gambling. Users can choose a cooling-off period of 1 day, 2 days, 7 days, 1 month, or 6 weeks, during which they will be unable to access their account and engage in gambling activities.
  • Curfew (Deposit Curfew): This feature, available on some platforms, allows users to block themselves from depositing for a set period or at specific times. Users can choose which days or dates to block deposits, helping them to control their gambling behavior during certain times.
  • Cool-Off Sessions: Users can set cool-off sessions during which they are unable to make deposits on the site. This tool allows users to block themselves from depositing for specific time periods, helping them to take breaks and avoid impulsive gambling behavior.
  • Max Stake Limit: This tool allows users to set a maximum bet per spin on slot games. Increasing this limit triggers a 24-hour cooling-off period, while decreasing it takes effect instantly, helping users to control their betting behavior.
  • Help-Centre: Users can access customer support services for assistance with using safe gambling tools and managing their gambling spending. The help center provides resources and support for users who may be struggling with gambling-related issues.
  • Self-Assessment Tools: Online gambling platforms often provide self-assessment questionnaires or tests that users can take to evaluate their gambling behavior and assess whether they may be at risk of developing a gambling problem. These tools help users recognize problematic gambling patterns early on.
  • Affordability Checks: Some gambling operators offer affordability checks to assess whether users can afford their gambling expenditure based on their financial situation. This tool helps prevent users from spending more money on gambling than they can afford, reducing the risk of financial harm.
  • GAMSTOP Integration: GAMSTOP is a self-exclusion scheme in the UK that allows users to exclude themselves from all online gambling sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. Integrating GAMSTOP into gambling platforms provides users with an additional option for self-exclusion across multiple operators.
  • Links to Support Organizations: Providing links or access to support organizations such as GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous, and BeGambleAware offers users additional resources and assistance if struggling with gambling-related issues. As stated earlier, these organizations offer counseling, support, and information about responsible betting and gambling.

No matter which site you choose, each brand is sure to offer an excellent range of responsible gambling tools that will help you to manage your online gambling and play responsibly. and safely.

How Gambling Works

Gambling is a broad term that encompasses various activities where individuals wager money on uncertain outcomes ( a horse race, the spin of a roulette wheel) with the hope of winning more than they risk. It operates on the principle of risk and reward, where participants accept the possibility of losing the amount of their bet in exchange for the chance to win a larger prize.

Here’s a brief outline of how gambling works, including how businesses benefit from it and how people can become addicted:

  1. House Edge and Probability: In most forms of gambling, there’s a built-in advantage for the house, often referred to as the “house edge” or “house advantage.” This means that the odds are stacked slightly in favor of the house, ensuring that over time, the house will make a profit. The house edge varies depending on the game and the rules involved. Probability and statistics play a crucial role in determining the likelihood of certain outcomes and calculating the expected value of bets.
  2. Revenue Model for Gambling Businesses: For gambling businesses, revenue is generated through the difference between the amounts wagered by players and the winnings paid out to them. This margin represents the gross revenue for the business. Additionally, ancillary services such as food and beverage sales, entertainment, and accommodations (in the case of casinos) contribute to overall revenue. Moreover, gambling businesses often employ sophisticated marketing strategies to attract and retain customers.
  3. Psychology of Gambling: Several psychological factors contribute to why people engage in gambling activities. These include the excitement and adrenaline rush associated with risk-taking, the allure of potential big wins, social interaction and camaraderie (in the case of activities like poker or bingo), and the escape from stress or boredom. Gambling can also be influenced by cognitive biases, such as the gambler’s fallacy (believing that past outcomes influence future ones) and the illusion of control (believing that one can influence random events).

Legalities of Safe Gambling 2024

In the UK, gambling sites are subject to various laws and regulations aimed at promoting responsible gambling and protecting vulnerable individuals. Some of the key laws and regulations that gambling sites must adhere to include:

  1. Gambling Act 2005 (Under Review): This legislation provides the framework for the regulation of gambling activities in the UK, including online gambling. It sets out licensing requirements, codes of practice, and provisions for ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and openly.
  2. UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulations: The UKGC is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing gambling activities in the UK. It issues licenses to gambling operators and enforces compliance with regulations. The UKGC requires licensed operators to implement responsible gambling measures, including self-exclusion programs, age verification checks, and measures to prevent problem gambling.
  3. Licensing conditions and codes of practice (LCCP): The UKGC’s LCCP sets out the specific requirements that gambling operators must follow to maintain their licenses. This includes provisions related to responsible gambling, such as providing access to self-help tools, offering information and support for problem gambling, and implementing measures to prevent underage gambling.
  4. Advertising standards by the ASA: Gambling operators must adhere to advertising standards set by regulatory bodies such as the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). These standards include guidelines on responsible advertising, ensuring that gambling advertisements do not target vulnerable individuals or encourage irresponsible gambling behavior.
  5. Responsible gambling tools: Gambling operators are required to provide various tools and features to help customers gamble responsibly. These may include self-exclusion options, deposit limits, reality checks, and access to support services for problem gambling.
  6. Data protection laws: Gambling sites must comply with data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), to ensure the security and privacy of customer data, including information related to responsible betting and gambling measures.

Overall, gambling sites in the UK must follow a comprehensive regulatory framework that prioritizes responsible gambling and the protection of consumers. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations can result in penalties, fines, or loss of operating licenses.

Professional help

  • BeGambleAware – This site you will find advertised everywhere as the main source for help and support for a variety of problem gambling issues.
  • GamCare – GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline and offers free and confidential support, information and advice on problem gambling either via telephone, online, or text. GamCare also offers free face-to-face and online counselling for those affected by a gambling problem either directly or via its network of treatment providers across Britain.
  • Gordon Moody Association – The Gordon Moody Association provides advice, education and high-quality therapeutic support to problem gamblers and those affected by problem gambling through residential, online and outreach services.
  • NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic – The Central and Northwest London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) operates the National Problem Gambling Clinic located in Soho, London, to provide free and confidential treatment services to gamblers and others adversely affected by gambling.
  • Big Deal – Offers information, advice and support to young people impacted by problem gambling. They also provide information and resources to parents and professionals to increase awareness about the issue.
  • Gamblers Anonymous – A group of men and women who have joined together to tackle their own gambling problem and help others do the same. Use their website to find a group in your local area.

child protection from Gambling

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble and all operators will have processes in place to age verify. It is also against the UK Gambling Commission’s License Code of Practice for operators to market their products in a way that could be of particular appeal to those under the age of 18. This means no images that would appeal to children such as pink elephants, fairgrounds, fairies, etc. In addition, there must be no advertising in any kind of media that children under 18 can access.

WhichBingo takes these requirements very seriously, which as stated in our Compliance Policy, we avoid using graphics, characters or games that may be deemed as appealing to under 18s. We also age restrict our content where possible, such as videos produced and shared via our Facebook and YouTube channel.

There are lots of tools at hand for parents who wish to go further and restrict access to gambling sites on their children’s computers and other online devices.

  1. Parental controls: Many devices, operating systems, and internet browsers offer built-in parental control features that allow parents to restrict access to certain websites, including gambling sites. These controls typically allow parents to block specific websites or set filters based on content categories, such as gambling.
  2. Internet filtering software: Parents can install internet filtering software or parental control apps on their devices to block access to gambling websites. These software solutions often offer customizable settings, allowing parents to block specific types of content or set time limits for internet usage.
  3. Use of gambling website blockers: There are specialized software programs and browser extensions designed to block access to gambling websites. Parents can install these blockers on their children’s devices to prevent them from accessing gambling sites.
  4. Communication and education: Parents should have open and ongoing conversations with their children about the risks of gambling and the importance of responsible internet usage. Educating children about the potential consequences of gambling and encouraging them to make informed decisions can help them develop healthy online habits.
  5. Supervision, monitoring and example: Parents should actively supervise their children’s online activities and regularly monitor their internet usage. By staying involved and aware of what their children are doing online, parents can identify any signs of problematic behavior and take appropriate action. If you gamble and your children are aware ensure they know you limit your time and money and ensure it does not dominate your free time.

Financial Support for Responsible Gambling

Charitable organizations that help people with gambling problems are typically funded through a combination of sources, including:

  1. Government Grants: Many governments allocate funds to support organizations that provide services for problem gambling prevention, treatment, and support. These grants may come from various governmental departments or agencies responsible for public health, social services, or gambling regulation. An example is the RET levy (Research, Education and Treatment), currently voluntary, but which will possibly become mandatory when the review of the Gambling Act 2005 is complete.
  2. Donations: Charitable donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other organizations play a significant role in funding gambling support services. These donations can be solicited through fundraising campaigns, events, online platforms, and direct appeals.
  3. Fundraising Events: Charities often organize fundraising events such as charity dinners, auctions, marathons, or concerts to raise funds for their programs and services. These events not only generate revenue but also raise awareness about the issue of problem gambling.
  4. Corporate Sponsorship: Businesses, particularly those in the gambling industry or related sectors, may sponsor charitable organizations that support individuals affected by problem gambling as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
  5. Grants from Foundations: Charitable foundations, both general-purpose and those focused on specific issues like mental health or addiction, may provide grants to support organizations addressing problem gambling.
  6. Lottery Funding: In some jurisdictions, a portion of lottery revenues is allocated to problem gambling prevention and treatment programs. These funds may be distributed to charitable organizations through grants or other mechanisms.
  7. Fees for Services: Some organizations may charge fees for specific services they provide, such as counseling, therapy, or educational programs. These fees can contribute to the organization’s overall funding.
  8. Government Contracts: In addition to grants, some organizations may secure contracts with government agencies to provide specific services related to problem gambling prevention and treatment. These contracts provide a steady source of revenue for the organization.
  9. Volunteer Contributions: While not direct funding, volunteer contributions of time, skills, and expertise are invaluable to charitable organizations and can help them operate more efficiently and effectively, stretching their resources further.

Responsible Gambling FAQ

What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling entails engaging in betting activities in a manner that ensures it remains a form of entertainment rather than causing harm. It involves managing finances, setting limits, and being aware of signs of problematic behavior.

How can I gamble responsibly?

Responsible gambling involves setting limits on time and money spent, utilizing tools like reality checks and self-exclusion, staying informed about risks, and seeking help if needed. It prioritizes enjoyment over excessive risk-taking.

Do casinos promote responsible gambling?

Casinos collaborate with organizations like Better Change to promote responsible gambling through staff training, offering self-exclusion programs, and implementing tools for players to manage their behavior. However, it remains a shared responsibility between operators and players.

How do I know if I have a gambling problem?

Signs of a gambling problem include spending beyond means, difficulty stopping, conflicts with loved ones, loss of interest in hobbies, and emotional distress. Recognizing these signs prompts seeking help from support organizations.

What types of support can I receive?

Support for gambling-related issues includes helplines like BeGambleAware and GamCare, counseling services, residential treatment programs, and online resources. Various organizations offer confidential assistance tailored to individual needs.

How to tell if someone has a gambling addiction?

Identifying gambling addiction can be challenging as individuals may hide their behavior. Signs include financial problems, preoccupation with gambling, lying or concealing activities, and neglecting responsibilities or relationships.