Professional Help Support

Updated January 19, 2025

Legalities of Safe Gambling 2025

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

  • GambleAware – 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.

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.
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Anita Heffernan Whichbingo Author
Anita Heffernan
Author & Managing Editor
The Bingo Veteran – “Bingo Queen”
The Bingo Queen is a fun name earned from colleagues through Anita Heffernan's exceptional knowledge and commitment to the online bingo world. With over 20 years of experience as both a player and an expert in the industry, Anita has built a reputation as a trusted authority on all things bingo.