What is Responsible Gaming?

Responsible gaming means enjoying poker games as entertainment while maintaining control over your time and money. It involves:

• Playing within your financial means
• Setting time and money limits before you play games
• Understanding that poker games involve risk
• Never chasing losses
• Keeping gaming fun and not letting it interfere with daily life
• Taking regular breaks during gaming sessions

Setting Limits

All licensed UK poker sites offer tools to help you play games responsibly:

Deposit Limits

• Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits
• Limits prevent you from depositing more than you can afford
• Changes to increase limits take 24-72 hours to take effect

Time Limits

• Set reminders for how long you've been playing games
• Schedule automatic logout after a certain period
• Take mandatory breaks between sessions

Loss Limits

• Set maximum loss amounts per session, day, or week
• Prevents playing beyond your comfort zone
• Automatically stops you from playing when limit is reached

Reality Checks

• Pop-up reminders showing how long you've been playing
• Display your current profit/loss
• Helps maintain awareness during gaming sessions

Warning Signs of Problem Gaming

Be aware of these signs that gaming may be becoming a problem:

If you recognize these signs, it's important to seek help immediately.

Self-Exclusion Options

If you need a break from poker games, several options are available:

Site Self-Exclusion

• Exclude yourself from a specific poker site for a set period
• Duration: typically 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
• Cannot be reversed during exclusion period

GAMSTOP - UK Multi-Operator Exclusion

• Free service that excludes you from ALL UK licensed gaming sites
• Duration options: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
• Covers all UK-licensed poker sites, casinos, and betting operators
• Register at www.gamstop.co.uk

Timeout/Cool-Off Periods

• Short-term breaks from 24 hours to 30 days
• Less permanent than self-exclusion
• Good option if you need a brief break from games

Help and Support Organizations

Professional help is available if you or someone you know has a gaming problem:

Tips for Safe Gaming

Follow these guidelines to keep poker games enjoyable:

Before You Play

• Set a budget and stick to it - only play with money you can afford to lose
• Set time limits for your gaming sessions
• Never play poker games when under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Don't play when stressed, depressed, or emotional

During Play

• Take regular breaks every 30-60 minutes
• Don't chase losses - accept them as part of the game
• Keep track of time and money spent
• Play for entertainment, not to make money
• Don't borrow money to play games

After Playing

• Review your session honestly
• Don't let losses affect your mood or daily life
• Take a break if you're feeling frustrated
• Talk to someone if you're concerned about your gaming

Underage Gaming Prevention

All UK licensed poker sites have strict measures to prevent underage gaming:

• Age Verification: ID checks required before you can play games
• Minimum Age: You must be 18+ to play poker games in the UK
• Parental Controls: Use software to block gaming sites on devices
• Education: Talk to young people about gaming risks
• Reporting: Report suspected underage gaming to the UK Gambling Commission

UK Gambling Commission

The UK Gambling Commission regulates all licensed poker sites to ensure player protection:

• Website: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
• Role: Licenses and regulates gaming operators
• Player Protection: Ensures fair games and responsible practices
• Complaints: Can escalate disputes with licensed operators