Responsible Gaming

Gambling online can be an enjoyable and engaging form of entertainment, offering moments of excitement and fun. However, it is important to approach gaming with balance and self-awareness. Responsible gambling is about staying in control, recognising the potential risks, and being prepared to seek support when necessary for both your own sake and that of your loved ones.

At BestOdds, we believe that betting should enhance your enjoyment not compromise your wellbeing. Whether you’re playing occasionally or more regularly, taking steps to gamble responsibly helps ensure that the experience remains positive and sustainable.

This page provides clear guidance, practical tips and access to trusted support services, all aimed at promoting safe and informed play for individuals across the UK. If you ever feel that gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, know that help is available and you are not alone.

What is Responsible Gaming?

Responsible gaming involves engaging in gambling activities in a controlled and balanced manner, allowing you to enjoy them as a form of entertainment without causing harm to yourself or others. It is about making informed choices, maintaining perspective, and taking action when necessary.

This includes:

• Setting clear limits on the amount of time and money you spend on gambling.
• Being fully aware of the risks and uncertainties involved in all forms of gambling.
• Recognising the early signs of problematic behaviour, whether in yourself or those around you.
• Knowing where to turn for help and support should gambling begin to impact your wellbeing.

Practising responsible gaming is not only a personal safeguard but also a sign of self-respect and care for those close to you. Support is always available, and seeking it is a positive and important step.

Tips for Responsible Gambling

Set Financial Limits

Before engaging in any form of gambling, it is important to establish a clear and realistic budget. Mainly, one that reflects what you can comfortably afford to spend without compromising your financial wellbeing. This budget should be set in advance and followed with discipline, regardless of wins or losses.

Crucially, gambling funds must never come from money intended for essential living expenses, such as rent, utility bills, groceries or other day-to-day necessities. Protecting these core obligations ensures that gambling remains a recreational activity, rather than a source of stress or financial strain.

Setting and respecting spending limits is a simple yet powerful step towards maintaining control, encouraging healthier habits, and preserving peace of mind.

Manage Your Time

Before you begin gambling, take a moment to decide how much time you are comfortable dedicating to it, and commit to staying within that limit. Setting a clear time boundary in advance can help prevent excessive play and support a more mindful, balanced approach.

It is equally important to ensure that gambling does not interfere with your responsibilities or relationships. Recreational play should never take priority over your personal wellbeing, family commitments, or professional obligations.

By managing your time carefully, you help maintain gambling as a healthy form of entertainment, one that complements rather than disrupts your daily life.

Understand the Games

Before taking part in any gambling activity, it is essential to ensure you fully understand the rules, odds and underlying probabilities involved. Each game or betting market has its own mechanics, and taking the time to familiarise yourself with these can make a meaningful difference to your experience.

Being well-informed not only helps you make more considered and confident decisions, but also reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings or unrealistic expectations. Knowledge empowers you to approach gambling with greater clarity and control, qualities that are key to keeping play both enjoyable and responsible.

Avoid Chasing Losses

Gambling should always be regarded as a form of leisure, not as a means of generating income or recovering previous losses. The outcome of gambling activities is inherently uncertain and relying on them for financial gain can lead to harmful patterns of behaviour.

If you find yourself gambling with the primary intention of winning back money you have lost, it may be a sign that things are becoming unbalanced. In such cases, taking a step back is an important first move. Giving yourself space to reflect and, where needed, seeking guidance from a trusted support service can help you regain perspective and make healthier decisions moving forward.

Remember, asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. You are never alone.

Take Regular Breaks

Taking regular breaks while gambling is a simple yet effective way to maintain perspective and safeguard your wellbeing. Stepping away allows you to reassess your choices, clear your mind, and ensure that you remain in control of your play.

Frequent pauses not only help reduce the risk of impulsive decisions, but also contribute to a more balanced and enjoyable experience overall. Giving yourself time to reflect can make all the difference in keeping gambling a safe and responsible activity.

Maintain Balance

It is important to view gambling as just one of many ways to spend your leisure time. Keeping it in balance with other hobbies and interests, such as socialising, exercising or pursuing creative activities, helps ensure it remains a healthy and enjoyable pastime.

Gambling should never become your main source of entertainment, nor should it be relied upon for income. When treated as an occasional diversion rather than a central focus, it is far more likely to contribute positively to your overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop subtly. Being aware of the following signs can help you identify if gambling is becoming an issue:

• Spending more money or time gambling than intended.
• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships to gamble.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
• Experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression related to gambling.
• Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling.
• Continuously chasing losses or gambling to escape personal problems.

Resources and Support for Responsible Gambling

If you or someone you know might be struggling with gambling-related issues, several UK organisations provide confidential help, support, and advice:

GamCare

GamCare provides information, advice, and counselling support for problem gamblers and their families. They operate the National Gambling Helpline, available 24/7 at 0808 8020 133.

GambleAware

GambleAware is an independent charity funding education, prevention, and treatment services related to gambling harm. They offer helpful resources and tools for responsible gambling.

Gamblers Anonymous UK

Gamblers Anonymous UK hosts regular support group meetings where individuals can discuss their experiences and support one another through recovery.

Gambling Commission

The UK Gambling Commission regulates gambling activities in the UK, ensuring operators adhere to responsible gaming practices. Their website offers guidance on safer gambling, consumer rights, and complaint procedures.

Self-Exclusion and Blocking Software

If you find it challenging to control your gambling habits, consider using self-exclusion options and blocking software to limit your access to gambling sites:

GAMSTOP

GAMSTOP allows individuals to restrict their online gambling activities. You can exclude yourself from gambling websites registered in the UK for periods ranging from six months to permanently.

Gambling Blocking Software

Software solutions such as Gamban and BetBlocker help users block access to gambling sites across all devices. These tools can significantly reduce the temptation to gamble online.

Responsible Gambling Policies at UK Gambling Sites

All licensed UK gambling websites are required by law to implement responsible gambling measures, such as:

• Providing options for setting deposit, wager, and loss limits.
• Offering time-out and self-exclusion options.
• Displaying clear information about responsible gambling and available support.
• Ensuring strict age verification processes to protect minors.

Always check that the gambling sites you use have clear responsible gambling policies in place.

Final Thoughts

Responsible gaming ensures that online gambling remains a safe, enjoyable, and recreational activity. By following the guidelines provided here and utilising the available support resources, you can significantly reduce the risk of gambling-related harm.

If you ever feel gambling is becoming a concern, remember that support is always available. Reach out promptly to professional organisations, talk to someone you trust, and take advantage of self-exclusion tools. Responsible gaming benefits everyone and helps maintain a healthy balance between entertainment and wellbeing.