Responsible Gaming

Gambling Is Entertainment, Not Income

At dogfriendlyholidaysnorthdevon.co.uk, we believe that gambling should always be treated as a form of entertainment — never as a way to make money, pay off debts, or solve financial difficulties. The outcome of any game is based on chance, and no strategy can guarantee a win. Please only gamble with money you can comfortably afford to lose, and set clear limits on both the time and money you spend before you start playing.

If gambling stops being fun and starts feeling like a financial necessity or an emotional escape, it may be time to take a step back and seek support.

Age Verification — 18+ Only

Gambling in the United Kingdom is strictly restricted to individuals aged 18 or over. Licensed UK operators are required by law to verify your age and identity before allowing you to deposit, wager, or withdraw funds. Underage gambling is illegal and can lead to account closure, forfeiture of winnings, and legal consequences.

If you share a device or payment method with anyone under 18, please ensure you use parental controls and keep your login credentials secure. Never allow a minor to access your gambling account.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually and affect anyone. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you:

• Do you chase losses by continuing to gamble to try and win back money you've lost?
• Have you ever hidden or lied about your gambling activity to family, friends, or colleagues?
• Do you gamble with money meant for essential expenses such as rent, bills, food, or savings?
• Have you borrowed money, sold possessions, or taken out loans to fund your gambling?
• Do you feel restless, irritable, or anxious when you try to cut down or stop gambling?
• Has gambling caused problems in your relationships, work, or studies?
• Do you gamble to escape from stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional difficulties?
• Do you spend more time or money gambling than you originally intended?
• Have you repeatedly tried to stop or reduce your gambling without success?
• Do you think about gambling constantly, even when you are not actively playing?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, we strongly encourage you to seek help using the resources below. Recognising the signs early is one of the most important steps toward regaining control.

Self-Help Tools Available at UK Casinos

All UK Gambling Commission-licensed operators are required to provide a range of safer gambling tools. You can usually access these directly from your account settings or by contacting customer support:

• Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit into your account.
• Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you can lose within a set period.
• Wager Limits: Control the total amount you can stake over a given time frame.
• Session Time Limits: Set a maximum duration for each gambling session. You will be logged out automatically once the limit is reached.
• Reality Checks: Receive on-screen pop-ups at regular intervals showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent, allowing you to pause or stop.
• Time-Outs / Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily block access to your account for a set period, typically from 24 hours up to several weeks.
• Self-Exclusion: Permanently or semi-permanently close your account. In the UK, GamStop allows you to self-exclude from all licensed online gambling operators in one step.
• Account History & Activity Statements: Review your deposits, withdrawals, and bets to stay fully aware of your gambling behaviour.

We encourage you to make use of these tools proactively — even if you do not feel you currently have a problem. Prevention is always better than cure.

Support Organisations

If you are concerned about your own gambling or that of someone close to you, confidential, non-judgemental help is available. The following organisations offer free support, advice, and counselling:

United Kingdom

• GamCare — The leading UK provider of information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. Offers a free, confidential National Gambling Helpline available 24/7.
  Visit: www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop — A free, UK-wide self-exclusion scheme that allows you to block yourself from all online gambling sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.
  Visit: www.gamstop.co.uk

Australia

• Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling harm in Australia, available 24/7 via phone, online chat, and email.
  Visit: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) — A Canadian non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing problem gambling through education, research, and the promotion of safer gambling standards.
  Visit: www.responsiblegambling.org

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) — The leading US organisation providing a confidential national helpline, resources, and advocacy for problem gambling and responsible gaming.
  Visit: www.ncpgambling.org

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — The German Federal Centre for Health Education offers information, advice, and a free helpline for gambling-related issues in Germany.
  Visit: www.bzga.de

Other Countries

If you are located outside the regions listed above, please contact your local national gambling support organisation or health service. Most countries operate a free, confidential helpline for gambling-related harm. You can also contact GamCare or any of the organisations above for guidance on international resources.

If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today

You are not alone, and you do not have to face this on your own. Problem gambling is a recognised condition, and effective, confidential help is available. Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness — it is a sign of strength and self-awareness.

If you recognise any of the warning signs above in yourself or someone you care about, please contact one of the support organisations listed on this page as soon as possible. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can begin to regain control.

GamCare National Gambling Helpline (UK): 0808 8020 133 — Free, confidential, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Gambling should always be a choice — never a compulsion. Play responsibly, stay in control, and know when to stop.