Responsible Gambling — A Beginner's Guide to Playing Safely

What is problem gambling? — explained simply

Problem gambling (sometimes called gambling disorder) happens when gambling starts to have a negative effect on your life and you find it difficult to stop, even when you want to. It is not about how much money you gamble or how often — it is about whether gambling is causing you or people around you harm.

Online gambling is designed to be enjoyable. The vast majority of people who play at UK-licensed casinos do so without any problems, spending an amount they can afford and stopping when they choose to. But a small percentage of people find that gambling begins to feel compulsive — that is when it becomes a problem, and that is when to seek help.

Important: If you are gambling with money you cannot afford to lose, chasing losses, or finding it difficult to stop — these are signs that gambling may be becoming a problem for you. Help is available, it is free, and it is confidential.

5 warning signs to watch for

The following signs suggest that gambling may be moving from entertainment to problem territory. They are not a diagnosis — but they are worth taking seriously:

• 1. You chase losses. You keep playing or deposit more money to try to win back what you have lost, rather than accepting the loss and stopping.
• 2. You gamble with money set aside for essentials. Bills, rent, food or other necessities are being paid late — or not at all — because of gambling.
• 3. You lie about how much you are gambling. You hide your gambling activity from friends, family or your partner because you know they would be concerned.
• 4. You feel the need to gamble with increasing amounts. The same bet size that used to feel exciting no longer does — you need to bet more to get the same feeling.
• 5. Gambling feels like it is impossible to stop. You have tried to cut back or stop but have not been able to, even though you want to.

Tools available at Freshbet — use them

As a UKGC-licensed casino, Freshbet is legally required to provide responsible gambling tools. These are available in your account settings from day one. Here is what each tool does and how to use it:

• Deposit limits: Set a maximum daily, weekly or monthly deposit. Once the limit is reached, you cannot deposit more until the period resets. This is the single most effective spending control available.
• Session time limits: Restrict how long you can play in a single session. When the time is up, you are automatically logged out.
• Loss limits: Cap the maximum amount you can lose in a given time period.
• Cool-off period: Take a break from gambling for a short period (24 hours, 7 days or 30 days) without permanently closing your account.
• Self-exclusion: Close your Freshbet account for a minimum period you choose. This is a more serious tool for when you feel gambling is genuinely out of control.

To access any of these tools: log in → account settings → Responsible Gambling or Player Protection.

GamStop — self-exclude from all UK casinos at once

GamStop is a free, government-backed self-exclusion scheme that covers all UK Gambling Commission-licensed gambling sites simultaneously. When you register with GamStop, you are excluded from Freshbet and every other UKGC-licensed casino, sportsbook and betting site in one action.

How to use GamStop:

1. Visit gamstop.co.uk
2. Enter your name, date of birth, email address and UK home address
3. Choose an exclusion period (minimum 6 months — you cannot shorten this once set)
4. Confirm your registration

Your exclusion takes effect within 24 hours. During the exclusion period, you will not be able to create a new account or log in to any UKGC-licensed gambling site. GamStop cannot stop you from gambling on unlicensed sites, so use it alongside other support resources.

Budget tips for beginners — play it smart from the start

These habits, built from the beginning, keep gambling firmly in the "entertainment" category:

• Set a gambling budget that is completely separate from your living expenses — money you can genuinely afford to lose
• Set a deposit limit in your Freshbet account equal to your monthly budget
• Decide before you play how long you will play for — and stop when you said you would, whether you are winning or losing
• Never play to win back losses — accept a losing session as entertainment spent and walk away
• Take regular breaks — the longer you play without stopping, the harder it is to make clear decisions

External resources — free help in the UK

• GamCare — National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) | gamcare.org.uk
  What it is: GamCare is the UK's leading provider of free support, information and counselling for anyone affected by gambling problems — including family members and friends.
• BeGambleAware — begambleaware.org
  What it is: BeGambleAware is a charity that provides tools, guidance and referrals to local support services. Their website includes a self-assessment tool to help you understand your relationship with gambling.
• GamStop — gamstop.co.uk
  What it is: The UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Register once to be excluded from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites simultaneously.
• UK Gambling Commission — gamblingcommission.gov.uk
  What it is: The government regulator for all gambling in Great Britain. You can verify any casino's licence on their public register and submit formal complaints about licensed operators.

18+ only. Gambling is only legal for adults in the UK. If you or someone you know is under 18, they should not be gambling at any licensed site.