Home » Responsible Gambling Guidelines at Sister Sites

Responsible Gambling Guidelines at Sister Sites

Sister Sites (sistersites.org.uk) provides responsible gambling guidelines for safe betting. Responsible gambling promotes informed decisions, establishes limits and prevents problem gambling. It helps bettors maintain control, safeguard mental health and protect finances. Resources such as self-exclusion tools and guidance support effective gambling management.

What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling means engaging in gambling activities in a safe, controlled and balanced manner so that it remains an enjoyable form of entertainment. Responsible gambling involves setting limits on time and money spent, avoiding chasing losses, understanding risks and recognising when to seek help. It prioritises player protection and informed decision-making.

Why is responsible gambling important?

Responsible gambling is important to keep gambling a safe and enjoyable form of entertainment and does not lead to negative outcomes like addiction, financial strain or emotional stress. Healthy gambling helps players enjoy the betting experience while managing risks and maintaining a balance.

How does Sister Sites ensure responsible gambling?

Sister Sites ensures responsible gambling by marketing and advertising those gambling operators that promote safe and responsible online gambling in the UK. We provide information and guidance to those who may be unable to stay in control of their gambling.

The UK licensed gambling websites that we recommend on our site help by providing access to many responsible gambling tools like GamStop.

What tools do UK-licensed websites provide for responsible gambling?

The tools that UK-licensed websites provide for responsible gambling are listed below.

  1. Reality checks. Reality checks are prompts to manage playtime.
  2. Deposit limits. Deposit limits allow you set financial limits on deposits.
  3. Gambling activity history. Gambling history allows you to view your transaction history.
  4. Time-outs. Time out periods allow you to take a break from gambling for 24 hours to 6 weeks.
  5. Self-exclusion. Self-exclusion blocks your access to gambling sites for days or years.
  6. Autoplay controls. Autoplay controls set stake and loss limits before using autoplay features.

What are the warning signs of problem gambling?

Warning signs of problem gambling include mood swings, chasing losses, hiding gambling behaviour, borrowing money or feeling isolated due to gambling.

You need to ask yourself the following questions to know if you have unhealthy gambling practices.

  • Do you spend long hours gambling alone, neglecting work or other activities?
  • Do you keep increasing your gambling stakes to feel excited?
  • Does gambling cause mood swings, irritability or agitation?
  • Do you gamble to avoid dealing with personal problems?
  • Do you hide gambling losses from others?
  • Have you failed to reduce the time or money you spend gambling despite trying?
  • Have you considered being dishonest to fund your gambling?
  • Have you returned to gambling another day to recover losses?
  • Do you conceal your gambling from important people in your life?
  • Have you borrowed money or fallen into debt because of gambling?
  • Have you sold belongings to gamble or pay gambling debts?
  • Do you break promises to loved ones so you can gamble?
  • Do you feel isolated because of gambling?

Answering "yes" to any of these questions suggests that you may need to address your gambling. You can take the confidential "Concerned about your gambling" quiz on the BeGambleAware website to see if you have a harmful gambling behaviour.

What should you do if you think you have a gambling problem?

If you think you have a gambling problem, you should start by acknowledging the issue honestly and accepting that there is a problem. Sometimes just accepting your unhealthy gambling is not enough and you need help, advice and support.

You can follow the steps given below to address your unhealthy gambling.

  1. Limit the level of your deposits or expenditure or the time you spend on online casinos. Sister Sites recommend iGaming websites that provide tools to allow you to impose your own limits on expenditure.
  2. Self-exclude yourself from all the gambling websites on which you normally bet or play. It is advisable to take a break from all forms of gambling if you believe exclusion is the best option for you.
  3. Visit www.gamblock.com if you want to prevent access to other gaming, wagering or gambling facilities on the internet.
  4. Use a calendar to mark each day that you do not gamble, so that you can see the progress you are making.

How can I self-exclude myself from gambling?

You can self-exclude yourself from gambling by blocking access to the gambling websites for a specific period (days to years) or use comprehensive tools to exclude yourself from multiple platforms. Self-exclusion tools like GamStop are available on most gambling websites. 

Where can I find help for gambling problems?

You can find help for gambling problems by reaching out to the below listed organisations.

  1. GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
  2. Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk 
  3. BeGambleAware: www.gambleaware.org
  4. National Problem Gambling Clinic: www.cnwl.nhs.uk 

How can I block access to online gambling platforms?

You can block access to online gambling platforms by using services like GamBlock and GamStop, and apps on your devices.

Is it okay to ask for help if I have a gambling problem?

Yes, it is okay to ask for help if you have a gambling problem as recognising the issue and seeking support is a sign of strength. Many confidential resources and professionals in the UK are ready to provide help for problematic gambling.