Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Strategy
At CIRF, we believe that online casino gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Casino games are based on chance, and the odds always favour the house. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and do not view gambling as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.
Responsible gaming means playing safely, within your limits, and knowing when to stop.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in the United Kingdom. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in casino gaming. All operators featured on CIRF.org.uk are required to verify player age and identity before allowing access to their platforms.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or play on any online casino.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Review the checklist below and seek help immediately if you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Feeling the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop gambling without success
- Becoming irritable or anxious when attempting to reduce gambling
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Chasing losses by returning to gamble more to recover money lost
- Lying to family, friends, or therapists about the extent of your gambling
- Neglecting work, education, family, or hobbies due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Feeling guilty, anxious, or depressed about your gambling behaviour
If any of these apply to you, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Player Protections
All reputable UK-licensed online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you are willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Betting Limits: Control the maximum stake size on individual bets
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic log-out times to prevent extended play
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a casino for a fixed period or permanently
Use these tools proactively. Most casinos make them easily accessible in account settings.
Support & Help Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of these reputable organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free, confidential support and counselling services
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) - GamStop – National Self-Exclusion Scheme
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling operators in one go - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings and 12-step programme
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
International Support Services
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org | 1-800-522-4700
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga-essuchtprävention.de
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
There is no shame in asking for support. Problem gambling is a recognised condition, and help is always available. Whether you need counselling, financial advice, or simply someone to talk to, organisations like GamCare and GamStop are here to help—completely free and in confidence.
Your wellbeing is more important than any bet. Contact a support service today if you are concerned about your gaming habits.