Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Careers Hub Stoke Staffs, we believe that gambling should be an enjoyable form of entertainment only. Horse racing betting should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase your losses.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in gambling activities in the United Kingdom. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to place bets or access gambling services. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or use any betting platforms.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Please review the following checklist. If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available:
- Chasing losses by betting more money to recover what you've lost
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Hiding your gambling activity from friends or family
- Neglecting work, education, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Using gambling to escape problems or cope with stress
- Lying about the amount of money spent on gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties as a result of gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable betting operators provide tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications during your betting session to remind you how long you've been gambling
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from betting accounts
- Time-Outs: Take a mandatory break from gambling for a set period
We strongly encourage you to use these tools if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, confidential help and support is available from the following organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free, confidential support and counselling services
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – The National Self-Exclusion Scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk
Register with GamStop to self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling operators - National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS-funded treatment service
Telephone: 0203 314 8790
International Support
- 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 - Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (Federal Centre for Health Education)
www.bzga.de
If You Need Help
If you are experiencing problems with gambling, please seek help today. There is no shame in reaching out – support services are confidential, non-judgmental, and designed to help you regain control.
Contact one of the organisations listed above, speak to your GP, or call the National Problem Gambling Clinic on 0203 314 8790.
Remember: Help is available, and recovery is possible.