Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Hay History Group, we're committed to promoting responsible gambling. Betting should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or bet beyond your means.
Age Verification
All gambling in the UK is strictly regulated. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in any form of gambling or betting. It is illegal for operators to offer gambling services to anyone under the age of 18. If you are under 18, please do not use any betting services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, help is available:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or past gambling experiences
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop gambling without success
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or professionals
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, or depression
- Neglecting work, education, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Gambling with money intended for essentials like rent, bills, or food
Self-Help Tools & Player Protection
Reputable betting operators offer several tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose over a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Time-Out (Cool-Off Period): Take a temporary break from gambling for a period you choose (typically 24 hours to 6 weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily ban yourself from accessing gambling services
- Account Closure: Permanently close your betting account if you wish to stop entirely
We encourage you to use these tools as part of a responsible gambling approach. Speak to your chosen operator about the safeguards they offer.
Support & Help Resources
If you're struggling with gambling, professional support is available and completely confidential. The following organisations provide free help:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free support, advice, and counselling for problem gamblers and their families
www.gamcare.org.uk | Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) - GamStop – The UK's National Self-Exclusion Scheme. Register to self-exclude from all licensed online gambling operators simultaneously
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gamblers Anonymous – Free peer support meetings across the UK
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk - National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS-funded specialist treatment in London
Phone: 020 7054 2000
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 | 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
Take Action Today
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties with gambling, please reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support – millions of people have successfully overcome gambling problems with professional assistance.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is always available. Contact one of the organisations above today or speak in confidence with your GP about support services in your area.