Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Exmouth Christmas Day Swim, we believe that gambling should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. Betting sites and casino games are designed for enjoyment, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Only gamble what you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or bet more than you intend.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. All reputable betting sites require age verification before allowing access to betting products. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the risks of gambling with young people.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, problem gambling may be developing:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money you've lost
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Neglecting personal, professional, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or using savings to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or control gambling
- Lying about gambling activities or losses to loved ones
- Experiencing relationship or work problems because of gambling
If you recognise these signs, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools and Safer Gambling Features
Most reputable UK betting sites offer built-in tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you can lose during a set period
- Betting Limits: Cap the maximum stake per bet or bet type
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications during gaming sessions to remind you of how long you've been playing
- Time-Out Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set duration (hours, days, or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Exclude yourself from a betting site for a period you choose (typically 6 months or longer)
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling behaviour.
Support Organisations and Helplines
If you need help with problem gambling, confidential support is available from these organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling and support for problem gamblers and their families
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7) - GamStop – The UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Self-exclude from all online gambling operators at once
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings across the UK
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Telephone: 0330 094 0322 - National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS specialist treatment service
Telephone: 0203 551 0351
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 | 1-800-522-4700
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
All support services listed above offer free, confidential help. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out for support today. The organisations listed above are here to help, and assistance is available 24/7. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Early intervention can prevent significant harm to your wellbeing, finances, and relationships.
Remember: Gambling problems are treatable, and support is always available.