Online Sports Betting in the UK – Well Regulated
Online gambling and online sports betting has never been as safe and well-regulated as it is today. Betting.com deal exclusively with licensed bookmakers. All licensed online sportsbooks must abide by a strict code of conduct, part of which is having measures in place to ensure that their customers gamble safely and responsibly.
Responsible Gambling refers to a set of measures and policies aimed at making online gambling a secure experience that safeguards any detrimental consequences that might arise from playing with real money online.
Betting.com will outline the main aspects and principles of responsible gambling, demonstrating how they are an integral part of every reputable, licensed online betting site.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible Gambling is a concept that draws together a number of policies and conditions relevant to all gambling stakeholders. Its purpose is to ensure that the highest standards are adhered to and that a safe user experience is created, with appropriate measures in place for the protection of vulnerable players who might be susceptible to problem gambling.
The Responsible Gambling framework encourages players to treat gambling as a leisure activity and not as a method to make an income.
Legal frameworks require online betting sites to implement the principles of Responsible Gambling in their services, products and marketing. Seven key points on Responsible Gambling areas directly impact the online sports betting industry:
- Prevent underage gambling
- Protect vulnerable players
- Online Payment protection
- Safe online environment
- Privacy of personal data
- Ethical and responsible marketing
- Safeguards against criminal activity
Responsible gambling page: Essential for all betting sites
Every online gambling platform must provide a Responsible Gambling page as a point of reference for all players.
The content and information of each page vary from platform to platform but in most cases, each one shares the same kind of information: advice, tips, a self-assessment test, information about minors’ protection, information about gambling tools, and how Responsible Gambling is implemented within the site.
At the end of the page, players can find a list of non-profit organisations dedicated to supporting problem gamblers.
Signs of a gambling addiction
Do you suspect that you may have a gambling problem? The following questions have been designed to help players establish whether they have a gambling problem or not. If you answer ‘yes’ to anyone of these questions we recommend you contact one of the help organisations at the bottom of the page.
Do you have feelings of guilt when you think about the amount of money you’ve spent gambling?
- Do you only feel excitement when you place wagers of a large amount?
- Do you find it difficult to stop gambling when you experience a loss?
- Is your gambling causing financial problems in your life or your household?
- Is gambling having a negative impact on your relationships, job or studies?
- Are you suffering from health problems, including stress and anxiety because of gambling?
- Do you experience restlessness when you are not gambling?
- Do you believe that you might have a gambling problem?
Helping somebody with a Gambling Addiction
Knowing the first signs of problem gambling can be the first step in a loved one overcome a gambling addiction. It can also be vital when it comes to getting help for both of you. These signs can usually be found in three main areas. Firstly there is the person’s financial situation, secondly their moods and general behaviour, and thirdly how they spend their time.
If you are worried that a family member or a friend might have a gambling problem, these are some of the signs to look for:
Financial signs
- Money missing from the bank or wallet
- Household items and valuables missing
- Shortage of money, despite having a stable salary
- Taking out several loans at once
- Unpaid Bills
- Regularly borrowing money
- Secretive about financial records
- Lack of food at home
Mood and Behavioural signs
- Performance at work is affected
- Changes in personality
- Becoming withdrawn from loved ones
- Manipulative behaviour
- Being agitated, upset and worried for no particular reason
- Using threats and lies to manipulate others
- Feelings of hopelessness, frustration and depression
Time indications
- Spending longer hours gambling
- Taking a lot of time to complete simple tasks
- Secrecy and unexplained absence
- Always arriving late for appointments
- Taking a lot of days off from work in order to gamble
Although all of these appear to be clear signs of problem gambling, it is often not quite as straightforward. It can be difficult to recognise these indications of an addiction as the person may make an effort to cover these behaviours.
The gambler might lie, hide their feelings and thoughts, and might even become angry when questioned.
As a relative or loved one, it might be difficult to accept that someone important to you has a gambling addiction. Recognising the problem might then trigger feelings of guilt and blame for not having recognized the problem earlier, or for the problem to have developed in the first place.
There could also be feelings of anger, hurt and betrayal. In such situations these emotions are normal, and it might be difficult to deal with them while trying to understand the gambler.
Understanding the gambler and what he might be going through can help build up a connection. The gambler might open up about their feelings and what has been going on if they feel that someone is showing understanding and is trying to empathise. This could lead to you deciding the next step, which may involve seeking external help.
Responsible Gambling Tools
For effective Responsible Gambling, online sportsbooks have introduced some tools for the players’ use to help them regulate their online gambling. This allows the player to take ownership and responsibility regarding their gambling. They are designed to establish limits and keep track of the betting. These are the tools most betting sites have, along with a run down of how they work:
Deposit Limit
The deposit limit tool is a setting that allows you to limit the amount of money you can deposit in your account. The limit can be applied daily, weekly or monthly, with the purpose of not allowing you to deposit any more funds once you have reached the limit, until the set time period has elapsed. This tool allows you to work out how much you can afford to spend on gambling and set an appropriate limit.
Loss Limit
The loss limit tool limits how much you can lose on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The purpose of this tool is to stop you from placing any more bets once the limit has been reached, stopping you from losing any more money and, crucially, preventing you from betting in an effort to win back money you have lost. Similar to the deposit limit, it can be set to prevent you from losing more than you can afford.
Session Limit
The session limit button allows you to decide beforehand how long each session should last.
Once the time is up, you will be automatically logged out of your account and won’t be able to log back in until a certain amount of time has elapsed.
This is a great way to make sure that you only spend a certain amount of time betting and hopefully means you will be able to focus on other commitments and leisure pursuits once the time has passed. Again, the time limit can play a part in preventing players from continuing to bet in an effort to replenish losses.
Wagering Limit
This tool lets you control how much money to stake on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Once the limit you set yourself is reached the feature won’t let you place any more bets until a certain amount of time has passed and the limit is reset.
It is ideal for those players who find it difficult to stop gambling.
Transaction History
This feature provides you with a summary of all activity in your account.
The information is quite detailed and includes information about withdrawals, deposits, bets, results, and pending wagers.
The purpose of the transaction history is to help players to clearly see their gambling activity and evaluate whether it is simply a leisure activity or whether they are spending too much time and money betting.
Self-Exclusion
Players who believe their gambling might be getting out of hand are always encouraged to take a break.
The self-exclusion tool allows you to close your account either for a temporary period of time or permanently.
During the period the self-exclusion is active, players are unable to log into their account or place bets of any kind.
Self-Assessment
Self-assessment is another method of helping players to take responsibility and be aware of their gambling habits. The self-assessment consists of a set of questions where players have to indicate how they feel to get a picture of their gambling profile.
Once the self-assessment is completed, each player will get a summary. This can highlight the area of their life that is affected negatively by gambling, or it can indicate whether their attitude towards gambling is healthy or a potential problem. It can also include tips and pointers on habits to develop for safer gambling.
Time Alert
Time Alert is a notification which can pop up with information about the length of time you have spent on a betting site. It can tell you of any changes to your balance and changes to the length of your betting sessions. It is designed to be a reality check which encourages players to manage their own gambling habits.
Gambling Legal Age & the Protection of Minors
Primarily responsible gambling aims to protect vulnerable players from irresponsible gambling actions. Part of this is the protection of minors with those who are underage being strictly prohibited from gambling. Only adults that are 18 or over are allowed to play for real money at online betting sites in the UK.
Operators make sure of this by making it a requirement for players to enter their date of birth when they register, followed up by verifying this data against a personal identification document.
The responsibility, however, does not lie solely with the operators, but gamblers have an equal share in it if underage people are living in the same household. There are a number of guidelines they can follow to ensure that minors don’t come in contact with any gambling related material:
- Keep login details out of reach
- Educate children from an early age about gambling, legal age and potential harm.
- Don’t save passwords on your computer
- Use parental control on your electronics
- Install website blocking software
Website Blocking Software: Effective way to protect minors
Website blocking software can be one of the most effective methods of protecting children, especially if they share the same electronic devices.
These tools block access to gambling sites and make sure that no gambling-related advertisements come up when your children are online. There are various tools you can use like CYBER PATROL, GamBan, GamBlock, BetFilter, Net Nanny and CYBERsitter.
Support for Problem Gambling
If you feel that you or a family member of loved one need support there are plenty of options to reach out to. Betting sites in the UK should provide information on agencies who can help. Often betting sites will have trained members of staff who can speak to customers who feel that their gambling is out of control.
Responsible Gambling: Support Organisations
Responsible Gambling is considered to be vitally important. Therefore there are many organisations who promote responsible gambling and who offer the necessary services.
Betting.com have provided you with a list of the main organisations in the UK with their website and contact details.
Each website contains plenty of information about problem gambling and the services they provide for players and their families. These sites are staffed by professionals who are dedicated to helping problem gamblers overcome their difficulties.
These services can involve counselling sessions, debt-advice, forums, self-help groups and information for affected family members.
BeGambleAware
UK players now have an excellent platform to rely on when it comes to addressing their gambling habits.
The BeGambleAware website provides information to help players make informed decisions as they play.
There is a live chat function and helpline as well as information, tips and a therapy app to prevent gambling problems from developing or worsening.
- Website – www.begambleaware.org
- 24/7 Freephone – 0808 8020 133
- Live Chat
GamCare
Founded in 1997, GamCare is an organisation that aims to provide information, advice and support to people experiencing a gambling addiction.
GamCare operated the UK national helpline and offers treatments to problem gamblers and their families, along with other related services
The organisation is extremely active and aims to provide gambling-related harm education and prevention.
- Website – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Freephone – 0808 8020 133
Gambling Therapy
Gambling Therapy offers a safe platform where gamblers and their loved ones can participate in online groups, forums, receive email support and utilise a resource database.
The organisation offers the following services:
- Online gambling therapy support groups
- 24/7 gambling therapy support forums
- Individual email support
- Website – www.gamblingtherapy.org
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous differs from the other organisations. It is a fellowship of men and women connected through a similar problem gambling experience.
Gamblers Anonymous allows them to share their own experiences, hopes and strengths while trying to help each other overcome similar problems. Their platform is equipped with a forum, a chat room, relevant information, and a meeting finder.
- Website – https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
- Email – [email protected]
Gambling Addiction Help Worldwide
Wherever you are in the world, if you feel that gambling is becoming a problem you can reach out. Here we provide a list of contacts across the globe so, wherever you happen to be, you can access help.
- UK – BeGambleAware – 24/7 Freephone 0808 8020 133
- Website – www.begambleaware.org
- Live Chat
Helpful Resources:
The following links provide other resources you may find useful:
Gambling Addiction and Problem
Check out the best betting sites in the UK with Betting.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Responsible Gambling involves a set of measures, rules and standards aimed at preventing players from developing a gambling addiction and at preventing underage persons from gambling. These measures are put into place by every licensed online betting site and are enforced by the UK Gambling Commission.
Self-assessment helps players to take responsibility and be aware of their gambling habits. It usually consists of a set of questions where players have to indicate how they feel to get a picture of their gambling profile.
Once the self-assessment is completed, each player will get a summary, indicating whether they have a problem with gambling and, if so, the nature of that problem.
All UK-licensed sportsbooks should give you the option to self-exclude for a period of time or indefinitely. Most betting sites also allow you to set deposit, wagering and session limits to control your spending. You are often given these choices during the signup process. All regulated betting sites have a section on responsible gambling where the tools available will be outlined and links to outside agencies will be provided if you require additional support.
Players who believe their gambling might be getting out of hand are always encouraged to take a break. The self-exclusion tool allows you to close your account either for a temporary period of time or permanently.
Temporary self-exclusion can vary from short periods such as 10 days to longer periods like six months or a year depending on the bookmaker.
During the period the self-exclusion is active, players are unable to log into their account or place bets of any kind.
Should a temporary self-exclusion not prove to be effective, players can opt for permanent self-exclusion.
She has a background in journalism and a love of sports.
She has deepened her expertise in lgaming and focused on online sports betting. Silvia supports Hellas Verona, likes to deal with news and updates about online betting, and manages the website content. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, playing padel, traveling, and meditating by the sea.
