Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At The London Barge, we're committed to promoting responsible gambling practices. It's important to understand that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. All bookmakers and betting sites have a legal obligation to verify your age before allowing you to place bets. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or gamble on any betting platform.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Be aware of these warning signs that may indicate a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by betting more money to recover what you've lost
• Hiding or lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Gambling to escape problems, stress, or difficult emotions
• Feeling the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money for the same excitement
• Difficulty controlling your gambling or unsuccessful attempts to cut back
• Neglecting family, work, or other important responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
• Experiencing mood swings, anxiety, or irritability when unable to gamble

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately.

Self-Help Tools

Responsible bookmakers provide several tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you're willing to lose over a set period
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from accessing betting platforms
• Cooling-Off Periods: Request a break from gambling for a specified duration

These tools are available through your bookmaker's account settings. Use them proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.

Support Organizations

If you're struggling with gambling, help is available from these trusted organisations:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free counselling, support and information for problem gamblers and their families
  www.gamcare.org.uk | Phone: 0808 8020 133
• GamStop – National Self-Exclusion Scheme for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
  www.gamstop.co.uk | Phone: 0800 197 8225
• National Problem Gambling Clinic – Specialised NHS treatment service
  Phone: 0203 733 7891

Other Countries

• 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
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de

If You Need Help

Don't suffer in silence. If you or someone you care about is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out to one of the support organizations listed above. Help is confidential, free, and available 24/7.

Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Recovery is possible, and support is available whenever you need it.