Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Kirkby House, we believe that gambling should only ever be seen as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or playing sports. It should never be viewed as a way to make money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical edge, and you should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.
If you find yourself betting more than you can comfortably afford, or if gambling is affecting your relationships, work, or finances, please seek help immediately.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. Gambling is strictly prohibited for anyone under the legal age.
All operators affiliated with Kirkby House verify the age and identity of their users before allowing access to betting services. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or place bets.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing Losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding Gambling: Concealing the extent of your gambling from family or friends
- Increasing Amounts: Needing to bet larger sums to get the same level of excitement
- Loss of Control: Being unable to stop or reduce your gambling despite wanting to
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, family time, or other commitments due to gambling
- Financial Problems: Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Mood Changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
- Escape Mechanism: Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
- Continued Gambling Despite Harm: Continuing to gamble even when it's causing problems
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's important to seek support as soon as possible.
Self-Help Tools & Player Protection Features
Responsible gambling operators provide tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets you can place
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders at regular intervals 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 set period (hours or days)
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily close your account and be prevented from accessing betting services
All reputable betting operators offer these tools free of charge. Use them to help manage your gambling responsibly.
Support Organizations & Helplines
If you need help, support is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential assistance:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling and support for problem gambling
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Allows you to self-exclude from all licensed UK online gambling operators at once - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support and recovery programme
Telephone: 020 7384 3040
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
If you are outside the UK, please search for problem gambling support services in your country. Help is available wherever you are.
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
Experiencing problems with gambling is nothing to be ashamed of. Many people have faced similar challenges and have successfully recovered with the right support.
If gambling is causing you harm, please contact one of the organisations above today. They provide free, confidential support and can help you regain control.
Your wellbeing is more important than any bet. Take action now.