Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At icilder.org, we want to remind all our visitors that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites and casino games are games of chance designed for enjoyment, and the house always has a mathematical edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
All gambling in the United Kingdom is restricted to individuals aged 18 years or older. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to participate in gambling activities. If you are under 18, please do not use any betting sites. If you are unsure of the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction, please check your local regulations before participating.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with larger amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount of time or money spent
- Experiencing relationship problems due to gambling
- Neglecting work, education, or family responsibilities
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to reduce gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Failed attempts to cut back or control gambling
- Thinking about gambling constantly, even when not actively gambling
If you experience any of these warning signs, please seek professional help immediately.
Self-Help Tools and Controls
Most responsible betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on the amount of money you are willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications during gambling sessions reminding you how long you've been playing
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily suspend your account for a period you choose (typically 24 hours to several weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily close your account and ban yourself from accessing betting services
Use these tools proactively. Setting limits before you start gambling is always more effective than trying to control your behaviour during play.
Support Organizations
If you are struggling with gambling, professional help is available. Please contact one of the following organisations:
United Kingdom
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GamCare
Free, confidential support for problem gambling
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) -
GamStop
National Self-Exclusion Scheme for Great Britain
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling operators -
National Problem Gambling Clinic (NPGC)
NHS specialist treatment service in London
Phone: 020 7054 2000
International Support
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Australia - Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au -
Canada - Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org -
United States - National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (free, confidential, 24/7) -
Germany - Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Website: www.bzga.de
Information and support for problem gambling
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support. Professional advisors are available to help you regain control and address the underlying issues contributing to problem gambling behaviour.
Contacting one of the organisations listed above is free, confidential, and a positive first step towards recovery. Don't wait—reach out today.