Gambling should be fun, not a problem. At CasinoBuddies, we believe in promoting safe, responsible gambling practices and helping you stay in control of your play.
Our Commitment to Safe Gambling
We review casinos honestly because we want you to make informed decisions—not just about where to play, but about whether and how much to play. Gambling is entertainment, and like any form of entertainment, it should fit within your budget and never cause harm to your life, relationships, or finances.
If gambling stops being fun, it’s time to stop.
Know the Risks
Gambling Is Not a Way to Make Money
Casinos have a built-in advantage called the “house edge.” Over time, the odds are designed so that the casino wins. You might have winning sessions, but gambling should never be seen as a way to earn income or solve financial problems.
Entertainment, Not Investment
Think of gambling like going to the cinema or a restaurant—you’re paying for an experience. Set a budget for what you can afford to lose and treat any winnings as a bonus, not an expectation.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
- Chasing losses by trying to win back money you’ve lost
- Gambling with money you need for bills, rent, or essentials
- Lying to friends or family about your gambling
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling
- Neglecting work, relationships, or responsibilities because of gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
Set Your Limits
Before You Start
- Set a Budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start playing. Never gamble with money you need for living expenses.
- Set a Time Limit: Decide how long you’ll play and stick to it. Set an alarm if it helps.
- Never Chase Losses: If you lose your budget, walk away. Trying to win it back usually leads to bigger losses.
Use Casino Tools
Most reputable casinos offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Cap how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly
- Loss Limits: Set maximum losses over a period
- Session Timers: Get reminders of how long you’ve been playing
- Reality Checks: Pop-up notifications to help you track time and spending
If a casino doesn’t offer these tools, that’s a red flag we mention in our reviews.
Recognizing Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. Here are common warning signs:
Behavioral Signs
- Preoccupation with gambling—constantly thinking about your next session
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to feel excitement
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop
- Gambling when feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed
Financial Signs
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Hiding gambling activity from loved ones
- Using credit cards or loans to fund gambling
- Selling belongings to get gambling money
Emotional Signs
- Feeling guilty, ashamed, or anxious about gambling
- Mood swings related to wins and losses
- Irritability when trying to cut back
- Using gambling to escape problems or feelings
If you recognize these signs, please reach out for help. There’s no shame in asking for support.
Tools to Stay in Control
Self-Exclusion
GamStop is a free service that lets you self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites for a period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
- Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
- Once registered, you cannot reverse your decision during the exclusion period
Most casinos also offer their own self-exclusion tools. You can request to be blocked from an individual casino for a set period.
Take a Break
Many casinos let you take short breaks (24 hours, 1 week, 1 month) without full self-exclusion. Use this feature if you need a cooling-off period.
Reality Checks
Enable pop-up reminders that show you how long you’ve been playing and how much you’ve spent. These reality checks can help you make conscious decisions about continuing or stopping.
Get Help & Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available. These organizations provide free, confidential support:
BeGambleAware
- Website: www.begambleaware.org
- Online chat, resources, and self-assessment tools
GamCare
- Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
- Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- Live chat and support groups available
National Gambling Helpline
- Phone: 0808 8020 133
- Free, confidential advice and support 24/7
Gamblers Anonymous
- Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
- Free support groups across the UK
NHS Gambling Support
- Your GP can refer you to specialist NHS gambling services
- Visit: www.nhs.uk and search “problem gambling”
For Friends and Family
- GamAnon: Support for family members affected by someone else’s gambling
- Website: www.gamanon.org.uk
Protection for Minors
Gambling is illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK.
Keep Your Account Secure
- Never share your login details with anyone
- Log out after each session
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Enable two-factor authentication where available
Parental Controls
If you have children or young people in your household:
- Use device parental controls to block gambling sites
- Keep payment methods secure and private
- Talk openly about gambling risks with teenagers
Reputable casinos verify age and identity before allowing play. If a casino has weak age verification, we flag this in our reviews.
Our Promise
At CasinoBuddies, we promote responsible gambling through:
- Honest Reviews: We highlight casinos with strong responsible gambling tools and flag those without them
- Realistic Expectations: We never glamorize gambling or promise guaranteed wins
- Risk Awareness: We’re transparent about licensing, withdrawal issues, and potential problems
- Resource Links: We always provide access to help and support organizations
We’d rather you gamble safely and enjoy yourself than chase big wins and end up in trouble.
Remember: When the fun stops, stop.
If you need help, don’t wait. Reach out to one of the support services listed above. You’re not alone, and help is available.
For more information or questions about responsible gambling, contact us.