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[gambling info]

Understanding more about gambling can help to keep it fun and minimise the negative impact it can have on people's lives. Here we give some key facts and advice to help reduce any difficulty that gambling may cause you and those around you.

 

What does the law say?

Gambling activities are legally available in the UK. The Gambling Act 2005 came into force in September 2007, when the Gambling Commission took on its full range of functions. The Act allows operators to provide remote gambling facilities using equipment based in Great Britain. The Gambling Commission's Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice set out their requirements for the protection of children and other vulnerable people.

 

What are industry's obligations?

All licensees are obliged to protect children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. They must have put into effect policies and procedures to promote socially responsible gambling. These include age verification, research, education and treatment, and providing information about responsible gambling and where to obtain further help and advice.

 

What is GamCare Certification?

GamCare provides advice and training to industry on social responsibility and player protection and acknowledges best practice through GamCare Certification. The GamCare Certification logo can only be used by those companies who have satisfied GamCare about their player protection measures and successfully implemented a robust policy relevant to their gambling service. If you choose to gamble, we recommend that you do so only with a gambling service with a clear responsible gambling policy. Look out for the GamCare Certification logo on gambling websites and land-based premises. For a list of current GamCare certified companies, visit http://www.gamcare.org.uk/pages/gambling_information.html

 

What is GamCare?

GamCare is the leading national authority on the provision of practical advice, support and treatment to address the social impact of gambling. Taking a non-judgemental approach to gambling, GamCare operates the national telephone and online helplines, an online Forum and Chat Room, and delivers face-to-face and online specialist one-to-one counselling, free to clients. NORCAS is one of GamCare's regional counselling partners, delivering the service locally.

Addiction or dependency?

Many people use and understand the word 'addiction' when referring to problem drinking, drug using or gambling, so we've used the term on our website. But at NORCAS, we often use the terms 'dependency' or 'addictive behaviour' instead because they're preferred by the World Health Organisation, and because they're less judgemental too.

 

How to reduce the harm it causes

Played responsibly, gambling can be a harmless entertainment. Here's some key advice about gambling responsibly and making sure things remain problem-free:

  • You're buying fun, not investing your money
  • Before playing, set strict limits on how much time and money you're going to spend
  • Quit while you're ahead
  • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
  • Don't gamble more money with the hope to win back money that you have lost
  • Keep up other interests and hobbies, don't let gambling take over your life
  • Don't gamble to escape from stress or boredom
 

How to spot the signs of a problem

You should be concerned about your or someone else's gambling if you recognise the following signs:

  • A preoccupation with gambling
  • Using gambling to escape from problems
  • Upping the stakes
  • Trying and failing to control or stop gambling
  • Restlessness and irritability when not gambling
  • Chasing losses
  • Hiding the extent of gambling
  • Financial troubles caused by gambling
  • Strain on personal relationships
 

How to get some help

If you're worried about your own gambling, or someone else's, speak to a GamCare adviser from 8am to midnight on the HelpLine 0845 6000 133 or online at www.gamcare.org.uk. Or, during office hours, you can talk to us in confidence at NORCAS. Call us on or find your nearest NORCAS centre.

Our gambling services

At NORCAS, we offer a range of services to help clients reduce their gambling problem, or stop altogether. Find out more about our services.

Refer someone

Get information about our referrals procedure.

Refer yourself

Find out more about self-referrals.