Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Plough and Harrow Worcestershire, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming. Betting and casino games should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. The house always has an edge, and you should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Remember: there is no guaranteed way to win, and losing is always a possibility. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
In Great Britain, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in any form of gambling, including betting via PayPal or other payment methods.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble. Gambling operators have a legal obligation to verify your age and may request identification before processing bets or withdrawals.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone else, it may indicate a problem with gambling:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Lying to family, friends, or others about your gambling activity
- Hiding gambling behaviour or betting slips
- Neglecting work, education, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Experiencing anxiety, depression, or mood swings related to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Feeling unable to control the urge to gamble
- Using gambling to escape problems or relieve stress
- Experiencing financial difficulties or debt as a result of gambling
If you experience any of these warning signs, please reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools and Controls
Most reputable betting operators offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you can lose in a given timeframe
- Wagering Limits: Cap the maximum stake per bet
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications reminding you of time spent and money wagered
- Time-Out: Temporarily suspend your account for a cooling-off period (typically 6 hours to several days)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling for an extended period (weeks, months, or years)
We encourage you to use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.
Support Organisations and Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
United Kingdom
-
GamCare – Free counselling and support for problem gamblers and their families
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential) -
GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Allows you to self-exclude from all licensed online gambling operators at once -
Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support and 12-step programme for problem gamblers
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk -
National Debtline – Free debt advice if gambling has caused financial problems
Website: www.nationaldebtline.org
Helpline: 0808 808 4000
Other Countries
-
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
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 -
Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (Federal Centre for Health Education)
Website: www.bzga.de
If You Need Help
If you believe you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available 24/7.
Remember:
- You are not alone – many people struggle with gambling
- Help is confidential and free
- Recovery is possible with the right support
- It's never too late to ask for help
Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamcare.org.uk today.