Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At buhistory.org.uk, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to cinema, dining out, or other leisure activities. It should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.

When you gamble, only spend what you can afford to lose. Set a budget for entertainment purposes and stick to it. If gambling ever stops being fun, it's time to seek help.

Age Verification

Gambling is only legal for individuals aged 18 years and over in Great Britain. If you are under 18, you must not gamble online or in physical venues.

If you are visiting this site from another country, please ensure you comply with your local legal gambling age, which may be higher than 18.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Please be aware of the following signs that may indicate a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses — Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
• Hiding gambling activity — Concealing the amount you gamble or the money spent from family or friends
• Gambling with money you can't afford to lose — Using rent, bills, or essential expense money to gamble
• Neglecting responsibilities — Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
• Increasing stakes — Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
• Unsuccessful attempts to stop — Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or quit gambling
• Gambling to escape problems — Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
• Borrowing money to gamble — Taking loans or using credit to fund gambling activities
• Mood changes — Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
• Relationship strain — Gambling causing conflict with family, friends, or partners

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it's important to seek support immediately.

Self-Help Tools Available

Most online casinos and betting sites offer the following tools to help you gamble responsibly:

• Deposit Limits — Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits — Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
• Reality Checks — Receive notifications during gambling sessions to remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Session Reminders — Set time limits for your gambling sessions
• Self-Exclusion — Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling at specific sites or across multiple operators
• Account Closure — Permanently close your gambling account if you wish to stop

We encourage you to use these tools as part of your responsible gambling strategy. Most sites make these options easily accessible in account settings.

Support Organizations — Get Help Now

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available. Please contact one of the following organizations:

United Kingdom

• GamCare — Free confidential advice and support
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7)
• GamStop — National self-exclusion register
  www.gamstop.co.uk
  Self-exclude from all online gambling operators in the UK
• Gamblers Anonymous — Support group meetings across the UK
  Telephone: 0330 094 0322
  Meetings available in person and online

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
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7)
• Germany — Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung
  www.bzga.de

All services listed are confidential and free to access.

If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today

Problem gambling affects millions of people and their families. It is not a personal failure — it is a treatable condition.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with gambling:

• Contact GamCare today: 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamcare.org.uk
• Register with GamStop for immediate self-exclusion across all UK licensed operators
• Reach out to a trusted friend or family member — you don't have to face this alone
• Speak to your GP or counselor who can provide professional support

Recovery is possible. Help is available. Please reach out today.