Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At civictheatreevents.com, we believe 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 can be enjoyable when approached responsibly, but it's important to understand the risks and play within your means.
Remember: the house always has an edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. All reputable betting sites require age verification before opening an account or placing bets.
If you are under 18, gambling is illegal and can cause serious harm to your development and future. If you're aware of underage gambling, please report it to the relevant authorities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling activity: Being secretive about how much you gamble or how much money you've spent
- Increasing stakes: Needing to bet more money to get the same excitement
- Loss of control: Gambling for longer than planned or being unable to stop
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Gambling with borrowed money: Using credit cards, loans, or borrowed funds to gamble
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
- Financial problems: Struggling to pay bills or experiencing debt as a result of gambling
- Lying about gambling: Deceiving friends and family about the extent of your gambling
- Using gambling to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other difficult emotions
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling. We recommend using these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose over a given timeframe
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets you can place
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders that show how long you've been gambling and how much you've wagered
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours or days) without closing your account
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily close your account and exclude yourself from all betting sites
Always review your betting site's responsible gaming options and set limits that work for your personal circumstances.
Support Organizations & Help Resources
If you're struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. The following organizations provide confidential support:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free and confidential support for problem gamblers and their families
www.gamcare.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Self-exclude from all GamStop-licensed operators - National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS-funded treatment service in London
Telephone: 020 7054 2000
Other Countries
- 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
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (confidential, free, 24/7) - Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Telephone: 0800 1 372 374 (free helpline)
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but recovery is possible with the right support. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please don't hesitate to seek help. The organizations listed above offer free, confidential assistance and can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Professional support services are available to you, and you don't have to face this alone.
This information is provided for harm reduction purposes. civictheatreevents.com is committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling practices.