Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution
At Hounslow Seniors Trust, we believe that gaming and bingo should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Please only spend what you can afford to lose and play responsibly.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities, including online bingo. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and comply with all UK gambling regulations. By accessing our affiliate content, you confirm that you are of legal age to gamble in your jurisdiction.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek support:
- Chasing losses: Gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
- Hiding gambling activity: Concealing the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, family time, or other obligations due to gambling
- Increased stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Failed attempts to stop: Repeatedly trying to cut down or quit but unable to do so
- Emotional dependency: Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other feelings
- Financial strain: Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when not gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable gambling operators offer tools to help you maintain control. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount of losses you're willing to accept
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out: Temporarily suspend your account for a set period without closing it permanently
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from gambling to regain control
We encourage you to use these tools proactively to protect your wellbeing.
Support & Help Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, confidential help is available:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free, confidential support and counselling
www.gamcare.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (24/7, free & confidential) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Allows you to self-exclude from all regulated UK online gambling operators - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Other Jurisdictions
- 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 | 1-800-522-4700
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Reach Out
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but help is available and recovery is possible. There is no shame in asking for support. Whether you're struggling yourself or concerned about someone else, please contact one of the organisations listed above. They offer free, confidential advice and treatment options.
Remember: Your wellbeing comes first. Gaming should be enjoyable, not harmful.