Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Ethel Trust Community Barge, 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. While betting can be fun and exciting, it's important to understand that the odds are always in favour of the house. Please only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In Great Britain, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and strictly enforce age verification checks. If you are under 18, please do not use betting sites or gambling services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, problem gambling may be developing:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activity or lying about how much you gamble
- Gambling with money intended for essentials (rent, bills, food)
- Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Experiencing financial difficulties due to gambling
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Reputable betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you're willing to lose during a session or period
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications during play sessions to remind you how long you've been gambling
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set period
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling services
We recommend using these tools proactively, even if you feel your gambling is under control.
Support Organisations
If you're struggling with gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these trusted organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling and support services
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Allows you to self-exclude from all GamStop-registered operators - National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) – NHS-funded treatment
Contact your GP for referral or call your local service
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
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
If You Need Help
If you believe you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in doing so – problem gambling is recognised as a health condition and support is available. Speak to someone you trust, contact one of the organisations listed above, or visit your GP.
Your wellbeing is important to us. We encourage you to use the self-help tools available, set limits on your spending, and seek professional support if needed.