Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Avana About Town, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds are always in favour of the casino, and you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
If you're looking for the top 50 betting sites in the UK, we encourage you to use them responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in the United Kingdom. All reputable betting sites require age verification before allowing you to place bets. If you're under 18, gambling is illegal and harmful to your development.
Parents and guardians: if you're concerned about a young person's gambling, contact GamCare for support and advice.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop quickly. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses by gambling with more money to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money set aside for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Feeling anxious or irritable when you're not gambling
- Neglecting work, education, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or manage negative emotions
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools
Most licensed betting sites in the UK offer built-in tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're willing to lose in a given period
- Time Limits: Receive notifications reminding you of how long you've been gambling
- Reality Checks: Get regular pop-ups showing your session duration and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a betting site or multiple sites via GamStop
Use these tools proactively. They're free and designed to protect you.
Support Organisations
If you're struggling with gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling and support for problem gamblers and their families
www.gamcare.org.uk | Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings across the UK
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
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, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but it's treatable. You're not alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Don't wait:
- Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- Register with GamStop to exclude yourself from all licensed UK betting sites
- Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional
- Visit your GP – gambling addiction is recognised as a health condition
Recovery is possible. Take the first step today.
Last Updated: 2026. This information is provided for harm reduction purposes. Avana About Town is committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling practices in accordance with UK gambling regulations.