Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Dursley Parish Church's betting information resource, we want to remind you that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting on Ladbrokes or any other platform carries real financial risk. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses by betting more.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. If you are under 18, please do not access any betting platforms. Gambling operators have a legal responsibility to verify your age before allowing you to place bets.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling: Keeping your gambling secret from family or friends
- Increasing stakes: Needing to bet larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Loss of control: Being unable to stick to limits you've set
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Financial problems: Borrowing money to gamble or gambling with money meant for bills
- Emotional impact: Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed about gambling
- Failed attempts to stop: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or quit gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Most reputable betting platforms, including Ladbrokes, offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you're willing to lose
- Stake Limits: Restrict the maximum bet size per wager
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders about how long you've been gambling
- Session Timers: Set automatic session limits after which you'll be logged out
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from a betting platform for a set period
- Account Closure: Permanently close your betting account if needed
Use these tools proactively to maintain control of your gambling habits.
Support Organisations & Helplines
If you're struggling with gambling, confidential support is available. Please reach out to:
United Kingdom
- GamCare: Free counselling and support for problem gambling
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7) - GamStop: The National Self-Exclusion Scheme for online gambling
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Allows you to self-exclude from all UK-licensed gambling operators simultaneously - Gamblers Anonymous: Free peer support meetings
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
International Support (if applicable)
- 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
Take Action Today
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out — problem gambling is a recognised health issue, and professional support is available and effective.
Remember: your wellbeing is more important than any bet. Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamcare.org.uk for confidential support available 24/7.