Responsible Gaming
Introduction
At Ben Peasley Counselling, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Sports betting through Betfair should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gambling always carries risk, and the odds are designed to favour the operator. Please gamble within your means and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
By accessing our betting guides and affiliate content, you confirm that you are 18 years of age or older (or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction). Underage gambling is illegal in the UK and can cause serious harm to young people. If you are under 18, please do not engage in gambling activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone else, please seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with larger amounts than planned
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the time and money spent
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or unhappy feelings
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to gamble
- Failed attempts to reduce or control gambling
- Gambling despite negative consequences on finances, relationships, or mental health
Self-Help Tools
Betfair and other licensed operators provide tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to spend per day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on how much you're willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders of how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Time-Out: Take a temporary break from your account (hours to weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently close your account if you need to stop gambling
Use these tools proactively to keep your gambling safe and enjoyable.
Support Organizations in the UK
If you're struggling with gambling, help is available. These trusted UK organisations provide free, confidential support:
-
GamCare – Free counselling and support for problem gamblers and their families
www.gamcare.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) -
GamStop – The UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Register to be blocked from all licensed online gambling operators
www.gamstop.co.uk -
Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings and 12-step recovery programme
Telephone: 0330 094 0322 -
National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS-provided specialist treatment
Telephone: 0203 314 8790
International Support Resources
If you're accessing this content from outside the UK, support is also available in your country:
- 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 | National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
Take Action Today
If you think you or someone you know may have a problem with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support. Professional help is confidential, free, and effective. Reach out to one of the organisations listed above – they're here to help.
Ben Peasley Counselling is committed to promoting safer gambling. If you have any concerns about gambling-related harm, we encourage you to contact one of the support organisations listed above or speak to a healthcare professional.