Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment

At The Golden Lion Weardale, 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. It's important to approach betting with a responsible mindset and only gamble with money you can afford to lose.

Please gamble responsibly and within your means. If you have concerns about your gambling habits, support is available.

Age Verification

In the United Kingdom, you must be at least 18 years of age or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction to participate in gambling activities. We take age verification seriously and comply with all UK Gambling Commission regulations.

If you are under 18, or if you know someone who is gambling underage, please contact the relevant authorities or support organisations listed below.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
• Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money you've lost
• Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount you gamble
• Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
• Experiencing relationship conflicts related to gambling
• Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
• Suffering financial hardship as a result of gambling

If you've ticked any of these boxes, please seek help immediately.

Self-Help Tools and Features

Most betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling. These include:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you're prepared to lose during a set period
• Reality Checks: Receive notifications reminding you how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from betting sites if you need a break
• Time Limits: Set time restrictions on how long you can gamble in one session

Contact your betting operator's customer support team to activate these tools, or visit their responsible gaming page for more information.

Support Organisations and Resources

If you're concerned about problem gambling, confidential help and support are available from the following organisations:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free, confidential support and counselling for problem gamblers and their families
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (24 hours, free)
• GamStop – The National Self-Exclusion Scheme for online gambling in Great Britain. Register to self-exclude from all participating operators
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous – A peer support fellowship for those with a gambling problem
  www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS-funded specialist treatment
  Telephone: 0203 315 5555

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 or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help today. There is no shame in seeking support – problem gambling is a recognised condition, and recovery is possible.

Contact one of the organisations listed above for free, confidential advice and treatment options. Your wellbeing is more important than any bet.

Remember: Gambling should be fun and entertainment. If it's causing you harm, it's time to get help.