Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Festival of Suffolk, we believe gambling should only ever be viewed as entertainment—similar to cinema tickets or dining out. It should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Casino games are designed with a house edge, meaning over time, the odds favour the casino. Always gamble only what you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in the United Kingdom. This is a legal requirement. If you are under 18, please do not access gambling services. Parents and carers should be aware of the risks and monitor young people's online activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please be honest with yourself and watch for these warning signs:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding your gambling: Being secretive about the time or money spent gambling
- Inability to stop: Feeling unable to control how much or how often you gamble
- Neglecting responsibilities: Gambling instead of paying bills, working, or caring for family
- Borrowing to gamble: Using credit cards, loans, or borrowed money to fund gambling
- Gambling to escape: Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
- Relationship problems: Arguments with loved ones about your gambling habits
- Mood changes: Feeling anxious, irritable, or guilty about your gambling
- Escalating stakes: Needing to bet more money to achieve the same excitement
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most responsible casinos offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on the amount you're willing to lose before stopping play
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time Limits: Set session duration limits to prevent extended gambling periods
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from accessing gambling services
- Account Closure: Request permanent closure of your account if you wish to stop entirely
These tools are only effective if you use them genuinely and commit to respecting the limits you set.
Get Help – Support Organisations
If you're struggling with problem gambling, please reach out to one of these trusted organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free confidential support and information
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 – Free 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 | Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 - Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Telefonberatung zur Glücksspielsucht: 0800 137 27 00
Take Action Today
If you or someone you care about is struggling with problem gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support—help is available, and recovery is possible.
Don't suffer in silence. Contact GamCare or one of the organisations above today. They are confidential, free, and staffed by people who understand what you're going through.
Remember: Gambling should be fun. If it stops being fun, it's time to get help.