Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Turning Leaves, we believe online betting should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. When approached responsibly, betting can be an enjoyable pastime – but it's important to gamble within your means and recognise the risks involved.
Remember: The house always has an edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Online betting is only available to individuals aged 18 years or older in the UK. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction before accessing any betting services.
All reputable operators, including those featured on Turning Leaves, conduct age verification checks during account registration. If you are under 18, you must not attempt to open an account or place bets.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding your gambling: Keeping your betting activity secret from family or friends
- Loss of control: Gambling longer or with more money than you intended
- Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritising gambling over work, family, or personal commitments
- Using gambling to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or negative emotions
- Financial problems: Borrowing money to gamble or struggling to pay bills
- Tolerance: Needing to bet larger amounts to get the same excitement
- Restlessness when not gambling: Feeling anxious or irritable when you can't gamble
- Failed attempts to cut back: Being unable to reduce or stop your gambling despite trying
- Relationship strain: Arguments with loved ones about your gambling habits
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Most UK betting operators offer tools to help you stay in control. Use these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a chosen timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose in a set period
- Stake Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you can wager per bet
- Session Reminders: Receive notifications about how long you've been gambling
- Reality Checks: Pop-up alerts showing your current balance and time spent
- Time-Out (Self-Suspension): Temporarily exclude yourself from your account for a set period (e.g., 24 hours to 6 weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently ban yourself from an operator's platform
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop betting entirely
Take advantage of these tools – they're designed to help you gamble safely. If you're struggling, use them proactively.
Support Organisations & Help Resources
If you're concerned about your gambling or need immediate support, contact one of these organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling, support groups, and resources
www.gamcare.org.uk | Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme covering most UK operators
www.gamstop.co.uk | Self-exclude from all participating sites - National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS-funded specialist treatment
Available through your GP or self-referral
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 | 1-800-522-4700
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
All services listed above are free, confidential, and independent of betting operators.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. You are not alone.
- Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 for free, confidential support
- Visit GamStop.co.uk to self-exclude from UK betting sites
- Speak to your GP if you need professional treatment
- Tell a trusted friend or family member about your concerns
Recovery is possible. Take the first step today.
Turning Leaves is committed to promoting responsible gambling. This information is provided for educational purposes. For the most current support services and resources, please visit the official websites listed above. If you experience distress, please seek professional help immediately.