Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Chelmsford Chieftains, we believe that gambling should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites should be enjoyed responsibly and within your means. If you find that gambling is no longer fun or is causing you concern, please seek help immediately.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. It is illegal for anyone under this age to place bets or use betting services. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and verify all users accordingly.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Please be aware of these warning signs that may indicate a gambling problem:
- Chasing Losses: Attempting to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding Gambling: Concealing the extent of your gambling from friends or family
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to meet work, school, or family obligations
- Using Gambling to Escape: Gambling to relieve stress, anxiety, or negative emotions
- Increasing Stakes: Needing to bet more money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Loss of Control: Being unable to stop or reduce your gambling
- Financial Difficulties: Borrowing money or experiencing debt due to gambling
- Mood Changes: Becoming irritable when unable to gamble
- Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back or stop gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Betting Options
Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during your gambling session about how long you've been playing
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites for a period you choose
- Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period without closing your account
- Account Closure: Close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling activity.
Support Organisations & Help Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, confidential help and support is available:
United Kingdom
- GamCare: Free counselling and support service for problem gamblers and their families. www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop: The UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Register with GamStop to block access to all licensed online gambling sites. www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gamblers Anonymous: Free peer support and meetings throughout the UK. www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
- National Problem Gambling Clinic: NHS-funded treatment service in London. Phone: 020 7054 2766
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
Need Help? Take Action Today
If you believe you have a gambling problem or your gambling is affecting your wellbeing, relationships, or finances, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out—support is confidential and free.
Contact GamCare (UK) on 0808 8020 133 for free, confidential advice and support available 8am-midnight, 7 days a week.
Remember: Recovery is possible, and help is available.