Responsible Gaming
Introduction
At Fartown Opticians, we believe that betting should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gambling carries risk, and it's important to gamble within your means and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in any form of gambling in the United Kingdom. If you are under 18, we urge you not to gamble. Parents and guardians should be aware of their children's online activities and take steps to prevent underage gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop without warning. Please review the following checklist and seek help if you recognise any of these signs in your own behaviour:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities or lying about the amount you're gambling
- Gambling with money allocated for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Experiencing anxiety, guilt, or shame related to gambling
- Unable to reduce or stop gambling despite wanting to
- Neglecting family, work, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Thinking constantly about gambling or past betting experiences
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, or depression
If you recognise any of these signs, please reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools
Most UK betting operators provide responsible gaming tools to help you maintain control. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on the total amount you're willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Time-Out / Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily suspend your account for a set period without closing it permanently
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily close your betting account if you feel you cannot control your gambling
We encourage you to use these tools proactively. You can access them through your betting operator's account settings or by contacting their customer support team.
Support Organisations
If you're struggling with gambling, please contact one of the following organisations for free, confidential support:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free support and counselling for problem gambling
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme (multi-operator database)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Self-exclude from all licensed UK operators at once - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support and 12-step recovery programme
Telephone: 020 7584 7000
Meetings available throughout the UK - National Debtline – If gambling has led to debt
Website: www.nationaldebtline.org
Telephone: 0808 808 4000 (free, confidential)
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
Call to Action
If you think you have a gambling problem, please seek help today. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. Reach out to one of the organisations listed above — they are staffed by trained professionals who understand what you're going through and can provide practical advice and emotional support.
Remember: You are not alone, and it's never too late to ask for help.