Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At stjosephs-lancaster.co.uk, we believe that gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. It should only be undertaken with money you can afford to lose, and should never interfere with your essential expenses such as rent, bills, food, or savings.
We are committed to promoting safe and responsible gaming practices for all our users.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age, or the legal age for gambling in your jurisdiction, whichever is higher, to access and use our services. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time. If you are under the legal age, please do not attempt to gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please review the following checklist. If any of these signs apply to you, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Repeatedly trying to cut down or stop gambling without success
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover lost money
- Lying to family, friends, or others about the extent of your gambling
- Hiding evidence of gambling or gambling expenses
- Borrowing money, using credit, or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, education, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Experiencing relationship problems because of gambling
- Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to reduce gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel excitement
- Financial difficulties or debt related to gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, please reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools Available
Many gambling operators and organisations offer tools to help you maintain control. These may include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose within a specified time period
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you have been gambling and how much you have spent
- Time Limits: Set a maximum amount of time you can spend gambling in one session
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms
- Account Closure: Permanently close your gambling account
We strongly encourage you to use these tools if you feel your gambling may be getting out of control. Speak with your gambling provider about what options are available.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available. Please contact one of the following organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free support, information, and counselling for problem gamblers and their families
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential) - GamStop – The National Self-Exclusion Scheme for problem gamblers in Great Britain
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Allows you to self-exclude from all online gambling operators in the UK - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support and fellowship for those affected by problem gambling
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk - National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS-funded specialist treatment service
Website: www.cnwl.nhs.uk
Other Regions
- Australia: Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org - United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 - Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Website: www.bzga.de
If You Need Help
If you believe you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, please do not hesitate to seek help. There is no shame in reaching out – support services are confidential, free, and available 24/7 in many cases.
Remember: It is never too early to ask for help, and recovery is possible. Contact one of the organisations above today.