Responsible Gaming
At The Old Sailors, we are committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling. This page provides essential information and resources to help you gamble responsibly.
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Gambling should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to cinema, dining out, or other leisure activities. It should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds are always in favour of the casino or betting operator, so only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. All legitimate betting sites, including those we recommend at theoldsailors.co.uk, conduct rigorous age verification checks during account registration and verification processes. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses β Gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
- Hiding gambling activity β Concealing the extent of your gambling from family or friends
- Spending more money than intended β Regularly gambling beyond your predetermined budget
- Neglecting responsibilities β Missing work, family time, or other commitments due to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble β Taking loans or using credit to fund gambling activities
- Mood changes β Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when not gambling
- Increasing stakes β Needing to bet more money to feel the same excitement
- Failed attempts to stop β Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or quit gambling
- Preoccupation with gambling β Constantly thinking about past sessions or planning future ones
- Using gambling to escape problems β Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or other difficulties
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools and Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable betting sites offer built-in tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits β Set maximum amounts you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits β Cap the amount of money you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Time-Out/Reality Checks β Receive notifications during gaming sessions to remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion β Temporarily or permanently close your account if you feel you need a break from gambling
- Session Reminders β Set alarms or reminders to take breaks during extended gaming sessions
- Account Cooling-Off Period β Take a mandatory break before re-activating a closed account
We encourage you to actively use these tools when opening accounts at any of our recommended betting sites.
Support Organizations and Resources
If you are in the United Kingdom:
- GamCare β Free, confidential support for problem gambling
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) - GamStop β The UK's National Self-Exclusion Scheme
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Allows you to self-exclude from all participating UK-licensed online gambling operators simultaneously for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years - Gamblers Anonymous β Free peer support meetings across the UK
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
International Support Resources:
- Australia: Gambling Help Online β www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council β www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling β www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 - Germany: Bundeszentrale fΓΌr gesundheitliche AufklΓ€rung (BZgA) β www.bzga.de
Seek Help Today
If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help immediately. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. There is no shame in asking for assistance β trained professionals at the organisations listed above are ready to help you.
Remember: Your wellbeing is more important than any bet. Take control, set limits, and gamble responsibly.
Last updated: 2026. The Old Sailors is committed to responsible gambling and compliance with UK Gambling Commission regulations. All recommended betting sites on theoldsailors.co.uk are licensed and regulated operators.