Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming
I want to be perfectly clear: this is the most important page on our entire website. Online gambling should be a form of entertainment, a fun pastime. But for some, it can become something more serious. We have a duty to promote a safe and responsible environment, and that means being upfront about the risks and providing you with the tools and information to stay in control.
This page is a resource. It's here to help you understand the tools available at Betfair, recognize the signs of problem gambling in yourself or others, and know where to turn if you need support. Please take a few minutes to read through it. Your well-being is more important than any jackpot.
Table of contents
Tools to Help You Stay in Control
Betfair, as a UKGC-licensed operator, provides a robust suite of tools designed to help you manage your play. I've used these myself—not because I have a problem, but because setting limits is just a smart habit, like setting a budget before a night out. These tools are easy to find in your account settings, usually under a "Responsible Gaming" tab.
| Tool | What It Does | My Personal Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Limits | Lets you set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly. | Set this immediately. Be realistic. Choose an amount you would be comfortable losing, and stick to it. |
| Session Reminders | A pop-up appears on your screen after a set period, reminding you how long you've been playing. | Very useful. It's easy to lose track of time. Set it for 60 minutes to give yourself a regular reality check. |
| Take a Break | Lets you block yourself from your account for a short period, from 24 hours up to 6 weeks. | A great cooling-off tool if you feel you're playing too much or chasing losses. It's non-reversible for the chosen period. |
| Self-Exclusion | A serious step that blocks you from your account for a longer period (6 months to 5 years). | This is for when you know you need to stop completely. You can also use GAMSTOP to self-exclude from all UK sites at once. |
Using these tools is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength and control. I encourage every player to set a deposit limit at the very least. It's the simplest and most effective way to ensure you always play within your means.
Are You at Risk? A Quick Self-Assessment
It's important to be honest with yourself about your gambling habits. Answering these questions can help you reflect on whether your play is remaining healthy and enjoyable. There are no right or wrong answers, just an opportunity for self-awareness.
- Are you spending more money or time gambling than you intend to?
- Are you chasing your losses, trying to win back money you have lost?
- Has gambling ever caused you to miss work or neglect your responsibilities?
- Do you find yourself hiding your gambling from family or friends?
- Have you ever borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
- Do you feel anxious, irritable, or stressed when you try to cut down on gambling?
If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, it may be a sign that you could benefit from speaking with someone. It's okay to ask for help, and there are incredible, confidential resources available. For more answers to general questions, you might find our FAQ page helpful.
Where to Find Professional Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of the following professional organizations. They offer free, confidential, and non-judgmental support and advice. They are the true experts and can provide the help you need.
- The National Gambling Helpline: Available 24/7. You can call them for free at 0808 8020 133. They offer immediate support and can guide you to further resources.
- GamCare: A leading provider of information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. You can find them at gamcare.org.uk.
- BeGambleAware: Offers a wealth of information and resources for understanding and tackling problem gambling. Their website is begambleaware.org.
- GAMSTOP: A free service that lets you put controls in place to restrict your online gambling activities. Registering with GAMSTOP will prevent you from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing.
Taking the first step is often the hardest, but it's the most important one. These organizations are here to help, not to judge. Your health and well-being are what matter most.