Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Dundee Thistle, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. Betting sites should be enjoyed responsibly and within your means. If you find yourself gambling more than you can afford or gambling is affecting your life negatively, please seek help immediately.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. All reputable betting sites have strict age verification processes in place. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss responsible gambling with young people.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following warning signs, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble to recover money you've lost
- Hiding Your Gambling: Being secretive about the amount you gamble or how much money you spend
- Loss of Control: Difficulty controlling how much time or money you spend on gambling
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Gambling instead of attending work, school, or family commitments
- Financial Strain: Borrowing money to gamble or struggling to pay bills due to gambling
- Mood Changes: Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Escalation: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement
- Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
Self-Help Tools Available
Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you gamble responsibly. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit on how much you can deposit
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose over a specific period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets you can place
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Temporarily suspend your account for a set period (typically 24 hours to several weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently close your account and exclude yourself from accessing gambling services
We recommend using these tools proactively, even if you feel you're gambling responsibly. They're a great way to stay in control.
Support Organisations and Resources
If you're struggling with gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free confidential support, advice, and counselling for problem gamblers and their families. Available 24/7.
- GamStop – The UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Register to exclude yourself from all licensed online gambling operators simultaneously.
- National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS-funded specialist treatment service in London (referrals available nationally).
- Gamblers Anonymous – Free peer support meetings held throughout the UK for people affected by compulsive gambling.
International Resources
- Australia: Gambling Help Online
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
If You Need Help, Take Action Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but it is treatable. You are not alone. If gambling is affecting your life, relationships, or finances, please reach out for support. The organisations listed above are staffed by trained professionals who understand what you're going through and are here to help, completely free and in confidence.
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The earlier you get support, the better your chances of recovery.