Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Crest Jewellery's betting guides, we believe gambling should only ever be seen as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites and casino games are designed with a mathematical edge in favour of the operator, meaning that over time, the odds are against the player.
Please gamble responsibly and within your means. Set strict limits on what you can afford to lose, and never chase losses.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities, including betting on sports, casino games, and online gambling platforms.
If you are under 18, please do not use any betting sites or gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with young people about the risks of gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount you gamble
- Neglecting family, work, education, or other important responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Relationships suffering due to gambling habits
If you experience any of these signs, please reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools and Controls
Most reputable betting sites and online casinos offer responsible gaming tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly).
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on how much you are willing to lose during a session or over time.
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders during play about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent.
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily suspend your account to take a break from gambling (typically 24 hours to several weeks).
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily ban yourself from a gambling operator's platform.
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to protect you and help maintain responsible gambling habits.
Support Organizations and Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide confidential support:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling and support for problem gamblers and their families
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme allowing you to self-exclude from all licensed UK gambling operators
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS-commissioned service offering treatment
Phone: 020 7054 2000
International Resources
- 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
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 - Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (Federal Centre for Health Education)
Website: www.bzga.de
Take Action Now
If gambling is causing you harm or distress, please seek help today. There is no shame in reaching out—problem gambling is a recognised condition, and support is available.
Remember: Gambling should be fun and within your budget. If it stops being enjoyable or you're struggling to control it, that's a sign to take action.
Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 or register with GamStop to exclude yourself from all UK licensed gambling operators.