Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Glees Dance Studio's betting guides, we want to remind all visitors that gambling should only ever be viewed 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 favor of the operator, meaning that over time, players are statistically more likely to lose than win.
If you choose to gamble, only spend money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or gamble with funds intended for essential expenses such as rent, bills, or food.
Age Verification
In Great Britain, you must be at least 18 years of age to gamble legally. All licensed betting sites and casinos are required to verify your age before allowing you to open an account.
If you are under 18, gambling is not permitted. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss responsible gambling with young people and to use parental controls to prevent underage access to gambling websites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling can become a problem when it starts to negatively impact your life. Below are common warning signs to watch for:
- Chasing losses: Gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
- Hiding gambling activity: Keeping your gambling secret from friends, family, or partner
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Using gambling to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotions
- Financial problems: Borrowing money, going into debt, or struggling to pay bills because of gambling
- Loss of control: Being unable to stop gambling or stick to set limits
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools and Features
Reputable betting sites and casinos offer built-in tools to help players gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose over a set period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets you can place
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders during your gaming session about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for hours or days without closing your account
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a gambling site for a set period (typically 6 months to 5 years)
Always use these tools to maintain control over your gambling activity.
Support Organizations
If you're struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. Below are trusted support organizations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free, confidential support and counseling
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential) - GamStop – National Self-Exclusion Scheme for online gambling in Great Britain
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Allows you to self-exclude from all online gambling operators licensed in GB - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
International Support Services
- 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 (confidential and free) - Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Website: www.bzga.de
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but recovery is possible with the right support. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help today. There is no shame in seeking assistance—support organizations are staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling and are here to help.
Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 or visit GamStop.co.uk to self-exclude from UK gambling sites. You can also speak with your GP or contact a mental health professional for additional support.