Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At ourmentalstory.com, we believe that gambling should only ever be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites should be viewed as a cost for enjoyment, similar to cinema tickets or dining out—never as an investment or income source.
If you're reviewing betting sites with us, please do so responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
Gambling in the UK is only legal for persons aged 18 years or older. All legitimate betting operators must verify your age before allowing you to register or place bets.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor young people's online activity.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please be honest with yourself and check for these warning signs:
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about how much you gamble
- Neglecting family, work, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
- Experiencing anxiety, stress, or mood changes related to gambling
- Borrowing money or running up debts to finance gambling
- Feeling unable to stop or control your gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or quit gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, professional help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Most reputable betting operators offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you are willing to lose over a period
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been gambling
- Session Time Limits: Automatically end your gambling session after a set period
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from a betting site
- Account Restrictions: Reduce betting limits or disable certain features
Use these tools to maintain control and gamble within your budget.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential support is available:
United Kingdom
- GamCare: Free counselling and support service for problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk | Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential) - GamStop: National self-exclusion scheme covering all licensed UK betting operators
www.gamstop.co.uk - National Problem Gambling Clinic: Specialist NHS treatment
Phone: 020 7054 2000
International Support
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
All support services are confidential and free to access.
Take Action Today
If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem, or if you're worried about someone else's gambling, please reach out for help. There is no shame in seeking support—gambling disorder is a recognised health condition, and treatment works.
Don't wait for the problem to get worse. Contact GamCare or GamStop today.
Remember: gambling should be fun. If it's not, it's time to get help.