Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At Forres Cycling Club's betting apps guide, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Like any form of entertainment, it should only be enjoyed with money you can afford to lose.

We encourage all our visitors to gamble responsibly and to seek help immediately if gambling begins to negatively impact your life.

Age Verification

All gambling services in the United Kingdom are restricted to individuals aged 18 years and over. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in gambling activities, including betting on sports, casino games, or other wagering activities.

If you are under 18, please do not access any gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use parental controls to restrict access to gambling websites.

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:

• Frequently thinking about gambling or past gambling experiences
• Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
• Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop gambling without success
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce gambling
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
• Lying to family, friends, or professionals about the extent of your gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems or relieve stress, anxiety, or depression
• Jeopardising or losing important relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities due to gambling
• Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
• Experiencing financial difficulties directly caused by gambling

If you experience three or more of these signs, professional support is recommended.

Self-Help Tools and Controls

Most reputable betting apps and casinos offer built-in tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly). Once reached, you cannot deposit further funds.
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose over a given period. Your account will be restricted once this limit is reached.
• Reality Checks: Request regular notifications during your gaming sessions to remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
• Time Limits: Set maximum session lengths to help control the duration of your gambling activity.
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a specific gambling operator's services for a set period (usually 6 months or longer).
• Account Closure: Permanently close your account with a gambling operator if you wish to stop completely.

We strongly recommend using these tools as part of a responsible gambling approach.

Support Organizations

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available from these trusted organisations:

United Kingdom

• GamCare
  Free, confidential support and counselling for problem gambling
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Phone: 0808 8020 133 (Free, 24/7)
• GamStop
  The National Self-Exclusion Scheme for Great Britain. Register to self-exclude from all online gambling operators at once
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous
  Peer support meetings and a 12-step programme
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

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)
  Information and support on problem gambling prevention
  Website: www.bzga.de

Need Help?

If you are experiencing problems with gambling, please reach out to one of the organisations listed above. Help is available, support is confidential, and it's never too late to seek assistance.

Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Resources are available 24/7 to support you.