Responsible Gambling

Gambling always carries the risk of financial loss. The purpose of playing is entertainment, not a way to make money. You can reduce risk and play responsibly by following these principles:

• Decide an affordable budget and limits before you start.
• Use deposit, loss, and stake limits to keep control.
• Turn on reality checks and set session reminders.
• Keep gambling separate from work, study, and family time.
• Stop when it stops being fun; never chase losses.
• Review your account history to learn how you are playing.
• Avoid gambling when tired, stressed, or under the influence.
• Ensure you are 18 or over and keep accounts secure.
• If control is slipping, use time-outs or self-exclusion via GAMSTOP.
• GoldenMister provides tools, guidance, and support to help protect your wellbeing.

These principles sit at the heart of our responsible gambling policy.

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Warning signs may appear in your money, time, mood, and relationships.

• Spending more than you can afford or breaking agreed limits.
• Chasing losses or increasing stakes to feel the same excitement.
• Hiding betting from family or friends.
• Lying about time or money spent gambling.
• Neglecting work, studies, or social life because of playing.
• Feeling irritable, anxious, or low when you cannot gamble.
• Gambling to escape stress, anger, or boredom.
• Borrowing, using credit, or selling items to fund play.
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop.
• Thinking about betting most of the day or gambling longer than planned.

Gambling addiction is a serious health issue that needs attention and support.

GoldenMister supports structured steps to regain control. The following tips are useful when tackling harmful betting behaviour.

• Set firm deposit, loss, and stake limits before you start and stick to them.
• Turn on reality checks and session limits to manage time.
• Schedule gambling-free days and take regular breaks.
• Use time-outs for 24 hours to 6 weeks to pause playing.
• Apply self-exclusion on your account and register with GAMSTOP for multi-operator exclusion.
• Install blocking tools such as Gamban on all devices.
• Ask your bank for gambling blocks and remove saved payment methods.
• Opt out of marketing; adjust notifications to reduce triggers.
• Keep a spending and mood diary; share it with someone you trust or a counsellor.
• If control does not return, request account closure from GoldenMister and contact a support service immediately.

Professional, independent help is available across the UK. You can speak to trained advisers and access free treatment and support.

• National Gambling Helpline (24/7): 0808 8020 133 or live chat via GamCare – https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us/
• GamCare: free advice, counselling, and local services – https://www.gamcare.org.uk
• BeGambleAware: information, tools, and signposting – https://www.begambleaware.org
• NHS gambling addiction support – https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/gambling-addiction/
• GAMSTOP: free multi-operator self-exclusion – https://www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gamban: device blocking software – https://gamban.com
• Gamblers Anonymous UK: peer support meetings – https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• Gordon Moody: residential and online treatment – https://gordonmoody.org.uk
• Samaritans: urgent emotional support, 24/7 on 116 123 – https://www.samaritans.org

If you are struggling with gambling problems, you can contact GoldenMister support for confidential assistance. Our team can help apply account controls and signpost to specialist services in the UK.

• Live Chat in the Help Centre after sign-in.
• Secure message via My Account.
• Web contact form in the Help Centre.
• Telephone support via the number shown in the Help Centre.
• Dedicated Responsible Gambling requests (limits, time-outs, self-exclusion) via the in-account form.
• If you cannot access your account, use the Contact Us page to message our team.