Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

We want to remind all our visitors that casino gaming should only ever be viewed as entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Like any form of entertainment, it comes with costs and risks. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never see it as an investment or income source.

Casino games are designed with a house edge, meaning the odds always favour the operator in the long term. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.

Age Verification

In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online or in physical casinos.

If you are under 18, please do not access casino websites or place any bets. If you are a parent or guardian concerned about a young person's gambling, please seek support from the organisations listed below.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
• Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
• Hiding your gambling activities or lying about how much you gamble
• Neglecting family, work, education, or other responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when you try to cut down or stop
• Using gambling as a way to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
• Failed attempts to reduce or control your gambling
• Experiencing relationship problems because of your gambling
• Committing illegal acts to finance gambling

If you've ticked any of these boxes, please consider reaching out for support immediately.

Self-Help Tools and Controls

Most reputable online casinos offer the following responsible gaming tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly).
• Loss Limits: Set a limit on the amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe.
• Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during your gaming session showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
• Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks) without closing your account.
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from accessing gambling sites for a prolonged period (typically 6 months to 5 years).

We recommend using these tools as part of your responsible gambling strategy. Set limits before you start playing and stick to them.

Support Organisations

If you're struggling with gambling or know someone who is, help and support are available from these trusted organisations:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free confidential advice and support for problem gambling
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential)
• GamStop – The UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Register to self-exclude from all online gambling operators at once
  www.gamstop.co.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
  Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (confidential and free)
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  Telephone: 0800 1372700 (free helpline for problem gambling)

All of these organisations offer free, confidential support and are available 24/7 or during extended hours.

Take Control Today

If you think you may have a problem with gambling, or if someone you know does, please reach out for help now. There is no shame in seeking support—problem gambling is a recognised health issue, and recovery is possible.

Remember: Gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it's causing you stress, financial hardship, or affecting your relationships, it's time to seek help.

Contact GamCare or GamStop today. They're here to help, and your call will be confidential and free.

This Responsible Gaming information is provided for educational purposes. Colchester Film Society is committed to promoting safe and responsible gaming practices. If you choose to gamble, always do so responsibly and within your means. For more information about gambling harm and support services, please visit the organisations listed above.