Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At Bourton Dorset, we believe that online betting should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gambling involves risk, and it's important to only bet what you can afford to lose.

We are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and supporting our visitors in making informed decisions about their betting activities.

Age Verification

In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online betting and gambling activities.

All licensed betting operators are required to verify your age before allowing you to open an account or place bets. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register with any online betting site.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a gambling problem:

• Regularly betting more than you can afford to lose
• Chasing losses by betting more to recover money lost
• Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
• Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Neglecting work, education, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
• Failed attempts to control or reduce gambling
• Lying about the extent of your gambling activities

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Reputable online betting operators offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you are willing to lose over a set timeframe
• Reality Checks: Receive notifications during your betting session to remind you how long you've been playing
• Session Limits: Set a maximum duration for your betting sessions
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an operator's platform
• Account Closure: Close your account if you wish to stop betting entirely

We encourage you to use these tools when opening accounts with betting operators to help maintain control over your gambling.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you are struggling with gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:

United Kingdom

• GamCare
  Free counselling, support and information for problem gamblers and their families.
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7)
• GamStop
  The National Self-Exclusion Scheme for Great Britain. Register to self-exclude from all participating online gambling operators at once.
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous
  A peer-support fellowship for people with a gambling problem.
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

International Resources

• 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
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  www.bzga.de

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above. They offer free, confidential advice and can help you take back control.

Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support is available, and recovery is possible.