Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At birminghambikefest.com, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting apps and online casinos are designed for enjoyment, and you should only wager money that you can afford to lose.

Please gamble responsibly and within your means. If you're struggling to control your gambling, help is available.

Age Verification

In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. All betting apps and online casinos require age verification before opening an account.

If you are under 18, gambling is illegal and potentially harmful. Parents and guardians should be aware of the risks and monitor young people's online activity.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

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

• Chasing losses by gambling with more money to try to win back what you've lost
• Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Gambling with money needed for essentials like bills, rent, or food
• Neglecting family, friends, work, or hobbies due to gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
• Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
• Experiencing relationship problems due to gambling
• Gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, or other emotional problems

Self-Help Tools & Controls

Most UK betting apps offer built-in tools to help you gamble responsibly:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you can lose during a set time frame
• Reality Checks: Enable notifications that remind you how long you've been gambling
• Self-Exclusion: Take a break from gambling by temporarily or permanently closing your account
• Time Limits: Set maximum session durations to control your gambling time

Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling habits.

Support Organisations & Help Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, these organisations provide free, confidential support:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free counselling and support for problem gamblers and their families
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential)
• GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain
  www.gamstop.co.uk
  Register to be excluded from all UKGC-licensed online gambling operators
• Gamblers Anonymous – Support groups across the UK for those with gambling problems
  Telephone: 020 7384 3060

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
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Gambling addiction services available through local health authorities

If You Need Help

Don't struggle alone. If you think you may have a problem with gambling, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The organisations listed above are staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling and can provide confidential support at no cost.

Contact one of the organisations above today if you or someone you care about needs support.