Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Alresford Music Festival, we believe that gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Betting should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Always gamble with money you can afford to lose, and set strict limits before you begin.
Remember: the odds are always in favour of the betting operator. Please gamble responsibly.
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 on betting sites.
All licensed betting operators are required to verify your age and identity before allowing you to open an account. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register.
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:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with more money than originally planned
- Spending increasing amounts of time thinking about gambling
- Neglecting work, education, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Becoming anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Losing important relationships, jobs, or opportunities due to gambling
If you experience any of these warning signs, seeking help is important and there is no shame in doing so.
Self-Help Tools and Features
Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you gamble responsibly. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose over a given period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the amount you can wager on individual bets
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders during your gambling sessions about how long you have been playing
- Time-Out (Cool-Off): Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Exclude yourself from all gambling activity for a longer period (months or years)
These tools are designed to help you maintain control. We encourage you to use them.
Support Organizations in the United Kingdom
If you or someone you know needs help with gambling, the following UK-based organisations offer free, confidential support:
GamCare
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
GamCare is the leading provider of free counselling and support for problem gambling in Great Britain. They offer counselling via telephone, live chat, and email.
GamStop
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
GamStop is the UK's national self-exclusion scheme. It allows you to self-exclude from all online gambling operators in Great Britain for a period of between 6 months and 5 years.
Gamblers Anonymous
A peer-support fellowship offering free support meetings across the UK. Contact: 07700 184682
National Debtline
If gambling has led to financial difficulties, National Debtline offers free debt advice and support.
Website: www.nationaldebtline.org
International Support
If you are accessing this site from another jurisdiction, please contact the relevant organisation for your country:
- Australia: Gambling Help Online
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help today. Support is available, it is free, and it is confidential.
Contacting GamCare, GamStop, or another support organisation is a positive step towards taking control of your gambling. Remember:
- You are not alone
- Help is available 24/7
- Support services are free and confidential
- Recovery is possible
Contact GamCare now: www.gamcare.org.uk or call their helpline for immediate support.