Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Paddy Power and across the betting industry, we believe gambling should be an enjoyable form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While many people gamble responsibly for fun, it's important to understand the risks and know when to seek help.
We are committed to promoting responsible gambling and supporting players who may develop gambling-related problems.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in the United Kingdom. This is a legal requirement designed to protect young people from the potential harms of gambling.
If you are under 18, we urge you not to use betting services. If you have concerns about a young person's gambling, please contact the relevant support organisations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please be aware of the following warning signs:
- Chasing losses: Trying to recover money lost by gambling more frequently or with larger stakes
- Hiding gambling: Concealing the extent of your gambling from family, friends, or partners
- Neglecting responsibilities: Spending money on gambling instead of bills, rent, food, or other essentials
- Mood swings: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Increasing stakes: Needing to bet more money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Failed attempts to stop: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or control your gambling
- Using gambling to escape: Gambling to relieve stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions
- Borrowing money: Taking out loans or borrowing from others to fund gambling
- Relationship problems: Gambling causing conflict with family, friends, or colleagues
- Physical or mental health decline: Experiencing sleep problems, stress-related illness, or depression
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, please reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Most reputable betting operators, including Paddy Power, offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a given period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose over a specific timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications after a set period of gambling to remind you how long you've been playing
- Time-Out (Self-Exclusion): Temporarily suspend your account for a period you choose
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently close your account if you feel unable to control your gambling
- Betting Limits: Cap the stake size on individual bets
We encourage you to use these tools to maintain control over your gambling. Speak to your betting operator's customer support team to activate any of these features.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of these trusted organisations:
United Kingdom
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GamCare
Free, confidential support and advice for problem gamblers and their families
www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) -
GamStop
The National Self-Exclusion Scheme for online gambling in Great Britain
www.gamstop.co.uk
Register for multi-operator self-exclusion across licensed gambling websites -
Gamblers Anonymous
Free peer support groups across the UK
Helpline: 0330 094 0322 -
National Problem Gambling Clinic
NHS specialist treatment service
CNWL NHS Service
International Support
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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
If You Need Help
Please do not hesitate to seek support. Problem gambling is a serious issue, but help is available and recovery is possible. Speaking to someone is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Whether you're experiencing difficulties yourself or are concerned about someone else:
- Contact GamCare (0808 8020 133) or visit their website for free, confidential advice
- Register with GamStop to self-exclude from all licensed online gambling sites at once
- Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional
- Visit your GP, who can refer you to specialist treatment services
You are not alone. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.