Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At North Coastal Cottages, we believe that online gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While we provide information about online casinos, it is essential that you gamble responsibly and within your means.
Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. Set a budget before you play and stick to it.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. All licensed casinos are required to verify your age before allowing you to create an account or place bets.
If you are under 18, or under the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction, please do not attempt to register or gamble. Underage gambling is illegal and can cause serious harm.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these common warning signs that may indicate a developing gambling problem:
- Chasing losses — trying to recover money lost by gambling more
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, food, bills)
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
- Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
- Lying about the extent of your gambling habits
- Neglecting work, education, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Feeling a need to gamble with larger amounts for the same excitement
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling. Make use of these features:
- 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 in a session or time period
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders during your gaming session about how long you've been playing
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a casino for a predetermined period
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if needed
Ask your chosen casino about these features and use them to stay in control of your gambling habits.
Support & Help Organizations
If you are struggling with problem gambling, confidential support is available from these trusted organizations:
United Kingdom
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GamCare — Free, confidential support for problem gambling
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) -
GamStop — National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Self-exclude from all licensed UK online casinos in one place -
Gamblers Anonymous — Peer support groups across the UK
Phone: 0330 094 0322 (6pm–11pm, daily) -
National Debtline — If gambling has caused financial problems
Website: www.nationaldebtline.org
Phone: 0808 808 4000 (free, confidential)
International Support
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Australia — Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au -
Canada — Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org -
United States — National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Phone: 1-800-522-4700 (free helpline) -
Germany — Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Website: www.bzga.de
If You Need Help
There is no shame in asking for help. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available whenever you need it. Whether you're concerned about your own habits or those of someone close to you, the organisations listed above provide free, confidential, and compassionate support.
Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 (24/7 and free) or visit www.gamcare.org.uk for immediate support in the UK.
Remember: gambling should always be fun. If it stops being fun, it's time to seek help.