Responsible Gaming
Our Commitment to Safe Gambling
At Dawlish Arts Festival, we believe that gambling should be enjoyed as entertainment only, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. We are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and supporting those who may be struggling with gambling-related issues.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in any form of gambling or betting activities. We strictly enforce age verification on all betting platforms we recommend. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble in the UK.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access betting services. If you are aware of underage gambling, please report it to the relevant authorities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop without warning. If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding or lying about gambling activities and spending
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, food, bills)
- Difficulty controlling the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Neglecting work, family, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Experiencing mood changes linked to gambling wins or losses
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Considering gambling as a solution to financial or emotional problems
Self-Help Tools and Controls
Most reputable betting platforms offer tools to help you manage your gambling responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you are willing to lose over a set period
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you have been gambling and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from all gambling platforms
- Betting Limits: Control the size of individual bets you can place
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to prevent extended gambling periods
We encourage you to use these tools proactively, regardless of whether you currently feel you need them.
Support Organizations and Resources
If you are struggling with problem gambling, professional support is available. The following organizations offer free, confidential help:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling and support for problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) - GamStop – The National Self-Exclusion Scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk
Allows you to self-exclude from all UK-licensed gambling operators - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support and recovery meetings
Telephone: 0330 094 6835 - National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS specialist treatment
Telephone: 0203 668 0143
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
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Glücksspielsucht Hotline: 0800 137 27 00
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
Please reach out today. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. The organizations listed above offer:
- Free, confidential counselling and therapy
- Support groups and peer networks
- Financial advice and debt management
- Family and relationship support
Contact GamCare now at 0808 8020 133 (24/7) or visit www.gamcare.org.uk for immediate support.
Remember: Gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it stops being fun or begins causing harm, it's time to seek help. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.