Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Ciao Bournemouth, we're committed to promoting responsible gambling. It's important to understand that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses.
Age Verification
Gambling is only legal for individuals aged 18 years and over in Great Britain. All our partner betting sites conduct strict age verification checks. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling services. Parents and guardians concerned about underage gambling should contact GamCare for support.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or planning the next session
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or work colleagues
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
- Experiencing relationship or employment problems due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Feeling irritable when trying to cut back on gambling
- Neglecting personal care, hobbies, or responsibilities
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you're willing to lose over a set period
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications about your gambling session duration and spend
- Session Time Limits: Set an automatic logout time to prevent extended play
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account if you feel you need to take a break
- Account Closure: Permanently close your betting account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
We strongly encourage you to use these tools proactively to maintain responsible gambling habits.
Get Help – Support Is Available
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional support is available. Here are trusted organisations offering free, confidential help:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling, support, and information
www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7) - GamStop – The National Self-Exclusion Scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk
Self-exclude from all licensed UK gambling operators simultaneously - National Problem Gambling Clinic
Specialist NHS treatment for problem gambling in England - Gamblers Anonymous
Peer support meetings across the UK
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
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
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling can happen to anyone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone close to you, please contact one of the support organisations above immediately. They offer free, confidential advice and are available 24/7.
Remember: It's never too late to ask for help. Support is just a phone call or click away.