Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Start Out Steps, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Gambling should always 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 or use gambling as an escape from personal difficulties.
Age Verification
All users must be 18 years of age or older to access betting services in the United Kingdom. We take age verification seriously and employ strict checks to ensure compliance with UK gambling regulations. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or place bets.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or past gambling experiences
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Attempting to cut back or control gambling but failing to do so
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or professionals
- Jeopardising relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or engaging in illegal activities to fund gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
- Returning to gambling despite previous attempts to stop
If you identify with any of these warning signs, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Player Protections
Most reputable UK bookmakers offer the following responsible gaming tools:
- Deposit Limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on the amount you can deposit
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you're willing to lose during a set period
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications during gaming sessions to remind you how long you've been playing
- Cooling-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set duration (typically 24 hours to 6 weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from accessing betting services for a defined period (typically 6 months to 5 years)
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
We encourage all players to use these tools proactively to maintain control over their gambling activities.
Support Organizations & Help Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, these trusted organisations provide free, confidential support:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling and support services
www.gamcare.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Register to block access to all UK-licensed online gambling operators - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support group meetings across the UK
Telephone: 0330 094 8000 - National Gambling Treatment Service – Specialist NHS treatment
Referrals available through your GP
Other Countries
- 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)
Telephone: 0800 1 372 374 (free and confidential)
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but help is available. If you're struggling to control your gambling, don't suffer in silence. Contact one of the support organisations listed above. Speaking to a counsellor or advisor is completely confidential and free of charge.
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can regain control of your life.
For more information about responsible gaming, visit the GamCare website or contact your chosen bookmaker's responsible gaming team.
Last updated: 2026. Responsible gaming information is subject to change in accordance with UK gambling regulations.