Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Bounce Circle Festival, we're committed to promoting responsible gambling practices. Gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment with money you can afford to lose — never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.
The betting apps we review are tools for enjoyment. Like any form of entertainment, gambling carries risks. Please gamble within your means and always stay in control.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. All reputable betting operators require age verification before allowing you to place bets.
If you're under 18, gambling is not for you. If you suspect a young person is gambling online, please contact the relevant authorities or support organisations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be honest with yourself and watch for these warning signs:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money you've lost
- Spending more time and money gambling than intended
- Hiding your gambling activity from friends, family, or loved ones
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or guilty about your gambling
- Neglecting work, school, family responsibilities, or hobbies due to gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling or pay off gambling debts
- Lying to others about how much you gamble or your losses
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Experiencing insomnia or health issues related to stress from gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Most regulated betting apps include built-in tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a chosen timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose over a specific period
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders showing how long you've been gambling and how much you've wagered
- Session Limits: Set a maximum duration for your gambling sessions
- Time-Out: Temporarily suspend your account for a set period without closing it permanently
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from a betting operator
Use these tools proactively. They're designed to protect you. If you're struggling, enable multiple protections at once.
Support Organisations
If you're struggling with gambling, professional help is available and confidential. These organisations are here for you:
United Kingdom
- GamCare — Free counselling, support, and information. www.gamcare.org.uk | Tel: 0808 8020 133
- GamStop — National self-exclusion scheme. Exclude yourself from all UK-licensed gambling operators simultaneously. www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gamblers Anonymous — Peer support meetings and fellowship. www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
- National Problem Gambling Clinic — NHS treatment for gambling disorder. Contact your GP for a referral.
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 | Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help today. There is no shame in asking for support. Gambling problems are treatable, and recovery is possible with the right help.
Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7) or visit www.gamcare.org.uk
Your wellbeing is more important than any bet. Take control today.