Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At mikkabouzu.co.uk, we believe gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or playing sports. It should never be considered as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Always gamble within your means and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet this legal requirement before placing any bets. We take underage gambling seriously and encourage parents and guardians to monitor online activity and use parental controls where appropriate.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following warning signs, you may be developing a gambling problem. Please seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses — trying to recover money lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, bills, food)
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
- Neglecting work, school, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you gamble responsibly. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose over a set period
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you have been gambling and how much you have spent
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling for a defined period, preventing access to your account
- Account Closure: Permanently close your betting account if you wish to stop entirely
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to help you maintain control and protect your wellbeing.
Support & Help Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. Please reach out to one of the following organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free, confidential support and counselling services
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings and fellowship
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
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)
www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
Problem gambling is a serious condition, but recovery is possible with the right support. If you are struggling with gambling, please do not hesitate to contact one of the organisations listed above. They offer free, confidential, and non-judgmental assistance 24/7.
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone.