Responsible Gambling — Cheesy Casino
Last Updated: 22 March 2026
Play Safely, Play Responsibly
At Cheesy Casino, we're committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling. Gambling should be an enjoyable form of entertainment, not a way to solve financial problems or cope with life's challenges. This page provides essential information, tools, and support resources to help you stay in control.
Recognise the Signs
When Gambling Becomes Problematic
It's important to recognise when gambling may be becoming a problem. Warning signs include:
- Chasing losses — Continuing to gamble to win back money you've lost
- Spending more than you can afford — Using money meant for essentials (rent, bills, food)
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Lying about gambling habits to family, friends, or colleagues
- Neglecting responsibilities — Work, family, or personal obligations suffer
- Feeling stressed or anxious about gambling
- Gambling for longer or with more money than intended
- Withdrawing from social activities to gamble instead
If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Free Support Organisations
GambleAware
GambleAware is the leading gambling treatment and support charity in Great Britain. They provide free, confidential support and information for anyone affected by problem gambling.
- Website: www.gambleaware.org
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
- Online Chat: Available through their website
- Email: support@gambleaware.org
What They Offer:
- Free information and support
- Referrals to specialist treatment services
- Self-help tools and resources
- Support for family and friends affected by someone else's gambling
GamStop
GamStop is a free self-exclusion scheme that allows you to exclude yourself from all UK-licensed gambling websites at once.
- Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
- Registration: Free and online
- Exclusion Periods: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
How It Works:
- Register with GamStop (takes less than 10 minutes)
- Choose your exclusion period (minimum 6 months)
- Once registered, you'll be blocked from accessing all UK-licensed gambling sites
- During the exclusion period, you cannot reactivate your account or create a new one
Important: GamStop is not instant — it can take up to 24 hours for your exclusion to take effect across all operators. During this time, please do not attempt to gamble.
Registration: To register for GamStop, visit gamstop.co.uk. You can self-exclude from all UK-licensed gambling sites in minutes.
GamCare
GamCare provides information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling, including family and friends.
- Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
- Online Chat: Available through their website
- Forum: Free peer support community
What They Offer:
- Free counselling and support
- Treatment services
- Information for families and friends
- Online resources and self-help tools
- Therapist-led treatment programmes
Self-Exclusion Tools
What Is Self-Exclusion?
Self-exclusion is a voluntary process that allows you to ban yourself from gambling venues or websites for a set period. It's one of the most effective tools for controlling gambling behaviour.
Types of Self-Exclusion
1. Operator-Level Exclusion
You can ask individual gambling operators to close your account and exclude you from their site. This is free and can be done instantly.
How to Request:
- Contact customer support directly
- Request account closure and self-exclusion
- Specify the exclusion period (minimum 6 months for UK operators)
- Confirm in writing (email is acceptable)
Your Rights:
- Operators must close your account immediately
- Any bonus funds will be forfeited
- Deposits made during the exclusion period must be returned
- You cannot reopen the account until the exclusion period ends
2. Multi-Operator Exclusion (GamStop)
As mentioned above, GamStop allows you to exclude from all UK-licensed operators simultaneously. This is the most comprehensive option.
Coverage:
- All UKGC-licensed online casinos
- Online betting sites
- Online bingo sites
- Online poker rooms
Limitations:
- Does not cover non-UK licensed operators
- Does not cover land-based venues (see below)
- Cannot be reversed during the exclusion period
3. Land-Based Venue Exclusion
For physical casinos, betting shops, and gaming venues, you can request exclusion directly from each venue.
How to Request:
- Visit the venue and speak to management
- Request to be added to their self-exclusion list
- Provide identification and a photograph (if required)
- The venue will refuse you entry and remove you from loyalty programmes
Multi-Venue Schemes: Some regions offer multi-venue self-exclusion schemes. Ask venue staff about local options.
Deposit Limits
What Are Deposit Limits?
Deposit limits allow you to set a maximum amount you can deposit into your gambling account over a specific period (daily, weekly, or monthly).
How to Set Limits
Through Your Account:
- Log into your gambling account
- Navigate to "Account Settings" or "Responsible Gambling"
- Select "Deposit Limits"
- Choose your limit amount and period
- Confirm the limit
Through the Operator:
- Contact customer support to set limits on your behalf
- Request limits via email (keep a record)
Important Rules
- Limits cannot be increased immediately — UKGC requires a 24-hour cooling-off period before any increase takes effect
- Limits apply across all your accounts with that operator
- You can decrease limits at any time — this takes effect immediately
- Limits reset at the end of each period — they do not carry over
Time-Outs
What Is a Time-Out?
A time-out is a shorter break from gambling than self-exclusion. It allows you to take a break from 24 hours up to 6 weeks.
How to Request a Time-Out
- Log into your account or contact customer support
- Request a time-out for your chosen period
- Your account will be suspended for the duration
- You cannot reactivate early — you must wait until the time-out expires
Benefits:
- Shorter than self-exclusion
- Gives you time to reflect without a long-term commitment
- Can be used repeatedly
Reality Checks
What Are Reality Checks?
Reality checks are pop-up notifications that remind you how long you've been gambling during a session.
How to Enable
- Go to your account settings
- Find "Reality Checks" or "Session Reminders"
- Choose your reminder frequency (5 minutes to 60 minutes)
- Enable the feature
What Happens:
- A pop-up appears at your chosen interval
- Shows how long you've been playing
- Gives you the option to continue or take a break
- Some operators require you to log out after a certain number of reminders
Financial Tools
Third-Party Payment Blockers
Several services allow you to block gambling transactions from your bank account:
Gamban
- Website: www.gamban.com
- Cost: Subscription-based (often free through treatment programmes)
- Blocks: Online gambling sites and apps across all devices
- Coverage: Works on computers, smartphones, and tablets
BetBlocker
- Website: www.betblocker.org
- Cost: Free
- Blocks: Thousands of gambling websites
- Coverage: Multiple devices, customisable exclusion periods
Gamblock
- Website: www.gamblock.com
- Cost: Subscription-based
- Blocks: Online gambling across all platforms
- Additional Features: Blocking software for computers and mobile devices
Bank-Level Blocking
Many UK banks now offer built-in gambling transaction blocking:
- Barclays: SpendGuard feature
- HSBC: Gambling transaction controls
- Lloyds: Spending controls via mobile app
- NatWest: Transaction filters for gambling
Check with your bank for specific options.
Tips for Responsible Gambling
Before You Start
- Set a budget — Only use money you can afford to lose
- Set a time limit — Decide how long you'll play before you start
- Never chase losses — Accept that losing is part of gambling
- Don't gamble under the influence — Alcohol and drugs impair judgment
- Treat it as entertainment — Not a way to make money
During Your Session
- Take regular breaks — Step away from the screen
- Monitor your spending — Keep track of how much you're depositing
- Use reality checks — Enable session reminders
- Stick to your limits — Don't exceed your pre-set budget or time
After You Finish
- Review your activity — Check your transaction history
- Reflect on your experience — Did you stay within your limits?
- Plan your next session — Set new limits if you'll be gambling again
Help for Family and Friends
If Someone You Know Has a Gambling Problem
Signs to Watch For:
- Unexplained absences or secretive behaviour
- Financial difficulties despite adequate income
- Mood swings related to gambling wins or losses
- Neglect of responsibilities or relationships
- Borrowing money or selling possessions
How to Help:
- Talk openly and without judgment — Express concern, not anger
- Encourage professional help — Suggest contacting GambleAware or GamCare
- Don't provide money — This can enable the behaviour
- Set boundaries — Protect your own financial and emotional wellbeing
- Seek support for yourself — Organisations like GamCare offer support for families
Support Organisations for Families
- GamCare Family Support: Free counselling for families affected by someone else's gambling
- GambleAware: Resources and support for families
- Gam-Anon: Support groups for families of problem gamblers (international)
Gambling and Mental Health
The Connection
Problem gambling and mental health issues often go hand in hand:
- Anxiety and depression can trigger gambling as a coping mechanism
- Gambling problems can cause or worsen anxiety and depression
- Stress from gambling losses can lead to a downward spiral
Getting Help
If you're struggling with both gambling and mental health:
- Contact your GP — They can refer you to specialist services
- Use dual diagnosis services — Some organisations specialise in treating both issues
- Be honest with professionals — Tell them about both your gambling and mental health concerns
NHS Services:
- Many areas have specialist gambling treatment services
- Community mental health teams can provide support
- Crisis teams available 24/7 for urgent situations
Young People and Gambling
Protecting Under-18s
It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble in the UK. This includes:
- Online casinos and betting sites
- Land-based casinos and betting shops
- Lottery tickets and scratchcards
- Gaming machines in pubs and arcades
What Parents Should Know
Check Your Devices:
- Ensure gambling apps are not installed on family devices
- Use parental controls to block gambling websites
- Monitor browser history if concerned
Talk Openly:
- Discuss the risks of gambling with young people
- Explain that gambling is not a way to make money
- Encourage healthy alternatives for entertainment
If You're Concerned:
- Contact the National Gambling Helpline for advice
- Speak to school counsellors if a young person is at school
- Seek professional help if gambling behaviour is evident
What to Do If You Need Help
Immediate Steps
- Stop gambling — Close your accounts or use self-exclusion
- Contact a support organisation — Call the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133)
- Tell someone you trust — You don't have to face this alone
- Secure your finances — Consider using payment blockers or asking a trusted person to manage your money temporarily
Long-Term Recovery
- Seek professional treatment — Therapists specialise in gambling addiction
- Join a support group — Peer support can be invaluable
- Address underlying issues — Often gambling problems stem from other issues (depression, anxiety, trauma)
- Make lifestyle changes — Develop healthy coping mechanisms and hobbies
Our Commitment
At Cheesy Casino, we take responsible gambling seriously. We:
- Verify all operators are UKGC-licensed and committed to player protection
- Display responsible gambling resources prominently on every page
- Encourage safe gambling through our content and tools
- Provide clear information about risks and support options
- Never promote gambling as a solution to financial problems
Quick Links
| Organisation | Website | Helpline |
|---|---|---|
| GambleAware | gambleaware.org | 0808 8020 133 |
| GamStop | gamstop.co.uk | Free online registration |
| GamCare | gamcare.org.uk | 0808 8020 133 |
| Gamban | gamban.com | Paid service |
| BetBlocker | betblocker.org | Free |
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
Online Chat: Available through GambleAware and GamCare websites
Registration: To register for GamStop, visit gamstop.co.uk
This information is provided for guidance only. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek professional help immediately.
18+ | Play Responsibly