Responsible Gambling
Gambling should always be safe, fun, and within your means. This page provides resources and guidance to help you bet responsibly.
Betting Safely
Follow these principles for safe betting:
- Set a Budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start betting. Never bet money you need for bills, rent, or essentials.
- Never Chase Losses: If you lose, accept it. Don't try to win back losses by betting more—this leads to bigger losses.
- Take Regular Breaks: Don't bet continuously for hours. Step away, do something else, and return with a clear head.
- Don't Bet Under Influence: Avoid betting when drunk, stressed, or emotional. Make decisions with a clear mind.
- Treat It as Entertainment: Betting is not a way to make money or solve financial problems. Treat it like paying for a movie or a meal out.
Use Bookmaker Tools
All UK-licensed bookmakers offer responsible gambling tools. Use them:
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit.
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you can lose over a period.
- Time-Outs: Take a short break (24 hours to 6 weeks) from your account.
- Self-Exclusion: Close your account for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
- Reality Checks: Get pop-up reminders of how long you've been betting.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling becomes a problem when it negatively affects your life. Warning signs include:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Lying to family, friends, or colleagues about gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression
- Neglecting work, studies, or relationships due to gambling
- Feeling guilty, ashamed, or anxious about gambling
If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone you care about, seek help immediately.
Where to Get Help
🆘 National Gambling Helpline
0808 8020 133
Free, confidential, 24/7 helpline staffed by trained advisors.
🌐 BeGambleAware
BeGambleAware.org
Leading UK charity providing support, information, and treatment for problem gambling. Offers online chat, forums, and resources.
🛑 GamStop
GamStop.co.uk
Free self-exclusion scheme. Register to block yourself from all UK-licensed gambling sites for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Quick and easy to set up.
💚 GamCare
GamCare.org.uk
Provides free counselling, support groups, and a helpline (0808 8020 133, shared with National Gambling Helpline). Also offers online chat and forums.
🏥 Gordon Moody Association
GordonMoody.org.uk
Residential treatment and support for men and women with severe gambling addiction. Offers 12-week residential programmes and ongoing aftercare.
👨👩👧 Gamblers Anonymous
GamblersAnonymous.org.uk
Peer support fellowship. Free meetings across the UK (in-person and online) where people with gambling problems support each other.
🔒 GamBan
Gamban.com
Software that blocks access to gambling sites and apps on your devices (phone, tablet, computer). Subscription service (with free trial) for extra protection.
Support for Families
Problem gambling affects not just the gambler but also their loved ones. Resources for families include:
- GamAnon: GamAnon.org.uk – Support group for partners, family, and friends affected by someone else's gambling.
- National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 – Advisors can guide families on how to help a loved one.
Underage Gambling Prevention
It is illegal to gamble under 18 in the UK. Parents and guardians:
- Monitor children's online activity and device usage
- Use parental controls to block gambling sites
- Educate children about the risks of gambling
- Be aware of "loot boxes" and in-game purchases that resemble gambling
If you suspect a minor is gambling, contact the bookmaker and the UK Gambling Commission.
Our Commitment
Grand National Betting Offers is committed to promoting safe, responsible gambling. We:
- Only feature UK Gambling Commission-licensed bookmakers
- Provide clear, balanced information without encouraging reckless betting
- Prominently display responsible gambling resources
- Support initiatives like GamStop and BeGambleAware
Remember: Betting on the Grand National should be fun. If it stops being fun, stop betting.