Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Bushey Village Cafe, we believe gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or attending a sporting event. It should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Casino games are designed with a mathematical edge in favour of the house, meaning that over time, players are more likely to lose than win.
Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Gambling is strictly for adults only. In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in any form of gambling, including casino games.
If you are under 18, or if you are in a jurisdiction where the legal gambling age is higher than 18, you must not use any gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to implement parental controls and discuss the risks of gambling with young people.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop without you realising it. Please be aware of the following warning signs:
- Chasing Losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding Your Gambling: Being secretive about the amount you gamble or the money you spend
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Skipping work, school, or family commitments to gamble
- Spending More Than Intended: Regularly gambling longer or with more money than you planned
- Gambling to Escape Problems: Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
- Borrowing Money to Gamble: Taking loans or using credit to fund your gambling
- Unsuccessful Quit Attempts: Trying to cut down or stop gambling but being unable to do so
- Mood Changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
- Relationship Problems: Gambling causing conflict with family, friends, or partners
- Financial Difficulties: Experiencing money problems as a result of gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools and Controls
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you're willing to accept before stopping
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during your gaming session to help you keep track of time spent gambling
- Time Limits: Set a maximum duration for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a casino or gaming platform
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
If your chosen casino does not offer these tools, we recommend choosing a different provider. Responsible operators prioritise player safety.
Support Organisations
If you are struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please contact one of the following organisations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free support, counselling, and information for problem gamblers and their families
www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential) - GamStop – The UK's National Self-Exclusion Scheme. Register to be excluded from all online gambling operators at once
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gamblers Anonymous – A peer support group offering free meetings across the UK
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk - National Problem Gambling Clinic – NHS-funded treatment for gambling disorder
Phone: 0203 228 0000
Other Jurisdictions
- 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)
www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support – gambling disorder is a recognised health condition, and professional help is available and effective.
Contact one of the organisations listed above, speak to your GP, or call a helpline. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can begin your recovery.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is available 24/7.