Responsible Gaming

Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming

At Sweet Bonanza UK, we recognize that while gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment, it can also lead to serious problems for some individuals. We are committed to:

• Promoting safe, responsible gambling practices
• Providing information and resources to help players stay in control
• Identifying and supporting those at risk of problem gambling
• Preventing underage gambling (18+ only)
• Complying with UK Gambling Commission standards
• Supporting research and treatment for gambling addiction

What is Responsible Gaming?

Responsible gaming means gambling in a way that is:

• Recreational: For fun and entertainment, not financial gain
• Controlled: Within predetermined time and money limits
• Affordable: Using only money you can afford to lose
• Balanced: Not interfering with work, relationships, or responsibilities
• Informed: Understanding odds, house edge, and risks involved

The Mathematics of Gambling

It's crucial to understand that:

• All casino games have a built-in house edge (e.g., Sweet Bonanza is 3.49%)
• The longer you play, the more likely you are to lose
• You cannot "beat the system" with any strategy or pattern
• Past results don't influence future outcomes (each spin is random)
• Chasing losses almost always leads to bigger losses

Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Be honest with yourself - do any of these apply to you?

Financial Warning Signs

Behavioral Warning Signs

Self-Assessment Tools

Answer these questions honestly to assess your gambling behavior:

Quick Self-Assessment (GamCare 10-Point Test)

Have you in the past 12 months:

1. Bet more than you could really afford to lose?
2. Needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?
3. Gone back another day to try to win back money you lost?
4. Borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
5. Felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
6. Caused yourself any health problems, including stress or anxiety, because of gambling?
7. Been criticized for your betting or told that you had a gambling problem?
8. Caused any financial problems for you or your household?
9. Felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?

For a more comprehensive assessment, visit:

• GamCare Assessment: gamcare.org.uk
• BeGambleAware Test: begambleaware.org

How to Gamble Responsibly

If you choose to gamble, follow these guidelines to stay in control:

Before You Start

• Set a strict budget: Decide exactly how much you can afford to lose (not win)
• Set time limits: Maximum 60-90 minutes per session
• Never gamble when: Drunk, stressed, depressed, or under pressure
• Only use disposable income: Never gamble with money needed for essentials
• Understand the game: Know the RTP, odds, and house edge

While You're Playing

• Stick to your limits: Stop when you hit time or money limit - no exceptions
• Take regular breaks: At least 15 minutes every hour
• Never chase losses: Accept losses as the cost of entertainment
• Don't increase bets: Keep bet size consistent throughout session
• Stay sober: Alcohol impairs judgment and lowers inhibitions
• Track your play: Keep a log of deposits, withdrawals, time spent

After Playing

• Review your session: Did you stay within limits? How do you feel?
• Take a break: Wait at least 24 hours before playing again
• Balance your life: Maintain hobbies, relationships, work unrelated to gambling
• Be honest: Talk to friends/family about your gambling

Tools to Help You Stay in Control

UK-licensed casinos are required to offer these responsible gambling tools. Use them!

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit. Once you hit the limit, you cannot deposit more until the period resets. We recommend:

• Daily limit: £20-50 for casual players
• Weekly limit: £100-200 maximum
• Monthly limit: £300-500 maximum

Pro tip: Set these at your absolute maximum, not what you "plan" to spend. You can always deposit less.

Loss Limits

Set the maximum amount you can lose in a period. More protective than deposit limits because they account for winnings you might reinvest.

Time Limits

Many casinos offer session time limits that automatically log you out after X minutes. Set this to 60-90 minutes maximum.

Reality Checks

Pop-up reminders every 15-30 minutes showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent. Interrupts "trance-like" play states.

Self-Exclusion

Temporarily or permanently block yourself from a casino or all UKGC-licensed casinos:

• Casino Self-Exclusion: Block yourself from specific casinos (6 months to 5 years)
• GamStop: Block yourself from ALL UK-licensed gambling sites (6 months to 5 years)
• GamBan: Software that blocks gambling sites on your devices (free trial available)

Getting Help - UK Resources

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, these organizations provide free, confidential support:

Helping Someone with a Gambling Problem

If you're concerned about a friend or family member's gambling:

What to Do

• Approach with care: Choose a calm time, express concern without judgment
• Listen without lecturing: Let them talk about their feelings and struggles
• Educate yourself: Understand gambling addiction is a medical condition, not a choice
• Offer practical help: Research treatment options, offer to attend counseling together
• Set boundaries: Don't enable by lending money or covering their losses
• Encourage professional help: Suggest calling National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133)
• Take care of yourself: Contact Gam-Anon for support for affected families

What NOT to Do

• ❌ Lecture, shame, or blame them
• ❌ Try to control their behavior by force
• ❌ Lend them money or pay their gambling debts
• ❌ Ignore the problem hoping it will resolve itself
• ❌ Make threats you won't follow through on

Underage Gambling Prevention

Gambling is illegal for anyone under 18 in the UK. We are committed to preventing underage gambling:

For Parents and Guardians

• Monitor internet use: Use parental controls, check browsing history
• Educate about risks: Talk openly about gambling dangers and addiction
• Secure payment methods: Don't leave credit cards accessible to children
• Watch for warning signs: Unexplained spending, secrecy, mood changes
• Set a good example: Model responsible gambling or abstinence

Warning Signs in Young People

• Talking about gambling or showing unusual interest in betting
• Spending time on gambling websites or apps
• Having unexplained money or possessions
• Missing money from home
• Declining school performance or truancy
• Mood swings, irritability, or depression

If you suspect a young person is gambling, contact GamCare (0808 8020 133) for advice on how to help them.

Our Responsible Gaming Practices

As an informational website about gambling, we take these steps to promote responsible gaming:

• ✅ Provide clear information about risks and odds
• ✅ Only recommend UKGC-licensed casinos with responsible gambling tools
• ✅ Display responsible gambling warnings prominently
• ✅ Link to help organizations on every page
• ✅ Educate about bankroll management and limits
• ✅ Never promote gambling as a way to make money
• ✅ Highlight problem gambling warning signs
• ✅ Offer free demo mode to practice without risk
• ✅ Comply with UK advertising standards (no ads targeting minors, no irresponsible messaging)

Contact Us About Responsible Gaming

If you have concerns, feedback, or suggestions about our responsible gaming practices: