Responsible gambling means enjoying betting as a form of entertainment while remaining aware of the risks and maintaining control at all times. British Racecourses is committed to promoting responsible gambling and providing information to help users make informed and sensible decisions when engaging with betting-related content.
Horse racing and betting are closely linked within the sport. Still, gambling can become harmful if it stops being enjoyable, begins to cause financial difficulty or affects personal wellbeing, work or relationships. Some individuals may find it difficult to control their gambling behaviour, which can lead to stress and other negative consequences. Recognising these risks is an essential step towards safer gambling.
Common warning signs that gambling may be becoming a problem include difficulty stopping or cutting back, chasing losses, spending more time or money than intended, hiding gambling behaviour, gambling to escape personal issues, or allowing gambling to interfere with daily responsibilities. If any of these signs sound familiar, support is available and seeking help is strongly encouraged.
British Racecourses provides links to recognised organisations that offer free, confidential advice and support for individuals affected by gambling-related harm, including BeGambleAware, GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous, the National Problem Gambling Clinic and the National Gambling Helpline. These organisations also offer help to friends and family members who may be affected by someone else’s gambling.
To help keep gambling under control, users are encouraged to set spending limits in advance, only gamble with money they can afford to lose, avoid chasing losses, take regular breaks and make use of self-exclusion or blocking tools where necessary. Gambling should always remain a choice and never feel compulsory.
British Racecourses takes a responsible approach to gambling-related content across the site. Betting information, guides and tips are provided for informational purposes only and reflect opinion rather than guaranteed outcomes. We do not promote gambling as a way to make money or resolve financial problems, and all betting content is intended for adults aged 18 and over. Where betting operators are referenced, they are limited to bookmakers that are licensed and regulated by recognised authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission.
Additional tools are available to help users stay in control, including self-exclusion schemes, gambling site blocking software and banking controls that restrict gambling transactions. These tools can provide practical support for those who feel they need extra safeguards.
If you have concerns about gambling-related content on British Racecourses or believe that gambling may be affecting you or someone you know, please use the contact details and support links provided on this page. British Racecourses is committed to promoting safe, responsible and transparent information about horse racing and betting.
Please gamble responsibly.
Why Responsible Gambling Matters
Horse racing and betting are closely linked in UK culture. However, gambling can become harmful if:
- It stops being fun
- It affects relationships or finances
- It leads to compulsive behaviour or stress
Some players may experience difficulty stopping or controlling their gambling, which can impact daily life. Recognising these risks is an important part of promoting safer gambling
Gambling Addiction Warning Signs
Here are some common indicators that gambling may be becoming a problem: British Race Courses
- Difficulty stopping or cutting back on gambling
- Increasing gambling to chase losses
- Spending more time or money than intended
- Gambling interferes with work, relationships or other responsibilities
- Lying or hiding the extent of gambling behaviour
- Using gambling to escape personal problems
If you recognise these signs, please consider seeking support.
Resources for Responsible Gambling
Here is a list of the best responsible gambling resources:
- BeGambleAware
- Gamcare
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Be Gamble Aware
- Counselling Directory
- Samaritans
- Gordon Moody Association
- The National Problem Gambling Clinic
Internet Advertising Blocking
The blocking of gambling advertising is a great way to combat gambling addiction. Out of sight, out of mind.
The best advertising block resources are:
- GamStop
- Net Nanny
- Cybersitter
- GamBan
Play It Safe – Practical Tips
To keep gambling fun and under control:
- Set a spending limit before you start
- Never chase losses
- Take regular breaks
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Use self-exclusion tools if needed
- Talk to someone you trust about your gambling
Gambling should always be a choice, not a compulsion
Is gambling a mental illness?
Gambling has different levels of use and is carried out for various reasons.
People gamble for a whole range of reasons, and gambling moderately is not a problem.
However, gambling can become an addiction and can be harmful to our mental health.
Safer Gambling Week
Safer gambling is about being able to gamble without putting yourself or others at risk.
BoomtownBingo is excited to take part in Safer Gambling Week.
We encourage all of our visitors to learn about safer gambling in the UK.
When the fun stops, stop meaning?
“When the fun stops, stop” is a concept that encourages self-reflection on gamblers’ negative emotions at the moment of placing a bet.
Many players gamble online because they enjoy the excitement and fun.
The “when the fun stops, stop” phrase is to make sure it is for fun you are gambling and not the addictive personality taking over.
Can a gambler just stop?
Gambling is an addiction, and you can suffer withdrawal symptoms like drug addicts when trying to stop.
Quitting gambling at any time can affect us all in different ways.
Many people still consider gambling addiction to be primarily a financial problem and don’t understand that deep and profound control that it can have over a person.
This is why Responsible Gambling Resources on this page is vital for gamblers to know about.
Our Commitment
British Racecourses takes responsible gambling seriously and aims to support visitors by:
- Educating about the risks and warning signs of problem gambling
- Providing links to reputable support organisations
- Helping users find safer gambling information across the site
- Only featuring bookmakers that are licensed and regulated by recognised authorities such as the UK Gambling Commission
This site is intended for adults aged 18+ only, in accordance with UK gambling regulations.
Contact & Feedback
If you have concerns about gambling content on British Racecourses or need support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our Contact Page. We are committed to providing clear, responsible information to all users.
Additional Resources
Please Gamble Responsibly!
