At Games Wales (gameswales.org), we are fundamentally committed to promoting responsible gambling and ensuring that our users are equipped with the information necessary to make informed, safe decisions. While we function as an informational and affiliate platform and do not operate as a gambling provider, we take our ethical obligations seriously and strictly advocate for the protection of individuals from gambling-related harm.
1. Acknowledgment of Risk
Gambling inherently involves a degree of financial risk and possesses the potential to become addictive. It must always be viewed strictly as a form of entertainment, not as a reliable source of income or a method for resolving financial difficulties. We strongly advise all users to gamble within their financial means and to establish rigid limits on both the time and capital they allocate to gambling activities.
2. Protection of Minors
Access to gambling products and services in the United Kingdom is strictly restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. Games Wales does not intentionally target, market to, or solicit information from minors. If you share your computer or mobile device with individuals under the legal gambling age, we mandate the use of parental control software, such as Net Nanny or CyberPatrol, to restrict access to gambling-related websites and applications.
3. Recognising Problem Gambling
It is imperative to critically monitor your gambling habits. You may be at risk of developing a gambling problem if you exhibit any of the following behaviours:
- Treating gambling as a primary or supplementary means of earning money.
- Consistently chasing losses in an attempt to recover depleted funds.
- Gambling with money allocated for essential living expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, or groceries).
- Concealing or lying to family, friends, or colleagues regarding the frequency or extent of your gambling activities.
- Experiencing heightened anxiety, stress, or depression directly correlated with gambling outcomes.
- Neglecting personal, professional, or social responsibilities in order to gamble.
4. Operator Tools and Self-Exclusion
If you determine that your gambling is becoming unmanageable, we strongly urge you to take immediate preventative action. All licensed gambling operators within the UK are legally required by the Gambling Commission to provide account management tools, which include:
- Deposit Limits: Mechanisms to cap the amount of money you can deposit within a daily, weekly, or monthly timeframe.
- Time-Outs: Provisions to temporarily suspend your access to gambling platforms for a predetermined short period (e.g., 24 hours to 6 weeks).
- Self-Exclusion: The ability to voluntarily and irrevocably block your access to a specific gambling platform for a more extended period (typically 6 months to 5 years).
Furthermore, we categorically recommend registering with GAMSTOP (gamstop.co.uk), a free national service that allows users to seamlessly self-exclude from all licensed online gambling companies operating within the United Kingdom.
5. UK & Wales Support Organisations
If you or an associate requires intervention or assistance with a gambling problem, independent professional support is readily available. Please refer to the following certified organisations:
- BeGambleAware: Provides confidential information, actionable advice, and support. Visit begambleaware.org or contact the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133.
- GamCare: The preeminent provider of information, advice, and practical support for anyone affected by problem gambling in Great Britain. Visit gamcare.org.uk.
- Ara (Recovery for All): Provides free, confidential advice and targeted counselling for problem gamblers specifically residing in Wales and the South West of England. Visit recovery4all.co.uk.
- Gamblers Anonymous UK: A fellowship of individuals sharing mutual experiences to aid in the recovery from gambling addiction. Visit gamblersanonymous.org.uk.
6. Contact Information
For administrative inquiries pertaining solely to this Responsible Gambling Policy, you may reach our compliance department using the details below. Notice: Games Wales does not employ medical professionals or counsellors and cannot provide crisis support. For immediate assistance regarding gambling addiction, please utilise the professional resources listed in Section 5.
Email: [email protected]
Mailing Address: Games Wales Compliance, [Placeholder Address], Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.