Responsible Gaming

Last updated: 2026

Our Commitment to Safer Gambling

At BookBuddy (bookbuddy.org.uk), we believe that gambling — including playing at crypto casinos online — should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or escape from everyday life. Gambling outcomes are based on chance, the odds always favour the operator in the long run, and losses are a normal part of play.

While we review and recommend online casinos, we take our responsibility seriously. We only promote operators licensed to serve players in Great Britain, and we encourage every visitor to gamble safely, set limits, and know when to stop. If gambling stops being fun, it is time to take a break — and support is always available.

Age Verification — 18+ Only

In Great Britain, it is illegal to gamble if you are under 18 years of age. This applies to all forms of gambling, including online casinos that accept cryptocurrency.

• All licensed operators are legally required to verify your age and identity before you can deposit or play.
• You will be asked to provide valid identification (such as a passport or driving licence) during registration or withdrawal.
• Accounts found to belong to underage users will be closed, winnings voided, and deposits returned where required by law.
• If you share a device with minors, consider using parental control software such as NetNanny, GamBlock, or your device's built-in restrictions to block gambling content.

Never share your account, payment details, or crypto wallet access with anyone under 18.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone, and it often develops gradually. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you or someone you care about:

• ☐ Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money you have lost
• ☐ Gambling with money you cannot afford to lose (rent, bills, savings, borrowed funds)
• ☐ Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or colleagues
• ☐ Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
• ☐ Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using credit to fund gambling
• ☐ Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to cut down or stop
• ☐ Gambling to escape stress, depression, loneliness, or other problems
• ☐ Neglecting work, studies, relationships, or hobbies because of gambling
• ☐ Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to feel the same excitement
• ☐ Unsuccessfully trying to cut back, control, or stop gambling

If you ticked even one or two of these boxes, it may be a sign that your gambling is becoming harmful. Reaching out for support early makes a real difference.

Self-Help Tools Available to You

Every casino licensed by the UK Gambling Commission must offer player protection tools. We strongly recommend setting these up before you start playing:

• Deposit limits: Cap how much money you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Loss limits: Set a maximum amount you are prepared to lose within a set period.
• Session / time limits: Restrict how long you can play in a single session.
• Reality checks: On-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
• Time-outs (cooling-off periods): Take a short break from gambling — from 24 hours up to several weeks.
• Self-exclusion: Block yourself from a gambling site for a longer period (typically 6 months to 5 years). For GB players, GamStop lets you self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling sites at once, free of charge.
• Bank gambling blocks: Many UK banks (e.g., Monzo, Starling, Barclays, Lloyds) allow you to block gambling transactions on your debit card.
• Blocking software: Tools such as GamBan and BetBlocker can block access to gambling sites and apps across your devices.

Support Organisations

Free, confidential help is available — for you, and for family members or friends affected by someone else's gambling.

United Kingdom (Great Britain)

• GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk — Operates the National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7), plus live chat and treatment services.
• GamStop — www.gamstop.co.uk — Free national self-exclusion scheme covering all UK-licensed online gambling operators.
• BeGambleAware — www.begambleaware.org — Information, advice, and signposting to support services across Great Britain.
• Gamblers Anonymous UK — www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk — Peer support meetings across the UK.

International Support

• Australia: Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free 24/7 counselling and support.
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling — www.ncpgambling.org — Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — www.check-dein-spiel.de — Hotline: 0800 1 37 27 00 (free).

If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today

Recognising that gambling is causing harm is a sign of strength, not weakness. If any of the warning signs above sound familiar, please take action now:

• Self-exclude immediately via GamStop.
• Call the National Gambling Helpline free on 0808 8020 133 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Talk to someone you trust, and consider speaking with your GP.

Remember: gambling should be fun. When the fun stops, stop.