Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution

At Culinary Medicine College, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Betting and casino games should only ever be viewed as entertainment. They are games of chance with a house edge – never rely on gambling as a way to make money or solve financial problems.

If you choose to participate in online betting, please do so within your means and with full awareness of the risks involved.

Age Verification

All gambling products are strictly for individuals aged 18 years and over in the UK, or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. If you are under the legal age in your country, please do not attempt to access betting sites.

Our affiliate partners implement strict age verification procedures to protect minors.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Please be honest with yourself. If you recognise any of the following warning signs, you may be developing a problem with gambling:

• Chasing losses – trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
• Hiding your gambling activity from family or friends
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Gambling with money meant for bills, rent, or essential expenses
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down
• Lying about the extent of your gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
• Neglecting work, school, family, or hobbies due to gambling
• Experiencing relationship problems because of your gambling
• Gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions

If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.

Self-Help Tools & Controls

Reputable betting operators offer built-in responsible gaming tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a day, week, or month
• Loss Limits: Cap the maximum amount you're prepared to lose during a session or time period
• Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets
• Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders of how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
• Time-Outs (Cool-Off): Take a mandatory break from gambling for a set period (hours or days)
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account if you feel you need to step back

Use these tools proactively. They exist to help you maintain control and enjoy gambling responsibly.

Support Organisations & Helplines

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, confidential support is available:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free, confidential support and counselling
  www.gamcare.org.uk
  Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme covering all licensed UK betting operators
  www.gamstop.co.uk
  Allows you to self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed gambling operators simultaneously
• National Problem Gambling Clinic (NPGC) – NHS specialist treatment service in London
  Phone: 020 7054 2000

International Support

• Australia: Gambling Help Online
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
  www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
  www.ncpgambling.org
  1-800-522-4700 (confidential helpline)
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  www.bzga.de

All support services are confidential and non-judgmental. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If You Need Help

Problem gambling is treatable. If you or someone close to you is struggling with gambling:

• Speak to someone: Contact one of the support organisations above – they're available 24/7
• Tell a trusted person: Share your concerns with family, friends, or a healthcare professional
• Use self-exclusion: Register with GamStop (UK) or your operator's self-exclusion programme immediately
• Seek professional help: Counselling and therapy can make a real difference

Remember: It's never too late to ask for help.

This information is provided for harm reduction purposes only. Culinary Medicine College promotes responsible gambling and does not endorse excessive or problem gambling. All users must comply with local laws and regulations in their jurisdiction. If you have a problem with gambling, please seek professional support immediately.