Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment

At Something To Smile About, we believe gambling should be enjoyable entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting on sports through Betfair should only be done with money you can afford to lose, and it should never interfere with your essential expenses like rent, bills, or food.

Remember: the odds are always in favour of the betting operator. Play responsibly and within your means.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in Great Britain. This is a legal requirement. If you are under 18, please do not place bets.

Parents and guardians: if you're concerned about a young person's gambling, please seek support from the resources listed below.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do you recognise any of these warning signs? If so, you may be developing a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win money back
• Spending more money or time gambling than intended
• Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems
• Neglecting work, family, or hobbies due to gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble
• Feeling irritable or anxious when trying to cut down on gambling
• Lying about how much you gamble or how much money you've lost
• Experiencing financial difficulties as a result of gambling
• Unable to set or stick to spending limits

If you recognise several of these signs, it's important to seek help.

Self-Help Tools & Deposit Limits

Betfair offers several tools to help you gamble responsibly:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit in a given period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose over a specific period
• Reality Checks: Receive notifications about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from Betfair and other betting operators
• Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period without closing your account permanently

Using these tools can help you maintain control over your gambling. We encourage all players to use at least one of these features.

Support Organisations & Helplines

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, these organisations offer free, confidential support:

United Kingdom

• GamCare: Free, confidential gambling support service
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Telephone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamStop: National Self-Exclusion Scheme - register to exclude yourself from all online gambling operators
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  Telephone: 0800 197 8225
• Gamblers Anonymous: Self-help support group meetings across the UK
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
  Telephone: 0330 094 0322
• National Problem Gambling Clinic (NHS): Specialist NHS treatment service
  Website: NHS Problem Gambling Service

International Support

• Australia: Gambling Help Online
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

If You Need Help

Please reach out. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available. Whether you contact GamCare, GamStop, or another organisation above, taking the first step to seek help is the most important one.

You can also talk to your GP, who can refer you to specialist services in your area.

You are not alone. Help is available 24/7 and is completely free and confidential.