Responsible Gaming
Introduction
At Huddersfield Jazz Guitar Festival, we believe that gambling should be enjoyed as entertainment only, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While we provide information about online casinos, it is crucial to understand that casino games are games of chance with a built-in house edge. You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble more than you can comfortably spare.
Age Verification
Online gambling is only for individuals aged 18 years and over (or the legal age in your jurisdiction). It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online in the United Kingdom. All casinos we affiliate with have strict age verification processes. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble online. If you are aware of a minor gambling, please contact the relevant authorities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses: Attempting to recover lost money by gambling more
- Hiding gambling activity: Concealing the extent or nature of your gambling from family and friends
- Loss of control: Gambling more frequently or with larger stakes than intended
- Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritizing gambling over work, education, family, or personal care
- Using gambling to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other negative emotions
- Financial problems: Borrowing money to gamble or gambling with money intended for bills and essentials
- Failed attempts to stop: Repeated unsuccessful efforts to cut back or quit gambling
- Withdrawal symptoms: Feeling irritable, anxious, or restless when not gambling
- Tolerance: Needing to gamble with increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Relationship conflicts: Arguments with loved ones about gambling habits
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum stake you can place on individual bets
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during your gaming session to check how long you have been playing
- Time-Out (Cool-Off Period): Temporarily suspend your account for a period of time (hours, days, or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily close your account to prevent access
Take advantage of these tools—they are designed specifically to help you maintain control.
Support Organizations
If you are struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. Please reach out to one of these organizations:
United Kingdom
- GamCare: A leading UK charity providing free, confidential advice and support
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential) - GamStop: The National Self-Exclusion Scheme for Great Britain
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling operators - National Problem Gambling Clinic (NPGC): NHS-funded clinic in London providing treatment
Phone: 020 7054 2345
International Resources
- Australia – Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada – Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States – National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org | 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): www.bzga.de (German language support)
Call to Action
If you suspect you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support—professional assistance can make a real difference. Reach out to one of the organizations listed above, speak to your GP, or call a national helpline. Recovery is possible, and help is available 24/7.
Remember: Gambling should never interfere with your health, relationships, finances, or overall wellbeing. Play responsibly, know your limits, and enjoy gambling only as harmless entertainment.