Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At Open Scholar Archive, we are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Gambling should only ever be viewed as entertainment – a form of leisure activity with money you can afford to lose. It is never a reliable way to make money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with disposable income that you have set aside for entertainment purposes, just as you would for cinema tickets or dining out.

Age Verification

Gambling in the United Kingdom is restricted to individuals aged 18 years or over. It is illegal for anyone under this age to participate in gambling activities. If you are under 18, please do not use any betting sites or gambling services.

By using any affiliated betting site through Open Scholar Archive, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and comply with all local gambling laws.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of these signs in your own behaviour, please seek help immediately:

• Chasing losses – gambling more to recover money you've lost
• Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
• Losing track of time or money spent gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to gamble
• Borrowing money to fund gambling
• Neglecting work, education, or personal relationships due to gambling
• Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce gambling
• Using gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, or depression
• Lying about the extent of your gambling

Self-Help Tools and Safer Gambling Features

Most responsible betting sites offer the following tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to deposit over a daily, weekly, or monthly period
• Loss Limits: Cap the maximum amount you are willing to lose during a set timeframe
• Reality Checks: Receive regular pop-up reminders of how long you have been playing and how much you've spent
• Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a specified period (hours, days, or weeks)
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a betting site for a minimum period (typically 6 months to several years)
• Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely

We strongly encourage you to use these features if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic.

Support Organisations

If you are struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. Here are trusted organisations providing free, confidential support:

United Kingdom

• GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk – Free counselling, support groups, and resources. Telephone: 0808 8020 133
• GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk – The National Self-Exclusion Scheme. Exclude yourself from all licensed UK gambling operators simultaneously
• National Problem Gambling Clinic: Specialised NHS treatment service offering therapy and assessment

International Support

• 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 – Call 1-800-522-4700
• Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): Offers information and counselling for gambling-related issues

If You Need Help, Reach Out

If gambling is causing you distress or financial hardship, please know that you are not alone and help is available. The organisations listed above offer free, confidential support with no judgment.

Contacting a support service is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many people have successfully overcome problem gambling with professional help and support from others.

Do not delay – reach out today if you need support.