Play Responsibly with Very Well
Very Well is committed to promoting safer gambling for all players across the United Kingdom. Betting should remain a form of entertainment, and the platform provides practical tools to help you manage your activity responsibly. From deposit limits to self-exclusion options, a range of player protection features is available to support your wellbeing. Professional assistance is also accessible whenever you need it.
Responsible Gambling Guidelines
Gambling always carries an element of risk and should be approached with care and awareness. Treating it as a leisure activity rather than a financial solution helps you maintain a healthy relationship with betting. The following principles can support a safer and more controlled experience:
- Set a budget before you play: Decide in advance how much money you are prepared to spend and do not exceed that amount;
- Treat gambling as entertainment: View any money spent as the cost of leisure, not as an investment or a source of income;
- Avoid chasing losses: Attempting to recover lost money by continuing to bet is one of the most common causes of problem gambling;
- Take regular breaks: Stepping away from the platform at intervals helps you maintain perspective and avoid impulsive decisions;
- Track your spending: Monitoring your deposits and wagers over time gives you a clear picture of your gambling habits;
- Never gamble under the influence: Alcohol and emotional distress can impair judgment and lead to decisions you may later regret;
- Keep gambling separate from personal finances: Only use funds that are not allocated to essential living expenses such as rent, bills, or food.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Identifying gambling-related difficulties at an early stage can prevent more serious harm. The table below outlines common warning signs, what each may indicate, and the recommended course of action.
| Warning Sign | What It May Indicate | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Spending more than intended | Loss of control over betting behaviour | Set strict deposit and session limits immediately |
| Chasing losses | Emotional rather than rational decision-making | Take a break and contact support services |
| Gambling with borrowed money | Financial strain caused by gambling activity | Seek advice from a debt or gambling support organisation |
| Neglecting work or family responsibilities | Gambling is taking priority over daily life | Use self-exclusion tools and reach out to a professional |
| Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling | Psychological dependency on betting activity | Contact a confidential helpline such as GamCare |
| Lying about gambling habits | Awareness that behaviour has become problematic | Speak to a trusted person or professional counsellor |
| Failed attempts to stop or cut back | Addiction may have developed | Seek formal support through the NHS or GambleAware |
| Using gambling to cope with stress or low mood | Gambling is being used as an emotional escape | Access mental health resources alongside gambling support |
Steps to Stay in Control
Adopting healthy habits can significantly reduce the risks associated with gambling. The steps below offer practical guidance for maintaining control over your activity.
- Set deposit limits: Use the responsible gambling tools in your account settings to cap the amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Use session time limits: Configure time alerts or automatic session limits so that you are reminded when you have been playing for a set period.
- Activate cooling-off periods: A short break from the platform of 24 hours or more can help you regain perspective after an intense session.
- Apply self-exclusion: If you feel you are losing control, self-exclusion prevents access to your account for a chosen period, from weeks to years.
- Monitor your account history: Reviewing your transaction and betting history regularly helps you identify patterns before they become problematic.
- Avoid gambling when distressed: Emotional states such as stress, anxiety, or grief can affect your judgment; step away from the platform during these times.
- Seek support early: Reaching out to a friend, family member, or professional organisation at the first sign of difficulty is always more effective than waiting.
- Register with GAMSTOP: The National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme allows you to restrict access to all UK-licensed gambling sites simultaneously at no cost.
Professional Help and Support Resources
A number of reputable organisations in the United Kingdom offer free and confidential support to individuals experiencing gambling-related harm. These services assist both those directly affected and their families or close friends. The organisations listed below are officially recognised and available to UK residents.
| Organisation | Type of Support | Availability in the UK | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| GamCare | Free counselling, helpline, and online chat | Nationwide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week | gamcare.org.uk |
| GambleAware | Education, early intervention, and treatment referrals | Nationwide | begambleaware.org |
| GAMSTOP | National self-exclusion scheme for UK-licensed sites | Nationwide, online registration | gamstop.co.uk |
| Gamblers Anonymous UK | Peer support group meetings and fellowship programme | Nationwide with local chapters | gamblersanonymous.org.uk |
| NHS Northern Gambling Service | Specialist NHS treatment for gambling disorder | Available across the North of England | northerngamblingservice.nhs.uk |
| Gordon Moody | Residential and online treatment programmes | Nationwide referral | gordonmoody.org.uk |
Contact Very Well Support
The Very Well support team is available to assist you with responsible gambling tools, account restrictions, or any concerns related to your betting activity. Players are encouraged to reach out at any time using the channels listed below.
- Live Chat: For immediate assistance with setting limits, activating self-exclusion, or general account queries, live chat is available directly through the platform;
- Email Support: For detailed enquiries, written requests, or documentation related to responsible gambling measures, contact the support team via the official email address listed in your account area;
- Help Centre: The platform’s dedicated help section contains step-by-step guidance on all responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, session timers, and self-exclusion options.
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