Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Fun, Not Financial

At Elle Hair and Beauty, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Gambling should only ever be viewed as entertainment – a form of fun with money you can afford to lose. It is never a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or generate income. If you find yourself gambling to make money or recover losses, it's time to seek support.

Age Verification

All gambling activities in the UK are restricted to individuals aged 18 years and over. If you are under 18, you must not gamble. Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with young people about the risks associated with gambling.

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to access betting services in Great Britain.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses: Gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
• Hiding gambling activity: Keeping your gambling secret from family or friends
• Loss of control: Being unable to stop gambling or stick to set limits
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, education, or family commitments due to gambling
• Gambling with money you can't afford to lose: Using rent, bill, or loan money to gamble
• Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with more money to get the same excitement
• Mood changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
• Financial problems: Getting into debt or borrowing to fund gambling
• Failed attempts to cut down: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce your gambling
• Using gambling to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please reach out for help immediately.

Tools to Help You Stay in Control

Most reputable betting sites offer built-in tools to help you gamble responsibly:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're willing to lose before you stop gambling
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders during gambling sessions to check how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Session Time Limits: Automatically end your session after a set period of time
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a betting site
• Cool-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set period (typically 24 hours to several weeks)

Use these tools proactively. They are designed to protect you and keep gambling fun.

Support Organisations

If you're struggling with gambling, professional support is available and completely confidential:

United Kingdom

• GamCare
  Free, confidential support for anyone affected by problem gambling in Great Britain. Offers counselling, self-help tools, and information.
• GamStop
  The UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Allows you to self-exclude from all online gambling operators licensed in Great Britain for a period of 6 months to 5 years.
• National Problem Gambling Clinic (NPGC)
  Specialist NHS service in London. Referral required via your GP.
• BeGambleAware
  Information and resources about gambling and problem gambling in the UK.

International Support

• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  Free, confidential support service for people concerned about their gambling.
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
  Resources and support for problem gambling across Canada.
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
  Information and referrals to treatment and support services in the United States.
• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (Germany)
  German federal centre for health education providing resources on problem gambling.

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Seeking support for a gambling problem is a sign of strength, not weakness. There is no shame in asking for help. The organisations listed above are staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling and are here to support you confidentially.

Don't suffer in silence. Contact GamCare, GamStop, or another support organisation today if you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone you know.

Remember: gambling should only ever be entertainment. If it's causing you stress, financial difficulty, or affecting your relationships and wellbeing, it's time to take action.