Simple Ways to Stay in Control
- Deposit Limits — Set how much you're able to deposit each day, each week, or each month, so your spending always stays within a limit you choose.
- Loss Limits — Set a monthly limit on how much you can lose, giving you an extra layer of control over your play.
- Time Out — Take a short break from playing, from 24 hours up to six weeks, whenever you need one.
- Gameplay Reminders — Set reminders that let you know how long you've been playing, so you can keep track of your session.
- Self-Exclusion — If you need a longer break, block your account for anywhere from six months to five years.
- Ritz Bingo Club — Get practical tips and advice for staying in control when you visit our club in person.
- Source of Funds — Find out what's involved in providing your Source of Funds documents if requested.
Stay Aware, Stay in Safe
Gambling should be fun, not stressful. Spotting the signs early is part of playing positively.
Things to Watch for
- Feelings — Anxiety, guilt, or low mood linked to gambling; being secretive about it; irritability when cutting back.
- Behaviours — Spending more time or money than planned; gambling with essential funds; chasing losses; borrowing or selling to keep playing; neglecting work or responsibilities.
- Money Signs — Unexplained debts, frequent borrowing, or hidden bank statements.
- Social Signs — Pulling away from friends and family, losing interest in other activities, or arguing over gambling.
If any of this sounds familiar, it's worth pausing and reaching out. Support is available, and there's no shame in asking.
Staying in Control
- Decide your time and budget before you start, and stick to it.
- Set a deposit limit to avoid overspending.
- Use pop-up reminders to prompt regular breaks.
- Only play when clear-headed, not after drinking or when stressed.
- Don't gamble to make up for other spending.
- Track your losses so they don't build up unnoticed.
- Seek help if gambling starts affecting your finances or wellbeing.
Take a Step Back
Need a Break?
Use Time Out to pause your account from 24 hours to six weeks. Your club membership stays active.
Need to Stop Completely?
Self-Exclusion blocks your account from six months to five years. Your club membership stays active.
More Ways to Get Support
- Self-exclude across operators via GAMSTOP.
- Block gambling transactions through your bank.
- Learn more about problem gambling and its impact.
- Limit or block gambling ads and content on social media.
18+ to Play, It's the Law
Playing bingo is for adults only; it's a legal requirement, not a guideline.
We check age at sign-up using trusted verification tools. If your age can't be confirmed, your account may be paused and related funds held until it's sorted. This isn't just process. It's how we protect young people and keep the club safe and responsible for everyone.
Simple Ways You Can Help Prevent Underage Play
- Never share your login or payment details with anyone.
- Skip auto-fill and saved passwords on devices others can access.
- Always sign out when you're finished, especially on shared devices.
- Have honest conversations with young people about why gambling has an age limit.
- Set up parental controls across household devices, phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs.
Concerned a young person is gambling or affected by someone else's gambling? Family-focused support is available through BigDeal.
Website Blockers Can Help You Stay in Control
These tools limit or remove access to gambling sites and apps, useful whether you're cutting back or stopping altogether.
Why Use One?
- Helps prevent impulse gambling.
- Supports responsible play.
- Backs up your self-exclusion efforts.
BetBlocker
- Blocks gambling sites and apps across all your devices.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
- Affordable subscription pricing.
- Includes a mode that restricts gambling and adult content while a child uses the device.
Gamblock
- Free software focused on blocking gambling sites.
- Choose how long the block runs for.
- Works across mobile and desktop.
Gamban
- Blocks gambling sites and apps on all your devices.
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
- Low-cost plans, with free access in some regions through gambling support partnerships.
Gambling Myths, Debunked
Some gambling beliefs sound convincing but don't hold up. Here's what's actually true, so you can play with better information.
- Myth: All online gambling sites are the same.
Fact: Licensing changes everything. UK Gambling Commission-regulated sites run independently verified random number generators, offer real safety tools like Time Out and Deposit Limits, and handle disputes properly. Unregulated sites often skip these entirely. Look for a valid licence number, usually found at the bottom of the page. - Myth: I'm overdue for a win.
Fact: Every round is independent. Nothing is owed based on what happened before. - Myth: Casino sites are rigged against players.
Fact: Certified random number generators keep licensed platforms fair; results are random and regularly audited. - Myth: Gambling is a solid way to earn money.
Fact: It's entertainment, not income. The odds are structured to favour the house over time. - Myth: Playing more will make up for what I've lost.
Fact: Chasing losses usually deepens them. Setting a limit in advance helps more than chasing ever will.
- Myth: Some people just have better luck.
Fact: Outcomes are random for everyone. No one has a lasting edge. - Myth: Playing several games at once ups my chances.
Fact: Each game is independent. Playing more doesn't shift the odds in your favour. - Myth: Gambling problems only happen to people with no willpower.
Fact: It can affect anyone, regardless of self-control. Awareness and responsible play matter for all players. - Myth: A good system can beat the odds.
Fact: No strategy overrides randomness. Outcomes can't be predicted or gamed. - Myth: Bonuses mean there's no risk.
Fact: Bonuses come with wagering requirements and conditions. Always check the terms. - Myth: I can quit anytime I choose.
Fact: It's often harder than people expect. Support and tools exist for when it feels tough to stop.
Make It Official
Signing up as a member takes just a few minutes and gives you full access to everything we run at Ritz Bingo Belper. Join today and never miss a night.