Responsible Gaming
Last updated: 2026
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not a Source of Income
At thehottinroofs.co.uk, we review and compare the best crypto casinos for UK players. While we believe online gambling can be an enjoyable form of entertainment, we want to be absolutely clear: gambling is not a way to earn money. All casino games — whether played with pounds, Bitcoin, or any other cryptocurrency — are designed so that the operator holds a mathematical advantage. Over time, players lose more than they win.
Please only gamble with money you can afford to lose, treat any winnings as a bonus rather than an income, and never gamble to pay bills, debts, or other financial obligations. If gambling stops being fun, stop gambling.
Age Verification — 18+ Only
Under the Gambling Act 2005, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble in Great Britain. This applies to all forms of gambling, including online casinos and crypto gambling sites. Licensed operators are required by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to verify the age and identity of every customer before they can deposit or gamble.
If you share your home or devices with minors, please:
- Keep your gambling accounts password-protected and log out after each session.
- Never leave your computer or mobile device unattended while logged in to a casino account.
- Use parental control software such as Net Nanny or the tools built into your operating system.
- Consider installing blocking software such as Gamban to restrict access to gambling sites entirely.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you or someone you care about:
- Chasing losses — returning to gamble again in an attempt to win back money you have lost.
- Hiding your gambling — lying to family, friends, or a partner about how much time or money you spend gambling.
- Borrowing money to gamble — using credit cards, loans, overdrafts, or money from others to fund gambling.
- Gambling with money you cannot afford — dipping into savings, rent money, or household budgets.
- Neglecting responsibilities — missing work, study, or family commitments because of gambling.
- Gambling to escape — using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or loneliness.
- Increasing stakes — needing to bet larger amounts to get the same feeling of excitement.
- Failed attempts to cut down — trying to reduce or stop gambling and being unable to.
- Feeling irritable or restless when not gambling.
- Relationship problems — arguments, broken trust, or withdrawal caused by your gambling.
If you recognise two or more of these signs in yourself, we strongly encourage you to use the tools and support services listed below.
Self-Help Tools
Licensed gambling operators are required to offer tools that help you stay in control. We recommend setting these up before you start playing:
- Deposit limits — cap the amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Loss limits — restrict how much you can lose within a set period.
- Wager/session limits — control how much you can stake or how long you can play.
- Reality checks — on-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
- Time-outs — take a short break from gambling, from 24 hours up to several weeks.
- Self-exclusion — block yourself from a specific casino for six months or longer. In Great Britain, you can also self-exclude from all UKGC-licensed operators at once via GamStop.
A note on crypto casinos: many offshore crypto casinos are not licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and may not offer the same level of player protection, self-exclusion tools, or dispute resolution. UK players are advised to choose UKGC-licensed operators, where these protections are legally required.
Support Organisations
If gambling is affecting your life — or the life of someone you love — free, confidential help is available. You are not alone.
United Kingdom (our primary audience)
- GamCare — free, confidential advice and counselling, including the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133, available 24/7). www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop — free self-exclusion from all online gambling sites licensed in Great Britain. www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gamblers Anonymous UK — peer support meetings across the country. www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
- NHS Northern Gambling Service — NHS treatment for gambling-related harm. www.nhs.uk
- BeGambleAware — information, advice, and signposting to treatment services. www.begambleaware.org
International Support
- Australia: Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling (call or text 1-800-GAMBLER) — www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Spielsucht-Hotline 0800 137 27 00 — www.check-dein-spiel.de
If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today
There is no shame in reaching out. Problem gambling affects people from all walks of life, and it is treatable. If you are worried about your gambling, please take one of these steps right now:
- Call the free, confidential National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (available 24/7 in Great Britain).
- Register with GamStop to exclude yourself from all UK-licensed gambling sites.
- Talk to someone you trust — a friend, family member, or your GP.
Remember: gambling should always be fun. If it stops being fun, stop — and reach out. Help is free, confidential, and available around the clock.