Calculating The Risks

Gambling is a fun and exciting form on entertainment, which provides an enjoyable experience. Playing slot machines is an attractive way of taking a risk as long as the risk taking is kept under control. The great majority of people who play slot machines or gamble in other ways enjoy the experience without any problems, but a very small number lose control of what they are doing. For these players, gambling ceases to be fun, their life can be dominated by gambling.

Problem Gambling

Problem gamblers will continue playing whether winning or losing. They will use their own and other people’s money in order to keep playing. As gambling takes over their life, many other things can suffer; family life, their job and other interests.

Gambling becomes a problem when you:

• Gamble until all your money has gone
• Borrow or steal money to continue gambling
• Gamble to chase your losses
• Neglect other interests, family and friends to gamble

Checking It Out

Someone who thinks they might have a gambling problem should ask themselves if:

• They lose time from education or work because of gambling
• They gamble to get money to pay debts or solve financial difficulties
• After losing they feel they must return as soon as possible to win back losses
• They gamble until their last pound has gone
• They borrow to finance their gambling
• They are reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditure
• They have ever committed or considered committing an illegal act in order to finance their gambling
• They have ever considered self-destructive behaviour as a result of gambling

Do you tick any of these boxes? Maybe you want to consider self exclusion…

What is Self Exclusion?

If you think you have a problem with your gambling and wish to self exclude yourself, we will provide you with the opportunity of discussing the matter with the Site Manager or Duty Manager in a private / quiet area, to ascertain what your specific problem is and find out what is the correct course of action to take.

We have listed below some points to give you a good understanding of what “Self Exclusion” is all about:

• Self exclusion is there to assist persons who genuinely believe that they are experiencing serious difficulties with their gambling. The self exclusion agreement once in place, remains effective for a minimum period of six months to a maximum of twelve months.
• If you wish to resume gambling within six months from the end of your exclusion period, you will be required to complete a self exclusion review.
• If you enter into a self exclusion agreement you are then agreeing to abide by it, it is binding for bot, you and us and it cannot be revoked, rescinded or amended.
• Once you have self excluded, you will no longer be allowed on the premises for whatever reason. You would also be excluded from all promotions and you will be deleted from the company’s membership rewards scheme.
• You will automatically be excluded from other gambling premises in the local area.
• We must remind you that you must give this matter serious consideration before entering into this legally binding agreement and fully understand its meaning and consequences. If you request more time to consider this action, you will be refused entry to the premises until the next meeting takes place. If you do not wish to come back into the site then we will arrange a mutually convenient place to meet and complete a “Self Exclusion” agreement.
• All information given to us, must be accurate and true. If you are a member of our Membership Reward Scheme, please give us your correct card number.

You MUST provide us with two current photographs bearing a true likeness so that it can be circulated amongst all our members of staff.

The following are examples of circumstances where Self Exclusion is not an appropriate course of action to take:

• If you have a grievance against a member of staff.
• If you express dissatisfaction with the outcome of your gambling you will be referred to the company’s complaints and dispute procedure.

If you need further help or advice then please feel free to ask a member of our Management Team.

Staying in Control

Whenever you play machines, it is wise to remember that:

• You are buying entertainment, not investing your money
• You should only spend money that you can afford to lose
• In advance of playing, you should set strict limits on how much you will spend
• Problems will arise if playing machines becomes the most important part of your life
• Playing should take up only a relatively small amount of your time and interest
• Playing within your means is likely to be fun and exciting
• Spending outside your means is likely to create problems for you and others
• You shouldn’t play to escape from worries or pressure

Who Can Help?

If you are in difficulty with your gambling or know someone who is and would like help, call the GamCare helpline:

0808 8020 133

GamCare is the national centre for information, advice and practical help regarding the social impact of gambling. The national helpline is answered by trained staff. They can offer counselling, information and advice to problem gamblers, family members and to friends of a gambler. Information regarding counselling for problem gamblers is available on request