Responsible Gaming

On betfairj.com, where Betfair offers its online gambling services to players in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, gambling is intended to be a form of leisure and entertainment, not a way to make money or resolve financial difficulties. Responsible gaming means approaching betting and casino play in a conscious, informed way: understanding the risks, setting clear limits, and recognising when it is time to stop.

Betfair, operating under UK Gambling Commission licences 39426 and 39439, is committed to supporting you in keeping control of your gambling. Through safer gambling tools, clear information, and specialist support, we aim to help every customer use betfairj.com safely, and to intervene where we identify patterns that suggest gambling may be causing harm.

This page explains the risks associated with gambling, how to recognise problematic behaviour, the tools available on betfairj.com to help you stay in control, and where to obtain confidential professional help if you or someone close to you is affected by gambling-related harm.

Risk Awareness

Gambling always involves risk. Even with licensed operators such as Betfair, there is no guarantee of winning and you should never stake money you cannot afford to lose. Being aware of the signs of potential gambling harm is a key part of staying safe.

Common Signs of Problem Gambling

• Increasing time and money spent: You are betting more frequently, for longer sessions, or with higher stakes than you originally planned.
• Preoccupation with gambling: You regularly think about gambling when doing other things, or feel impatient for your next opportunity to play on betfairj.com.
• Chasing losses: You try to win back money you have lost by placing new bets, increasing your stakes, or playing more quickly.
• Gambling with essential funds: You use money intended for rent, bills, food, credit commitments, or other essentials to gamble.
• Borrowing or using debt for gambling: You borrow from friends or family, use overdrafts, loans, or other borrowing to fund gambling (note that credit card deposits are prohibited for UK customers under UK law).
• Hiding behaviour: You hide gambling activity, statements, or devices from others, or feel guilty or ashamed after gambling.
• Impacts on wellbeing: Gambling is causing stress, anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, or conflict in relationships or at work.

Self-Assessment Questions

If you recognise several of the signs above, consider the following self-assessment questions. Answer honestly "yes" or "no" to each:

• Do you often spend more time or money gambling on betfairj.com than you intended?
• Have you tried to cut down or stop gambling but found it difficult?
• Do you gamble when you are feeling stressed, anxious, lonely, or depressed?
• Have you ever lied to friends or family about how much you gamble or how much you have lost?
• Have you needed to borrow money or sell possessions because of gambling?
• Have arguments, relationship issues, work or study problems arisen due to your gambling?
• Do you feel restless or irritable when you cannot gamble?

If you answer "yes" to several of these questions, your gambling may be putting you at risk of harm. We strongly recommend that you consider using the safer gambling tools described below, seek professional help from the support organisations listed on this page, and contact our team via live chat for further guidance.

Limits & Tools

Betfair provides a range of safer gambling tools on betfairj.com, in line with UK Gambling Commission requirements and industry best practice. These tools are designed to help you stay in control of how much time and money you spend.

Deposit Limits

You can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits on your account.

1. Where to find the setting: After logging in to betfairj.com, go to your account area and look for sections such as "Safer Gambling", "Responsible Gambling", or "Deposit Limits". The exact wording may vary, but safer gambling settings will be clearly signposted.
2. Choosing your limit: Decide in advance how much money you can comfortably afford to lose over a day, week, or month without affecting essential expenses or savings. Enter this amount in the relevant field (for example, "£20 per day" or "£100 per month"). Be realistic and cautious.
3. Confirming the limit: Save or confirm your new limit. In line with UK standards, any decrease in your limit normally takes effect immediately, while any increase will only take effect after a cooling-off period (typically at least 24 hours). This delay is intended to prevent impulsive decisions.

Remember that credit card deposits are prohibited for UK customers under UKGC rules. Only permitted payment methods may be used on betfairj.com.

Time and Session Limits (Reality Checks)

To help manage the time you spend gambling, you can use session timers or "reality checks" where available.

• Session reminders: In the safer gambling or account settings area, you may be able to select reminders at fixed intervals (for example, every 30 or 60 minutes). When the reminder appears, it will show you how long you have been playing and your net position.
• Adjusting your play: Use these reminders as a prompt to review whether you are still comfortable, within your limits, and able to stop. Consider ending your session when a reminder appears, particularly if you are tired, stressed, or chasing losses.

"Time-Out" - Short Breaks from Gambling

A Time-Out allows you to take a short break from using your Betfair account on betfairj.com.

1. How to activate Time-Out: Log in to your account and go to the safer gambling or responsible gambling section. Select the option labelled "Time-Out" or "Take a Break".
2. Selecting the duration: Choose a break period, for example 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours. Longer Time-Outs (up to several weeks) may also be available. Confirm your chosen duration.
3. What happens during Time-Out: During the selected period, you will not be able to place bets or use real-money casino products on betfairj.com with that account. In some cases, you may be prevented from logging in altogether until the Time-Out has expired.
4. End of Time-Out: Once the Time-Out period has ended, access to your account will automatically resume. Time-Outs are designed as a short-term measure; if you feel you need a longer break, please consider self-exclusion as described below.

You can also review your Profit & Loss history in your account to see how much you have deposited, withdrawn, and won or lost over specific periods, which can support informed decisions about your gambling.

Self-Exclusion

If you feel that your gambling is no longer under control, or if safer gambling tools such as limits and Time-Outs are not sufficient, you should consider self-exclusion. Self-exclusion is a formal agreement where you ask Betfair to prevent you from accessing your account on betfairj.com for an extended period.

How to Request Self-Exclusion

1. Accessing the self-exclusion option: Log in to betfairj.com and go to your account area. Look for "Safer Gambling", "Responsible Gambling", or "Self-Exclusion". If you cannot find it, contact our 24/7 live chat support from within your account and request self-exclusion.
2. Choosing the duration: You can typically choose a self-exclusion period starting from 6 months and extending to several years, up to a lifetime self-exclusion. The longer the period, the stronger the protection.
3. Confirming your decision: You will be asked to confirm that you understand what self-exclusion means and that it cannot be lifted before the chosen period ends. You may need to tick a confirmation box or re-enter your password.
4. GamStop registration: For customers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, we strongly recommend that you also register with GAMSTOP, the free national self-exclusion scheme required by the UK Gambling Commission. GAMSTOP will prevent you from using online gambling websites and apps in Great Britain that are licensed by the UKGC and are part of the scheme. You can register at www.gamstop.co.uk.

Consequences of Self-Exclusion

• Account access: Once self-exclusion is applied, you will not be able to use your Betfair account on betfairj.com for betting or gaming during the exclusion period. You may be prevented from logging in entirely, or your ability to deposit and wager funds will be disabled.
• New accounts: Under UKGC requirements and our own policies, you must not attempt to open new accounts during self-exclusion. Betfair will take reasonable steps to detect and close any such accounts.
• Existing balance and withdrawals: Any remaining real-money balance will normally remain available for withdrawal, subject to identity and security checks. If you encounter difficulty withdrawing funds after self-exclusion, please contact our support team (for example via live chat) to request assistance.
• Marketing communications: We will take reasonable steps to stop sending you marketing materials related to gambling during your self-exclusion period, although you should also unsubscribe from any newsletters from other operators.
• Irreversibility: Self-exclusion cannot be cancelled before the end of the chosen period. After a long-term exclusion ends, a cooling-off period and further checks may apply before full access is restored, in line with UK regulatory guidance.

Self-exclusion is a serious step intended for individuals who believe they are at risk of or experiencing gambling-related harm. If you are unsure whether to self-exclude, we encourage you to use the self-assessment questions above, speak to an independent support organisation, and contact our support team for guidance.

Support Resources

If you are concerned about your gambling, or about someone close to you, there are confidential, specialist organisations that can help. These services are independent of Betfair and betfairj.com and can provide advice, counselling, and practical support.

Local Support - United Kingdom

• National Gambling Helpline (GamCare): Call 0808 8020 133 free of charge from the UK, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained advisers offer confidential advice, information, and emotional support in English. Webchat is also available via the GamCare website.
• NHS gambling treatment services: The National Health Service offers specialist clinics and support for people experiencing gambling-related harm. Speak to your GP or visit the NHS website and search for "gambling addiction" to find local services and self-referral options.
• Local counselling and charities: Many local mental health and addiction services also support people affected by gambling. Your GP, Citizens Advice, or local authority can signpost relevant services in your area.

International Support Organisations

National Self-Exclusion Schemes

• United Kingdom - GAMSTOP: A free online self-exclusion service that allows you to self-exclude from multiple licensed UK online gambling websites and apps in a single registration. Visit www.gamstop.co.uk.
• Spain - RGIAJ (Registro General de Interdicciones de Acceso al Juego): A national register that allows individuals in Spain to self-exclude from licensed gambling activities. For more information, consult the website of the Dirección General de Ordenación del Juego (DGOJ).
• Other countries: Many jurisdictions provide national or regional self-exclusion registers. If you live outside the UK, check with your national regulator or local support services for available schemes.

Blocking Software and Device Controls

• Gamban: A paid application that can block access to a wide range of gambling websites and apps across your devices. See gamban.com for details.
• BetBlocker: A free tool that allows you to restrict access to thousands of gambling sites. See betblocker.org.
• Device and network filters: Parental controls and content filters available from your internet service provider or device manufacturer can also help restrict access to gambling content.

Support for Affected Families and Friends

• GamCare - support for others: GamCare offers information, counselling, and online chat for people affected by someone else's gambling.
• GamAnon (Gamblers Anonymous family groups): Provides peer support meetings for family members and friends; see gamanon.org.uk.
• Gambling Therapy forums: Offers online forums and support groups for both gamblers and affected others.

All of these services treat your information as confidential within the limits of the law. They are independent from Betfair and can provide professional advice tailored to your circumstances.

Help for Family

Gambling-related harm affects not only the person who gambles but also their family, partners, and friends. If you are worried about someone who uses betfairj.com, it is important to look after your own wellbeing and seek support while encouraging them to get help.

Talking to Someone About Their Gambling

• Choose a calm moment: Try to speak when they are not gambling, not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and when you have enough time to talk without interruption.
• Focus on concerns, not blame: Use "I" statements (for example, "I am worried about how much you are gambling") rather than accusations. Explain how their behaviour affects you and others.
• Listen and encourage openness: Allow them to share how they feel. Avoid arguments about individual bets and focus instead on overall patterns and impact.
• Set boundaries: Be clear about what you can and cannot tolerate (for example, not lending money to fund gambling, or not covering debts created by gambling).

Getting Them Engaged in Support

• Share information: Show them this responsible gaming page on betfairj.com and the websites of organisations such as GamCare and Gambling Therapy.
• Suggest a helpline or chat: Encourage them to contact the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) or use online chat if they find phone calls difficult.
• Discuss self-exclusion: Encourage them to consider self-exclusion through both Betfair and GAMSTOP if they are struggling to stop.
• Offer practical help: You may offer to accompany them to appointments or help them complete online forms for support services, if they agree.

Support for You as a Family Member or Friend

• Family support groups: Services such as GamAnon and the "affected others" sections of GamCare provide forums, group meetings, and live chat for relatives and friends.
• Online forums and chats: Gambling Therapy and other organisations host forums where you can share experiences anonymously and receive support from others in similar situations.
• Mental health professionals: Consider speaking to a GP, psychologist, or psychotherapist with experience in addiction or family therapy. They can help you manage stress, anxiety, or relationship difficulties arising from gambling.
• Crisis support: If you or the person you are supporting is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, contact emergency services or appropriate crisis lines in your area without delay.

While Betfair cannot provide clinical counselling, our support team can signpost independent services and explain the account tools that may assist the person you are concerned about.

Operator's Commitment

As a UK Gambling Commission-licensed operator, Betfair must comply with strict safer gambling standards. On betfairj.com, we combine automated systems with trained staff to identify and respond to potential signs of gambling-related harm.

Internal Monitoring and Risk Checks

• Behavioural analysis: We monitor account activity for indicators of risk, such as rapid increases in deposit amounts, frequent failed deposits, extended sessions, repeated chasing of losses, or patterns inconsistent with known income or typical recreational play.
• Reality checks and messaging: Where our systems detect potential risks, we may present in-session messages reminding you of your time or spend, encouraging you to set limits or take a break, and directing you to this responsible gaming information.
• Affordability and source-of-funds checks: In line with UK regulatory expectations, we may request additional information or documentation to assess whether your gambling is affordable and sustainable. This can include income or financial information where necessary.
• Account interventions: Where significant risk is identified, we may proactively apply measures such as deposit limits, temporary restrictions, or account suspension, even if you have not requested them, in order to reduce the likelihood of harm.

When We May Contact You

Our customer support and safer gambling teams may initiate contact with you in circumstances including (but not limited to) the following:

• You show significant or sustained increases in deposits, staking levels, or time spent gambling.
• We observe patterns consistent with chasing losses, use of multiple payment methods, or other indicators of potential financial strain.
• Self-reported concerns, such as messages sent to support about difficulty controlling your gambling, are received.
• Data from our systems or from third-party checks (where permitted by law and regulation) suggests affordability concerns.

Contact may be made via secure messaging within your account, email, or other contact methods you have registered. Our staff may:

• Provide information about safer gambling tools and encourage their use.
• Recommend or apply restrictions, such as deposit limits, Time-Outs, or self-exclusion, where appropriate.
• Signpost you to independent support organisations such as GamCare or Gambling Therapy.

All such activity is carried out in line with our regulatory obligations, privacy laws, and the Terms & Conditions available at https://betfair.com/aboutUs/Terms.and.Conditions/. Betfair also works with IBAS (Independent Betting Adjudication Service) as an Alternative Dispute Resolution provider, as referenced in the UK Gambling Commission public register.

Updates

Responsible gambling standards, regulatory requirements, and our internal policies may change over time. Betfair will update this page on betfairj.com when material changes are made to safer gambling tools, legal obligations, or related procedures.

• Website updates: The latest version of this responsible gaming information will always be available on betfairj.com. Substantial changes may be highlighted via banners, notices in your account area, or pop-up messages.
• Email and in-account notifications: Where required by law or regulation, or where we consider it appropriate, we may also notify you via email or secure account messaging of important changes affecting your rights or our safer gambling features.
• Terms & Conditions: This page supplements, but does not replace, the Terms & Conditions and any game-specific rules, which remain the primary contractual documents governing your use of the services.

Last updated: 6 January 2026. This information reflects UK regulatory requirements and industry standards as at this date. For the most current details, please refer to the official resources of the UK Gambling Commission and the support organisations listed above.

Contact & Feedback

Betfair encourages customers to contact us if they have concerns about their gambling on betfairj.com, suggestions for improving our safer gambling measures, or requests for support.

Responsible Gaming Contact Channels

• 24/7 live chat: The primary support channel is live chat, available 24 hours a day via your logged-in account on betfairj.com. You may initially interact with an automated assistant; type "agent" or follow the on-screen prompts to speak with a human adviser and request to be referred to the responsible gambling team if needed.
• Email-based support: Email support is available, with typical response times of 24 - 48 hours. A specific email address is not publicly listed; instead, you can submit your query through the secure contact or help form in your account area, which will route your message to the appropriate team, including our responsible gambling specialists.
• Telephone: At the time of writing, Betfair does not advertise a direct telephone number for general support or responsible gambling enquiries. If a call-back option is offered within your account or during a live chat interaction, you may request that a member of our team contact you by phone where available.
• Social media: For general support queries, you may contact our customer support team via Twitter at @BetfairCS. For privacy and security reasons, account-specific or sensitive responsible gambling discussions may be moved to private channels.

Feedback and Self-Control Request Form

Within your account on betfairj.com, you may find forms or options to:

• Request limits or restrictions: Ask for lower deposit limits, product blocks (for example, blocking access to certain categories of games), or other controls on your account.
• Request a review of your gambling: Ask our team to review your recent activity and provide tailored suggestions for safer gambling measures.
• Provide feedback: Share comments about how our responsible gambling tools and information could be improved. Constructive feedback helps Betfair enhance player protection.

When you contact us about responsible gambling, please indicate this clearly in your message or chat. This allows us to prioritise your request and, where appropriate, refer it to our specialist safer gambling team for a more detailed review.