Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Treespond, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites like Ladbrokes offer games of chance where the odds always favour the operator in the long term. Please only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or bet more than you can comfortably spare.
Age Verification
All gambling in the UK is strictly limited to individuals aged 18 years or over. If you are under 18, you must not attempt to register or place bets on any gambling website. It is illegal for operators to accept bets from under-18s, and we take this responsibility seriously.
If you are under 18 and have accidentally accessed betting services, please ask a parent or guardian for help, or contact a support organisation listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please be honest with yourself and watch for these warning signs:
- Chasing losses: Trying to recover money you've lost by betting more
- Hiding gambling: Keeping your gambling activity secret from friends or family
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Increasing stakes: Needing to bet more money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Failed attempts to stop: Struggling to cut down or quit despite wanting to
- Using gambling to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional problems
- Borrowing to gamble: Taking out loans or using credit to fund betting
- Financial strain: Experiencing money problems, debt, or inability to pay bills
- Mood swings: Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
- Relationship difficulties: Arguments with loved ones about gambling habits
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Player Protection Features
Reputable betting operators, including Ladbrokes, provide tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're willing to lose within a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders during play sessions about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Time-Out: Take a mandatory break from gambling for a period you choose (e.g., 24 hours to several weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from betting for a fixed period (typically 6 months to 5 years)
- Account Closure: Permanently close your betting account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
If you feel your gambling is becoming problematic, use these tools immediately. Operators are required by UK gambling regulations to offer these protections.
Support Organisations & Help Services
United Kingdom
- GamCare
Free, confidential support for anyone affected by problem gambling
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
Live chat available on website - GamStop
The National Self-Exclusion Scheme – register once to be excluded from all licensed UK gambling operators
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Helpline: 0800 197 8225 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) - Gamblers Anonymous
Free peer support meetings across the UK
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Helpline: 0330 094 0322
Other Countries & Regions
- Australia
Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Canada
Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org - United States
National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (free, confidential, 24/7) - Germany
Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): www.bzga.de
If you live outside the UK, please seek support from the relevant organisation in your country. Help is available, and reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, please reach out for support without shame or delay.
Whether you're in the UK or elsewhere, the organisations listed above provide free, confidential advice and can help you regain control. Many people have overcome gambling problems with the right support – you can too.
Contact GamCare (0808 8020 133) or visit www.gamcare.org.uk now if you need help.