Responsible Gaming: Play Safe, Stay in Control
Online gaming should always be a fun and exciting form of entertainment. At the core of our mission is a profound commitment to player safety and the promotion of responsible gambling habits. This page serves as your essential resource for understanding how to play safely, recognising potential risks, and knowing where to turn for help if you need it.
We believe that an informed player is a protected player. Please take the time to read through this guide and familiarise yourself with the tools and support systems available to all UK players. Your well-being is the top priority.
Tools for Staying in Control
All UKGC-licensed casinos, including Mr Vegas, are required by law to provide you with a suite of tools to help you manage your play. We strongly recommend setting these up as soon as you register an account, before you even start playing.
| Tool | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Deposit Limits | Allows you to set a maximum amount of money you can deposit into your account over a daily, weekly, or monthly period. |
| Loss Limits | Lets you control the maximum amount of your own money you can lose during a set period. |
| Session Timers (Reality Checks) | Provides on-screen alerts to remind you how long you have been playing, allowing you to make a conscious decision to continue or stop. |
| Time-Out / Cool-Off | Lets you take a short break from gambling, blocking access to your account for a period of 24 hours up to 6 weeks. |
| Self-Exclusion | A formal process where you request to be excluded from gambling for a longer period (typically 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years). This is a serious step and is legally binding. |
Key Principles of Safe Play
Beyond the tools, a responsible mindset is your best defence. Always remember these core principles:
- Gamble for entertainment, not to make money. Treat it as a leisure expense, like going to the cinema.
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Never use money set aside for rent, bills, or other essentials.
- Set a budget and stick to it. Decide on a spending limit beforehand and stop when you reach it.
- Never chase your losses. Trying to win back lost money is a dangerous cycle. Accept the loss and walk away.
- Don't let gambling interfere with your life. It should not take precedence over family, friends, or work.
Recognising the Signs of Problem Gambling
It's important to be self-aware and recognise when your habits might be becoming a problem. Ask yourself these questions honestly:
- Are you spending more money or time gambling than you intend to?
- Are you hiding your gambling from friends or family?
- Have you ever borrowed money or sold anything to get gambling money?
- Do you feel anxious, irritable, or stressed when you try to cut down on gambling?
- Is gambling no longer fun and feels more like a necessity?
If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, it may be a sign that you should seek help.
Where to Get Help in the UK
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please know that free, confidential, and non-judgmental help is readily available from professional organisations in the UK. This is not something you have to face alone.
- GamCare: A leading provider of free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. They operate the National Gambling Helpline.
- BeGambleAware: Offers free, confidential help and support to anyone who is worried about their or someone else’s gambling.
- Gamblers Anonymous UK: A fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
For more information on these organisations, please visit their official websites or contact us, and we can help point you in the right direction.