18+

Responsible Gambling

Last updated: March 2026

Gambling Should Be Fun — Not a Problem

At Cheesy Bingo, we believe bingo should be an enjoyable form of entertainment — nothing more. That’s why we take responsible gambling seriously, and we want you to too.

This page covers everything you need to know about gambling responsibly, the tools available to help you stay in control, and where to get help if you or someone you know has a problem.

18+ Only — No Exceptions

UK law states that all gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over.

  • You must be 18+ to use this website
  • You must be 18+ to register with any bingo operator we recommend
  • Operators will verify your age before allowing you to play
  • Attempting to bypass age restrictions is illegal

We use an age verification gate on our site to ensure only adults access gambling-related content. If you’re under 18, please leave this site immediately.

Know Your Limits

Responsible gambling means setting limits and sticking to them. Here’s how:

Set a Budget

  • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
  • Never gamble with money needed for essentials (rent, bills, food)
  • Set a monthly spending limit and track it
  • Treat any losses as the cost of entertainment — not money to chase

Set Time Limits

  • Decide in advance how long you’ll play
  • Take regular breaks
  • Don’t let bingo take over your day

Know When to Stop

  • Stop if you’re no longer having fun
  • Stop if you’re gambling to escape problems
  • Stop if you’re chasing losses
  • Stop if gambling is affecting your relationships or responsibilities

Warning Signs — When Gambling Becomes a Problem

Gambling can become problematic if you notice any of these signs:

  • You’re spending more money than you intended
  • You’re thinking about gambling constantly
  • You’re hiding your gambling from friends or family
  • You’ve borrowed money to gamble
  • You’re gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
  • You’ve tried to cut down but couldn’t
  • Your gambling is affecting your work, relationships, or health
  • You’re chasing losses, hoping to win back what you’ve lost

If you recognise any of these signs, it’s time to seek help.

Free Support — It’s Available and Confidential

You’re not alone if gambling has become a problem. These organisations offer free, confidential support 24/7:

GambleAware

The UK’s leading gambling support charity.

  • Website: www.gambleaware.org
  • Support: Free, confidential advice and signposting to specialist help
  • Live Chat: Available 24/7 on their website
  • Helpline: 0808 8020 3030 (free, confidential, 24/7)

GambleAware provides information on safer gambling, helps you understand the risks, and can direct you to the right support services.

GamStop

The UK’s official self-exclusion scheme.

  • Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  • What it does: Register once, and you’ll be excluded from ALL UKGC-licensed online gambling sites
  • Exclusion periods: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
  • Cost: Completely free
  • How it works: Your details are checked against the GamStop database by all UK operators

Once registered, you cannot gamble online with any UK-licensed operator during your exclusion period. This is a serious commitment — make sure you’re ready before registering.

GamCare

The UK’s leading gambling charity providing support and prevention.

  • Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Freephone Helpline: 0808 8020 3030 (24/7, confidential)
  • Live Chat: Available on their website
  • Email: support@gamcare.org.uk
  • What they offer: Free counselling, support groups, and resources for you and your loved ones

GamCare provides professional counselling and support for anyone affected by gambling harm — whether that’s you or someone you care about.

Tools to Help You Stay in Control

Most UK bingo operators offer responsible gambling tools. Look for these when you sign up:

Deposit Limits

Set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly. Once you hit the limit, you can’t deposit more until the period resets.

Reality Checks

Get pop-up reminders showing how long you’ve been playing. This helps you keep track of time and take breaks.

Time-Outs

Take a short break from gambling (usually 24 hours to 6 weeks). During this time, you can’t log in or play.

Self-Exclusion

Close your account for a longer period (6 months minimum). During self-exclusion, you cannot access your account or withdraw money.

Cool-Off Periods

Some operators offer shorter breaks (24 hours to 7 days) if you need a quick pause.

How to access these: Look for “Responsible Gambling,” “Safer Gambling,” or “Account Settings” in your operator account.

For Friends and Family

If you’re worried about someone else’s gambling:

  1. Talk to them — Express your concerns calmly and without judgment
  2. Listen — Let them share their feelings and experiences
  3. Offer support — Help them access professional help if needed
  4. Set boundaries — Don’t lend them money for gambling
  5. Take care of yourself — Supporting someone with a gambling problem can be stressful

Support for Families

  • GamCare Helpline: 0808 8020 3030 (for you and your loved one)
  • GambleAware Family Support: www.gambleaware.org/support-for-families
  • Gam-Anon: Support groups for families and friends of problem gamblers

What Cheesy Bingo Does

We’re committed to responsible gambling on our site:

  • Age verification gate — Blocks under-18s from accessing content
  • 18+ badge — Visible on every page as a reminder
  • Responsible gambling messaging — Prominent on all review and bonus pages
  • Links to support — Easy access to GambleAware, GamStop, and GamCare
  • Honest bonus terms — We explain wagering requirements and restrictions clearly
  • No targeting of vulnerable groups — We don’t promote to students, minors, or those at risk

Quick Reference — Support at a Glance

Organisation Contact What They Do
GambleAware 0808 8020 3030 (24/7) Free advice, signposting, live chat
GamStop www.gamstop.co.uk Self-exclusion from all UK sites
GamCare 0808 8020 3030 (24/7) Free counselling and support
Samaritans 116 123 (24/7) Emotional support for anyone in distress

Bingo should be fun, social, and affordable entertainment. If it stops being any of those things, it’s time to reassess.

Remember:

  • Only gamble what you can afford to lose
  • Set limits and stick to them
  • Take breaks regularly
  • Never chase losses
  • Get help early if you’re worried

You can enjoy bingo safely and responsibly. If you need help, it’s available — and there’s no shame in using it.

18+ | Play Responsibly | www.gambleaware.org