Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At Mecca Bingo, we believe that gambling should only ever be a form of entertainment. It should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Please only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set limits on how much time and money you spend.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years of age or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction to participate in any gambling activities. Gambling is not permitted for anyone under 18 in the UK. If you are under the legal age, please do not attempt to gamble.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money
• Hiding gambling activities or lying about the time and money spent
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same excitement
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems, relieve stress, or manage negative emotions
• Neglecting family, work, or educational responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
• Jeopardizing relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable gambling operators offer tools to help you manage your gaming responsibly:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders during your gaming session about how long you've been playing
• Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling sites for a period you choose

We encourage you to use these tools to maintain control of your gaming habits.

Support Organisations in the UK

If you or someone you know needs support with problem gambling, please contact one of these organisations:

• GamCare
  Free, confidential support for problem gambling in Great Britain
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamStop
  The National Self-Exclusion Scheme for online gambling in Great Britain
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  Register for voluntary self-exclusion across all participating operators
• National Problem Gambling Clinic
  NHS specialist treatment service for problem gambling
  Telephone: 0203 228 0000

International Support Resources

If you are located outside the UK, please contact the relevant support organisation for your country:

• 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
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  Telephone (counselling in German): 0800 1 372 374

Take Action Today

If you have a problem with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out. Support is available 24/7, and it is free and confidential. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can regain control of your life.

Remember: gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it stops being fun, stop and ask for help.