Responsible Gaming
Responsible gaming means choosing to use the products offered through Stake on stakega.com as a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. It is about staying in control of the time and money you spend, understanding the risks of gambling, and recognising that losses are always possible.
Stake and its UK platform provider, TGP Europe Ltd (licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission), are committed to helping you maintain this conscious, balanced approach. You will find a range of tools, information and support options designed to help you set limits, take breaks and obtain professional assistance whenever you need it.
This page explains how you can use those tools, what additional help is available in the United Kingdom and internationally, and how Stake on stakega.com works to identify and respond to signs of gambling-related harm.
Risk Awareness
Gambling can be enjoyable when it is controlled, but it carries a risk of financial and psychological harm. Being aware of early warning signs helps you act before gambling becomes a problem. Typical indicators of risky or harmful gambling include:
- Spending more time or money on betting than you planned, or chasing losses by increasing your stakes.
- Thinking about gambling frequently, even when you are at work, with family or carrying out other everyday activities.
- Feeling irritable, anxious or restless when you cannot gamble, or when you try to reduce or stop your play.
- Hiding the extent of your gambling from friends or family, or lying about how much you have lost.
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, depression, loneliness or other personal difficulties.
- Borrowing money, using overdrafts, loans or credit cards to fund gambling, or failing to pay essential bills.
- Allowing gambling to interfere with work, education, relationships or other responsibilities.
If you recognise these signs, it is important to act early by using the tools and support described on this page and, where appropriate, seeking professional help.
Quick Self-Assessment Check
These statements are designed to help you reflect honestly on your behaviour. Consider each one and answer "yes" or "no" to yourself:
- Do I regularly spend more on Stake than I can comfortably afford to lose?
- Have I tried to win back money I have lost by placing more or larger bets?
- Have I ever hidden my gambling activity or the amount I spend from people close to me?
- Do I feel stressed, guilty or anxious after gambling, but still find myself returning to play?
- Have I borrowed money, sold possessions or missed important payments because of gambling?
- Have friends, family or colleagues expressed concern about how much I gamble?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, your gambling may be moving into a risky zone. If you answered "yes" to several, we strongly encourage you to set strict limits, consider taking a Time-Out or self-excluding, and contact one of the independent support organisations listed below.
Limits & Tools
Under UK Gambling Commission requirements, Stake on stakega.com must provide effective tools to help you control your play. You can access these tools at any time through your account settings, typically under a section such as "Responsible Gambling", "Player Protection" or "Account Limits".
Deposit Limits
Deposit limits help you control how much money you add to your account over a chosen period. You can usually set separate daily, weekly and monthly limits. Once set, these limits restrict the total amount you can deposit during the selected period.
- Access your account: Log in to Stake on stakega.com and go to your profile or account menu.
- Open the limits section: Navigate to "Responsible Gambling", "Safer Gambling" or a similarly titled area, then select "Deposit Limits" or "Account Limits".
- Select your period: Choose the type of limit you wish to set, for example:
- Daily limit (e.g. £20 per 24 hours)
- Weekly limit (e.g. £100 per 7 days)
- Monthly limit (e.g. £300 per calendar month)
- Enter your amounts: Carefully type the maximum amounts you are truly comfortable losing, taking into account your income, essential living costs and other commitments.
- Confirm and save: Review your choices and confirm. Reducing your limits typically takes effect immediately, while increasing them may only apply after a cooling-off period, in line with UKGC requirements.
You should choose conservative limits that protect your financial wellbeing. If you regularly reach your limit, consider lowering it or taking a break.
Time Spent Limits & Session Reminders
Time-based tools aim to help you avoid losing track of how long you have been gambling.
- Session reminders: You can usually activate on-screen notifications (for example every 30, 60 or 90 minutes) that show how long you have been logged in and the net result of your session.
- Session limits: Where available, you can set a maximum session duration (for example 60 or 120 minutes). When the time is reached, you may be logged out or prompted to take a break.
To configure these tools, visit the "Responsible Gambling" or "Session Settings" section of your account. Regular reminders and realistic time caps help you maintain gambling as a short, occasional pastime rather than a prolonged activity.
Time-Out (Short Breaks)
A Time-Out is a temporary break from gambling, shorter than formal self-exclusion but longer than simply logging out. It is designed for situations where you feel a short pause will help you regain control.
- Locate the Time-Out option: While logged in, go to "Responsible Gambling" and look for "Time-Out", "Short Break" or similar wording.
- Choose your duration: Select how long you want to pause your account. Options commonly include 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, or longer periods up to several weeks, in line with UK standards.
- Confirm your request: Read the information carefully, then confirm. During the Time-Out:
- You will not be able to place bets or play casino games.
- You may be prevented from making new deposits.
- You may still be able to withdraw remaining funds, subject to verification and terms.
- Return after the break: When the Time-Out ends, you can log in again. If you still feel at risk, consider using longer-term self-exclusion and contacting an independent support service.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is a stronger measure intended for players who feel that their gambling has become harmful, or who are at high risk of developing a gambling problem. Under UK law, self-exclusion is normally for at least six months and cannot be reversed during the chosen period.
How to Request Self-Exclusion on Stake
- Sign in and go to responsible gambling tools: While you still have access to your account on stakega.com, log in and open the "Responsible Gambling" or "Safer Gambling" section in your account settings.
- Open the "Self-Exclusion" section: Select "Self-Exclusion" or "Exclude Me". If you cannot locate this, you may contact support at support@stakega.com and request guidance or manual self-exclusion for your Stake account.
- Choose the exclusion period: You will be asked to select a duration. Options typically include:
- Minimum six months (the legal minimum for self-exclusion in the UK).
- Longer fixed periods such as 1 year, 2 years or 5 years.
- Lifetime exclusion, for players who do not wish to gamble with Stake again.
- Confirm your decision: You may be asked to read and accept important information explaining that:
- Your self-exclusion will apply for the full selected period and cannot be lifted early.
- You must not attempt to create new accounts or otherwise circumvent the exclusion.
- The operator will take reasonable steps to prevent you from gambling, but you also have a responsibility to avoid further gambling.
- Receive confirmation: Once processed, you should receive confirmation (for example by on-site message or email) that your Stake account access has been restricted under self-exclusion.
Consequences of Self-Exclusion
- Account access and login: You will not be able to log in to your Stake account or open new accounts with the same operator for the duration of the self-exclusion.
- Deposits and betting: You will not be permitted to make deposits or place bets. Marketing communications from the operator should stop as soon as is reasonably practicable.
- Existing balances and withdrawals: Normally, any remaining real-money balance remains your property. You may need to contact customer support at support@stakega.com to request withdrawal of remaining funds, subject to identity verification, fraud checks and the applicable terms and conditions.
- Reactivation after fixed-term exclusion: If you select a fixed-term self-exclusion (e.g. 6 or 12 months), your account will not automatically become fully active at the end of the period. Additional steps and cooling-off periods may apply before any reactivation is permitted, in accordance with UKGC rules and the operator's policies.
- Lifetime exclusion: If you choose lifetime self-exclusion, your account will not be reopened. This is intended as a permanent safeguard for those who no longer wish to access gambling services.
National Self-Exclusion Schemes (GamStop and Others)
In addition to operator-level self-exclusion, UK players can register with the national online self-exclusion scheme GamStop. TGP Europe Ltd, which operates Stake's UK offering, is required to participate in GamStop under UK licence number 38898.
- GamStop (United Kingdom): Visit https://gamstop.co.uk to register. Once your registration is active, licensed UK online gambling operators connected to GamStop should prevent you from using their services for the selected period (e.g. 6 months, 1 year or 5 years).
- Other jurisdictions (example): In Spain, the RGIAJ self-exclusion register provides similar protections. If you live outside the UK, check with your local regulator for national schemes that may apply.
GamStop and other national registers are powerful tools and are strongly recommended for players who feel at high risk or who already experience gambling-related harm.
Support Resources
If you are worried about your gambling, or about someone close to you, you do not have to face the situation alone. A range of confidential, professional support services is available in the UK and internationally. These services are independent from Stake and stakega.com, and many of them are free to access.
Local Support in the United Kingdom
- National Gambling Helpline (GamCare / BeGambleAware): Call 0808 8020 133 from within the UK. The helpline is typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained advisers provide confidential advice, information and support in English, and can help you access local counselling or treatment services.
- GamCare treatment services: Visit https://www.gamcare.org.uk for live chat, email support and information about free treatment options and support groups across the UK.
- BeGambleAware: Visit https://www.begambleaware.org for tools, educational materials, self-help resources and links to further support. The site is aimed at players and their families.
- NHS services: In serious cases, or where gambling is linked to mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, you may contact your GP or local NHS mental health services. In emergencies or if you are in immediate danger, call 999 or visit the nearest Accident & Emergency department.
International Support Organisations
| 🏢 Organization | 📞 Contact | 🌐 Website | ⏰ Hours | 🗣️ Languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GamCare (UK) | +44 0808 8020 133 | gamcare.org.uk | 24/7 | English |
| Gambling Therapy | Online chat | gamblingtherapy.org | 24/7 | Multilingual |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Local meetings | gamblersanonymous.org | Varies | Multiple |
These organisations support players from many different countries. Gambling Therapy, for example, offers online support in multiple languages and can be useful if you live outside the UK or prefer digital channels.
Self-Exclusion Schemes by Country
- United Kingdom - GamStop: As noted above, GamStop (https://gamstop.co.uk) allows you to exclude yourself from most licensed online gambling sites operating in Great Britain. This is an essential tool for UK residents experiencing gambling-related harm.
- Spain - RGIAJ: Spain operates a central self-exclusion register (Registro General de Interdicciones de Acceso al Juego - RGIAJ). Players can register through official channels so that licensed operators block access to their services.
- Other EU and international schemes: Many regulators offer similar registers or exclusion systems. If you are located outside the UK, check the website of your local gambling authority for details.
Blocking Software and Apps
Blocking software can prevent access to gambling websites and apps across multiple devices, adding an extra layer of protection alongside self-exclusion.
- Gamban: A subscription-based app that blocks access to a wide range of gambling sites and apps on computers and mobile devices. See https://gamban.com.
- BetBlocker: A free tool that allows you to block access to gambling sites on supported devices. See https://betblocker.org.
- Device-level and network filters: You can also use parental control settings, DNS filters or router-level blocks to restrict access to gambling content across your home network.
These tools are particularly useful if you are self-excluded but still worry about finding ways around restrictions.
Support for Families and Friends
Gambling harms can affect partners, children, relatives and friends. If you are concerned about someone else's gambling, you can obtain confidential advice and emotional support without the gambler's involvement.
- GamCare family and friends support: GamCare provides specific resources and services for affected others, including live chat and group support.
- GamAnon / Gamblers Anonymous family groups: Information about meetings for family members can be found via https://www.gamblersanonymous.org and related GamAnon resources.
- Online forums and chats: Reputable support forums and moderated chat groups can help you share experiences with others in similar situations, in a safe and anonymous way.
All reputable support services treat your information confidentially, within the limits of the law. You can get help whether or not the person who gambles is ready to change.
Help for Family
If someone close to you is experiencing gambling-related problems, it can be difficult to know how to respond. While Stake on stakega.com cannot intervene in personal relationships, we encourage families and friends to seek support and to approach the situation calmly and safely.
Talking to Someone About Their Gambling
- Prepare yourself: Learn the basics about gambling harm and available support (for example through https://www.begambleaware.org or https://www.gamcare.org.uk) before starting a conversation.
- Choose the right moment: Talk when neither of you is gambling, under the influence of alcohol or in the middle of a conflict.
- Use non-judgmental language: Focus on how their gambling affects you and the family ("I feel worried when...") rather than accusing or blaming ("You always...").
- Be specific: Refer to concrete behaviours (missed bills, secrecy, mood changes) rather than general complaints.
- Offer support, not control: Encourage them to consider limits, Time-Out or self-exclusion and to speak to a professional, but avoid taking over their finances unless necessary for safety.
Support Groups and Resources for Families
- GamCare services for affected others: Through https://www.gamcare.org.uk
- Family support forums: Reputable online communities hosted by charities and treatment providers allow you to share experiences anonymously and receive peer support.
- GamAnon and similar groups: These are fellowships of relatives and friends affected by someone's gambling, offering group meetings and mutual support where available.
Recommended Next Steps
- Contact a professional: Encourage the person to speak with a GP, counsellor or specialist gambling therapist. In the UK, GamCare can help arrange free treatment services.
- Use helplines: You can contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 for advice on how to support someone else and how to protect yourself.
- Protect your own finances: Seek advice if shared accounts, joint loans or household bills are at risk. In serious cases, independent legal or debt advice may be required.
- Look after your wellbeing: Caring for someone with addiction can be exhausting. Make time for your own support, including counselling or support groups aimed at families.
Operator's Commitment
Stake and its UK operating partner TGP Europe Ltd are committed to complying with all applicable UK Gambling Commission requirements on safer gambling, including monitoring player behaviour, intervening where appropriate and providing effective tools and information.
Internal Risk Checks and Behaviour Monitoring
- Activity and affordability monitoring: The operator may review patterns of deposits, bets, losses and session length to identify behaviour that could indicate harm or unaffordable gambling, taking into account regulatory guidance and its own risk models.
- Use of data: Information about your account and play is used not only to provide services but also to meet legal obligations such as anti-money laundering checks, fraud prevention and safer gambling monitoring. Details are set out in the applicable privacy policy.
- Warning messages and prompts: Where risk patterns are detected, you may see on-screen messages encouraging you to review your play, set or reduce limits, or consider a break. These prompts are designed to help you reflect on your behaviour.
- Account restrictions: In some cases, the operator may apply additional limits, request further information or restrict your account where required by law, licence conditions or internal policies relating to safer gambling and affordability.
When Support May Contact You
Customer support or a safer gambling team may proactively contact you when certain risk indicators are present, for example:
- Large or rapidly increasing deposits or losses, especially where inconsistent with information previously provided.
- Very long or frequent gambling sessions, or repeated failed attempts to set or increase limits.
- Indicators of distress or harm in your communications with support staff.
Contact may be made by message via your account, by email or, where appropriate and where contact details are available, by telephone. The purpose of such contact is to check your wellbeing, provide information on safer gambling tools, and, where necessary, discuss further protective measures such as limits, Time-Out or self-exclusion. All interactions are handled with discretion and in accordance with privacy and data protection laws.
If you disagree with a decision taken in relation to safer gambling or account restrictions, you may raise the issue with customer support. Complaints and disputes are handled under the applicable terms and conditions, and unresolved disputes may, where eligible, be referred to the Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS) via https://www.ibas-uk.com.
Updates
The legal and regulatory framework for gambling in the UK continues to evolve. Stake and TGP Europe Ltd therefore review and update this responsible gaming information from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, UK Gambling Commission guidance, industry best practice and internal policies.
- How you will be notified: Material changes to responsible gaming tools or policies may be communicated by email (using the contact details registered to your account), by on-site notifications or banners on stakega.com, and/or by updates to this page.
- Checking the latest version: You should revisit this page regularly to ensure you are familiar with the current responsible gaming information and tools available in relation to Stake.
Last updated: 20 January 2026.
Contact & Feedback
If you have questions about responsible gaming, wish to request support, or want to provide feedback on the tools and information available for Stake on stakega.com, you can use the following channels:
- Email - Responsible Gaming and Support: Contact support@stakega.com and clearly state that your query relates to responsible gaming and your Stake account. This is the primary support address currently available.
- Telephone: Where telephone support is available, details will be provided within your account or on the help pages of stakega.com. If no telephone number is listed, please use email or on-site messaging as your main contact method.
- On-site feedback and support requests: While logged in, you may use any available "Help", "Support" or "Contact Us" sections to submit a request. Where a subject or category field is provided, select "Responsible Gambling" or "Safer Gambling", and describe:
- The nature of your request (e.g. setting limits, Time-Out, self-exclusion, account review).
- Any urgent concerns about your gambling or financial situation.
- Whether you are comfortable being contacted by email or (where available) by phone regarding safer gambling.
All responsible gaming contacts are handled sensitively and confidentially, within the limits of applicable law. Information on this page is provided to support safer gambling and does not constitute financial, legal or therapeutic advice. Where you are experiencing significant harm, you should also contact independent support services and, if necessary, medical or emergency services.