Responsible Gaming
Introduction
At Mecca Bingo, we believe that gaming should be an enjoyable form of entertainment. It is important to understand that gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and set limits that work for your budget and lifestyle.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in gambling activities. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and verifying the age of all players. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to use our services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you notice any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or others
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
- Neglecting work, school, family, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Lying about the extent of gambling activity
- Experiencing relationship or financial difficulties as a result of gambling
Self-Help Tools
We provide various tools to help you maintain control of your gaming:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
- Time-Out: Take a temporary break from your account to step back and reassess your gaming habits
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from your account and all Mecca Bingo services
For more information about these tools, please contact our customer support team or visit your account settings.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, the following organisations provide free, confidential support:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling, information, and self-help resources
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free and confidential) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Phone: 0800 0119 982 - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support groups across the UK
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
International Support
- 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
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung – www.bzga.de
Call to Action
If you believe you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out to one of the support organisations listed above. Professional help is available, and recovery is possible. Speak to someone you trust – whether a friend, family member, or counsellor – and take the first step towards a healthier relationship with gambling.
Remember: Gambling should be fun. If it stops being enjoyable, it's time to get help.