Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At Shropshire Festival, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or a sporting event. It should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds in all casino games and betting activities always favour the operator in the long run. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to access betting sites or casino platforms. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and use robust age verification processes to protect young people.

If you are under 18, please do not use this website or any betting services.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money
• Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
• Borrowing money or accumulating debt to fund gambling
• Neglecting work, studies, family, or social responsibilities
• Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
• Gambling larger amounts to achieve the same level of excitement
• Lying to others about the extent of your gambling

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Controls

Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control. These include:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount of losses you are willing to accept
• Time Limits: Restrict the amount of time you spend gambling in any session
• Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during play showing how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block your access to betting sites

Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits. Setting limits demonstrates responsible gaming and helps you stay in control.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:

United Kingdom

• GamCare – Free counselling and support for problem gamblers
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  National Problem Gambling Clinic: Available through the NHS
• GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme across all UK-licensed operators
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  Register to self-exclude from all regulated UK gambling sites simultaneously
• Gamblers Anonymous – Support groups and peer help
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

International Support (for users outside the UK)

• 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 (free and confidential, 24/7)
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de

If You Need Help

Problem gambling can be serious and can affect your health, relationships, and finances. If you feel that your gambling is becoming a problem, or if it is affecting your wellbeing or that of your family, please reach out for support today.

There is no shame in seeking help. Trained advisors at the organisations listed above are available to listen without judgment and provide you with the support you need.

Take action now: Contact GamCare, GamStop, or a relevant support organisation in your region. Help is available, and recovery is possible.

Our Commitment

Shropshire Festival is committed to promoting responsible gambling. We work with licensed operators that comply with UK Gambling Commission regulations and prioritise player safety. We encourage all users to gamble responsibly and to use the tools and resources available to them.

Last updated: 2026