Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At headscratch.co.uk, we believe that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. William Hill and all betting operators operate games of chance where the odds are always in favour of the house. 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 use William Hill's services or any other licensed gambling operator. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or place bets.
Age verification is a legal requirement and operators are obligated to check the identity of all customers.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you have lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling: Concealing the extent of your gambling from family or friends
- Gambling with money you can't afford to lose: Using rent, bill, or essential expense money to gamble
- Increasing amounts: Needing to gamble with larger sums to get the same excitement
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, family time, or social commitments due to gambling
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Failed attempts to stop: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or quit gambling
- Using gambling to escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions
- Borrowing money to gamble: Taking out loans or asking others for money to fund gambling
- Feeling unable to control gambling: Gambling longer or with more money than intended
Self-Help Tools and Controls
William Hill and responsible operators provide tools to help you stay in control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose over a specified period
- Stake Limits: Restrict the maximum bet size on individual bets or games
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications reminding you of how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks) while remaining registered
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling for an extended period (months or years), during which you cannot access your account
You can access these tools through your William Hill account settings or by contacting their customer support team.
Support Organisations and Helplines
If you are struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling, support, and information for problem gamblers and their families
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Phone: 0800 197 8200
GamStop allows you to self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling operators at once - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support and 12-step programme
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk - National Gambling Treatment Service – NHS-funded treatment for problem gambling
Website: www.nhs.uk
Referrals available through your GP
Other Countries
- 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 | 1-800-522-4700
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
Seeking help for problem gambling is a sign of strength, not weakness. There is no shame in asking for support. Whether you are concerned about your own gambling or that of someone you care about, the organisations listed above offer free, confidential assistance.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, emotional distress, or thoughts of self-harm related to gambling, please contact:
- Samaritans (UK): 116 123 (24/7, free)
- Mind (UK mental health support): www.mind.org.uk
Remember: problem gambling is treatable. Help is available, and recovery is possible.
This information is provided for educational purposes. headscratch.co.uk encourages all users to gamble responsibly and within their means. William Hill is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (Licence Number: 39172).