Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

At Bourne Cycle Festival, we're committed to promoting responsible gambling practices. Gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the cinema or a concert. It should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems.

Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose. If you're struggling to control your gambling habits, help is available.

Age Verification

In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. All betting sites featured on this website require strict age verification during registration.

If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register with any gambling operator. Underage gambling is illegal and can cause serious harm.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
• Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or essential expenses
• Hiding your gambling activities from family or friends
• Gambling for longer periods or with larger amounts than intended
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
• Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
• Using gambling to escape negative emotions or stress

If you recognize yourself in any of these warning signs, please reach out for help immediately.

Self-Help Tools Available

Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a defined period
• Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications during gambling sessions to remind you how long you've been playing
• Time-Out/Break: Take a temporary break from gambling for a set period (typically 24 hours to several weeks)
• Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from a betting site, preventing access to your account

We encourage you to use these tools proactively, even if you don't currently feel you have a problem.

Support Organizations & Resources

United Kingdom

• GamCare
  Free confidential counselling and support for problem gamblers and their families
  www.gamcare.org.uk | Telephone: 0808 8020 133
• GamStop
  National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain
  www.gamstop.co.uk | Telephone: 0800 197 8000
• Gamblers Anonymous
  Support group for those with gambling problems
  Telephone: 0207 384 3040
• National Problem Gambling Clinic
  NHS specialist treatment service
  Available through NHS referral

International Support Services

• 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-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  Telephone: 0800 1 372 374 (toll-free)

If You Need Help, Please Reach Out

Problem gambling is a serious issue that can affect your health, finances, and relationships. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in asking for support — professional counsellors and support groups are available 24/7 and are here to help.

Remember: Help is just a phone call or click away.