Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Way to Make Money
At The Compass, we believe poker and casino gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only. It should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While we provide information about the best poker sites, we are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices across the UK and beyond.
Please gamble within your means and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to access and use any poker or gaming sites recommended on this website. In the UK, the legal age for gambling is 18. We take age verification seriously and encourage all operators to implement robust checks.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use parental controls to restrict access to gambling websites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses: Continuing to gamble to win back money you've lost
- Hiding gambling: Keeping your gambling activities secret from friends or family
- Spending more than planned: Regularly exceeding your gambling budget
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Borrowing to gamble: Taking loans or using credit to fund gambling
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
- Escalating stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts for the same level of excitement
- Failed attempts to stop: Being unable to reduce or quit gambling despite wanting to
- Relationship problems: Arguments with loved ones about your gambling
- Financial difficulties: Struggling to pay bills or manage debts due to gambling losses
Self-Help Tools and Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable poker and gaming sites offer tools to help you manage your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose over a set period
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders about how long you've been playing
- Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period without closing your account
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a site for a specified duration or permanently
- Account Cooling-Off: Temporarily suspend your account to reflect on your gambling habits
We encourage you to use these tools whenever playing. Responsible gaming operators make these features readily accessible and easy to use.
Support Organizations and Help 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 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 - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings and fellowship
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
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-GAMBLER
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
All of these services are confidential, non-judgmental, and free to access.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. You are not alone, and support is available. If you're struggling with your gambling habits:
- Contact GamCare immediately on 0808 8020 133 (UK)
- Register with GamStop to self-exclude from all UK licensed online gambling operators
- Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional
- Use the support resources listed above
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Recovery is possible.
Our Commitment
The Compass is committed to promoting responsible gaming across all our content and recommendations. We only recommend licensed and regulated poker sites that prioritise player protection and offer robust responsible gaming features. If you have any concerns about gambling content on our site, please contact us.