Responsible Gambling

At Chicken Run, we are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable online gaming experience for all our players. Responsible gambling is a cornerstone of our operations, and we believe that online gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a source of stress or financial hardship.

This page provides guidance, tools, and resources to help you gamble safely. We aim to raise awareness about the risks of problem gambling and provide practical support to help players make informed choices. Our goal is to protect players while maintaining a fun and responsible gaming environment.

What is Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling means playing for entertainment while keeping control over how much time and money you spend. It involves setting personal limits, understanding the risks, and recognising when gambling is no longer enjoyable.

Moderation is key. Gambling should not interfere with your work, relationships, or financial stability. By treating gambling as a leisure activity rather than a way to make money, you can maintain balance in your life. Responsible gambling also means being aware of your emotions and mental state while playing. It’s about knowing when to stop and taking proactive steps to stay in control.

Understanding Gambling Risks

Gambling carries inherent risks. It is important to understand that:

  • Gambling is not an investment: Wins are never guaranteed, and losses are part of the game. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.
  • The house always has an edge: All games are designed to give the operator a statistical advantage over time. Short-term wins can occur, but losses are more likely in the long run.
  • Emotional decision-making can be dangerous: Gambling when stressed, anxious, angry, or depressed can lead to poor choices and increased losses.
  • Financial risks are real: Overspending on gambling can impact bills, debts, and savings. Recognising these risks is essential to maintaining responsible gambling habits.

Understanding these risks helps players make informed decisions and maintain gambling as a safe form of entertainment.

Guidelines for Safe Gambling

To help you gamble responsibly, we recommend the following practical steps:

  1. Set time and money limits: Decide in advance how much time and money you will spend, and stick to it. Treat gambling like any other leisure activity with a fixed budget.
  2. Never chase losses: Accept losses as part of the game. Trying to recover lost money can lead to deeper financial problems.
  3. Avoid gambling when upset: Emotional states such as anger, sadness, or stress can impair judgment. Only gamble when you feel calm and in control.
  4. Keep gambling fun: Focus on entertainment rather than profit. View wins as a bonus, not an expectation.
  5. Take regular breaks: Long gambling sessions can increase risk. Step away regularly to reflect on your gameplay and assess your limits.

Following these guidelines helps ensure that gambling remains an enjoyable pastime rather than a source of harm.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

It is important to recognise early warning signs that gambling may be becoming a problem:

Behavioural signs:

  • Spending increasing amounts of time or money on gambling
  • Hiding gambling activity from friends or family
  • Neglecting work, school, or social obligations

Emotional signs:

  • Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed after gambling
  • Irritability or mood swings when not gambling
  • Preoccupation with gambling thoughts

Financial signs:

  • Borrowing money to gamble
  • Repeatedly exceeding budgeted amounts
  • Struggling to pay bills or meet financial commitments due to gambling

Recognising these warning signs early allows for timely action to prevent further harm.

Self-Control Tools and Limits

Chicken Run provides a range of tools to help players manage their gambling responsibly:

  • Deposit limits: Restrict the amount of money added to your account daily, weekly, or monthly.
  • Session time limits: Set maximum durations for individual gaming sessions to prevent prolonged gambling.
  • Loss limits: Limit the amount of money you can lose within a set period.
  • Cooling-off periods: Temporarily suspend your account for a minimum period to take a break from gambling.
  • Self-exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from the Website for a longer period if you feel gambling is becoming a problem.

These tools are designed to give you control over your gambling and reduce the risk of harm.

Getting Help and Support

If you feel that gambling is affecting your life, relationships, or finances, it is important to seek help promptly. You do not have to face this alone.

  • Talk to family or friends: Sharing concerns can help you gain perspective and support.
  • Seek professional support: Trained counsellors and therapists can provide advice and coping strategies.
  • Use self-help tools: Tracking spending, setting limits, or joining support programs can help regain control.

Early intervention can prevent gambling problems from escalating and help you maintain a healthy relationship with gaming.

Support Organizations in United Kingdom

The UK has a number of organisations dedicated to supporting people affected by gambling:

  • GamCare: Provides confidential advice, support, and treatment for problem gambling. https://www.gamcare.org.uk | Helpline: 0808 8020 133
  • BeGambleAware: Offers information, tools, and self-assessment to promote safer gambling. https://www.begambleaware.org
  • National Gambling Helpline: Free, confidential support for individuals and families. Call 0808 8020 133
  • GambleAware Chat Services: Online chat support for guidance and referrals to treatment providers.

These organisations are confidential, free, and staffed by trained professionals who understand gambling-related issues.

Chicken Run’s Commitment

At Chicken Run, responsible gambling is embedded in our operations. Our commitment includes:

  • Player protection measures: Implementing age verification, self-exclusion, and limit-setting tools.
  • Staff training: Ensuring all employees understand responsible gambling practices and can provide support to players.
  • Monitoring gameplay: Detecting patterns of potentially harmful gambling behaviour and intervening proactively.
  • Clear communication: Providing guidance, information, and resources to help players make informed decisions.

We continuously review and update our responsible gambling policies to align with UK regulations and best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I set limits on my account?
A: You can set deposit, loss, and session time limits directly in your account settings. Limits can be adjusted, but they take effect immediately and are monitored by our system.

Q: What should I do if I think I’m gambling too much?
A: Consider using self-exclusion or cooling-off tools, speak to family or friends, and contact professional support organisations such as GamCare or BeGambleAware.

Q: Can I take a break from gambling?
A: Yes. Chicken Run provides both short-term cooling-off periods and long-term self-exclusion options to help you step away from gambling safely.

Q: Are there tools to track my spending?
A: Yes. Our Website allows you to review your deposit, loss, and gameplay history to help you manage your gambling budget effectively.

Q: Is gambling really safe if I follow the rules?
A: Gambling always carries risk, but using responsible gambling tools, setting limits, and seeking support when needed can significantly reduce the risk of harm.

Q: How can I get confidential advice?
A: You can contact GamCare, BeGambleAware, or the National Gambling Helpline for free, confidential, and professional support.