Responsible Gaming

Introduction

At Manchester and Salford Illustrated, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming. Gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems.

When playing at Mystake or any other online casino, please remember that the odds always favour the house. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and set strict limits on your spending.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years old to gamble in the UK. If you are under the legal age, you must not participate in gambling activities. All operators, including Mystake, are required by law to verify your age before you can play.

If you are a young person concerned about your own gambling or someone else's, please reach out to the support services listed below.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do you recognise any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know? Problem gambling can develop quickly. Please seek help if you notice:

• Regularly gambling for longer than intended
• Spending more money than you can afford to lose
• Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money
• Hiding your gambling from friends, family, or partners
• Borrowing money to fund gambling
• Neglecting work, school, or personal relationships because of gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down
• Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
• Lying about the extent of your gambling
• Experiencing financial difficulties due to gambling

Self-Help Tools & Player Protections

Most reputable online casinos, including Mystake, offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly).
• Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you are willing to lose over a set timeframe.
• Time Limits: Set reminders or automatic session timeouts to prevent excessive play.
• Reality Checks: Regular pop-up notifications remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an operator's platform when you need a break.

If tools provided by individual operators are not sufficient, you may wish to use GamStop, a national self-exclusion scheme that blocks access to all licensed online gambling sites across the UK.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you're struggling with gambling, professional help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:

United Kingdom

• GamCare
  Free counselling, support groups, and self-help resources for anyone affected by problem gambling.
  Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential)
• GamStop
  UK's national self-exclusion scheme. Register to block access to all licensed online gambling operators.
• Gamblers Anonymous
  Free peer support meetings and fellowship for problem gamblers throughout the UK.

Australia

• Gambling Help Online
  Confidential counselling and information for problem gambling.

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council
  Evidence-based resources and support for problem gambling across Canada.

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling
  National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (free, confidential, 24/7)

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
  Telefonberatung Glücksspielsucht: 0800 137 27 00 (free, confidential)

Need Help?

If you think you may have a gambling problem, please reach out for help today. Support is available, and seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness.

The organisations listed above provide confidential, non-judgmental support to help you regain control. Don't wait — contact them now if you need help.

Remember: You are not alone, and help is always available.