Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Hedge Master, we want to remind all our visitors that gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. Betting should be fun, affordable, and within your means. If you find yourself struggling to control your gambling, please reach out for support immediately.
Age Verification
Gambling in the United Kingdom is only legal for individuals aged 18 years and over. By accessing betting services through Hedge Master or our partner Betfred, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and meet all local legal requirements to gamble in your jurisdiction.
If you are under 18, or if you are visiting from a jurisdiction where gambling is restricted or prohibited, please do not place any bets.
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:
- Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose
- Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or other essential expenses
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Lying to friends or family about the amount you gamble
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or guilty about your gambling
- Neglecting work, study, or relationships due to gambling
- Gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, or other problems
- Being unable to stick to betting limits you've set
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to reduce or stop gambling
Self-Help Tools and Safeguards
Betfred and most reputable online betting operators provide tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose
- Betting Limits: Cap the stake size on individual bets
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications during your gaming session to remind you how long you've been playing
- Time-Out: Take a temporary break from gambling (hours, days, or weeks) without closing your account
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from gambling, preventing access to your account
Please use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling behaviour.
Support and Help Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional support is available. The following organisations provide confidential advice and support:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free and confidential support for problem gamblers and their families
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme allowing you to self-exclude from all UK online gambling operators
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - Gamblers Anonymous – Free peer support meetings across the UK
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk - National Gambling Treatment Service (NGTS) – NHS-funded specialist treatment
Referral: Available via your GP or local mental health services
International Support
- 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
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
If You Need Help
Please don't suffer in silence. If you believe you have a problem with gambling, reach out to one of the organisations listed above. Support is confidential, non-judgmental, and available 24/7.
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are people trained to assist you, and recovery is possible.