Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Bourton Dorset, we are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices. Gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting on William Hill and other sportsbooks should be enjoyed responsibly, within your means, and as part of a balanced lifestyle.
We encourage all users to gamble only with money they can afford to lose and to set strict limits on their betting activity.
Age Verification
In the United Kingdom, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities, including sports betting with William Hill and other licensed operators.
All operators are legally required to verify your age and identity before accepting any bets. If you are under 18, or if you are of legal age but choose not to gamble, we fully support your decision.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, support may be needed:
- Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose
- Gambling with money intended for essentials (rent, bills, food)
- Chasing losses by continuing to gamble to recover lost money
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount wagered
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Neglecting family, friends, work, or other important responsibilities
- Borrowing money or accumulating debt to fund gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce gambling
- Loss of control over gambling frequency or bet sizes
If you experience any of these signs, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools and Controls
Most reputable betting operators, including William Hill, offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a specific timeframe
- Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum stake size on individual bets
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders during gambling sessions to help you track time spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account if you need a break from gambling
- Account Statements: Review your betting history and expenditure regularly
We strongly encourage you to use these tools proactively to manage your gambling responsibly.
Support and Help Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional support is available and completely confidential:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling and support service
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Register for multi-operator self-exclusion across all UK-licensed operators - Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support meetings and 12-step programme
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
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) – Gambling addiction support and information
If You Need Help
If you are struggling with gambling, please reach out for support today. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and help is available. It is never too late to ask for assistance.
Contact GamCare on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamcare.org.uk for confidential support.
Remember: gambling should be fun. If it stops being enjoyable, or if it is causing harm to you or your loved ones, please seek help.