Responsible Gambling

At Odds Scanner, we believe sports betting should only ever be a form of entertainment, never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. This principle guides all the content we publish.

Sport is a passion for millions of people in the UK, and betting can add to the excitement. That is why we want our users to understand the risks, keep control of their betting, and know where to find help if they need it.

Responsible gambling is a set of practices and policies that keep betting a safe form of entertainment. It aims to avoid excessive play, significant financial losses, and negative effects on mental health, relationships, and work.

It also means preventing compulsive gambling. Licensed operators must take measures such as age verification, protection of vulnerable players, and tools that help players stay in control.

Odds Scanner is intended exclusively for users aged 18 and over. In line with the Gambling Act 2005, access to and use of our Site by minors is strictly prohibited. We do not promote, encourage, or allow the use of our services and content by anyone under 18.

Before you place a bet, keep these points in mind:

• Never treat betting as income. The risk of losing money is real. Only bet the amount you have set aside for entertainment.
• Set time and money limits before you start. Decide how much time and money you can spend each day, week, and month, without affecting work, bills, or time with family and friends. Your bank may also let you set transfer limits.
• Bet only for fun. Betting should be entertainment, like going to the cinema or out to dinner. Ask yourself whether it suits your current situation, so you don’t make impulsive decisions.
• Don’t chase your losses. Trying to win back lost money with new bets often leads to bigger losses and a cycle that is hard to break. Never increase your stakes to make up for previous losses.
• Keep betting in its place. Don’t let it take over your thoughts, your routine, or your relationships. Keep up your other hobbies and commitments, and avoid betting when you feel vulnerable or upset.
• Don’t bet under the influence. Alcohol, drugs, or strong emotional stress lead to impulsive decisions. Don’t bet in these situations.

Use the tools licensed operators offer. Licensed betting platforms have a Responsible Gambling section with tools such as:

• Deposit limits: set a daily, weekly, or monthly maximum you can deposit.
• Loss limits: set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a given period.
• Time-outs and reality checks: get alerts on the time and money you spend, or take a break.
• Self-exclusion: block your access to a platform and its marketing, temporarily or permanently. Use it as a preventive measure if you feel you are losing control.

GAMSTOP lets you exclude yourself from all licensed operators in the UK at once.

Gambling problems can affect your finances, mental health, relationships, and work. Watch for these signs in yourself or people close to you:

• Constant preoccupation: planning bets, replaying past ones, or checking results, even during other activities.
• Difficulty concentrating: thoughts about betting get in the way of work, studies, or conversations.
• Irritability or anxiety: feeling restless or frustrated when you can’t bet.
• Betting more to feel the same thrill: needing bigger stakes for the same excitement.
• Chasing losses: an urgent need to win back lost money straight away.
• Hiding your betting: lying to family or friends about how often or how much you bet, or hiding statements and betting history.
• Making excuses: inventing reasons for missing money, delays, or absences.
• Withdrawing from others: spending less time with friends and on activities you used to enjoy.
• Money problems: struggling to pay basic bills, or borrowing money or using credit to bet.

If you recognise two or more of these signs, stop betting and seek support.

Problem gambling is a recognised disorder, like other addictions, and professional support works. If you are worried about your own betting or someone else’s, these organisations offer free and confidential help:

• National Gambling Helpline (GamCare): free, confidential advice 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on 0808 8020 133 or by live chat.
• NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic: specialist NHS treatment for gambling addiction.
• GambleAware: an independent charity with information and support to help you make informed decisions about gambling.
• Gamblers Anonymous UK: a fellowship where people share their experience to recover from a gambling problem.

In the UK, betting is regulated by the Gambling Commission under the Gambling Act 2005. Licensed operators must offer player-set deposit and betting limits, clear information about risks, self-exclusion, and measures to prevent and detect harmful gambling. At Odds Scanner, we only include operators licensed in the UK.

If you have questions or concerns, contact us.