Responsible Gaming
Gambling should be fun, not a problem. If it stops being enjoyable, stop playing.
Our Commitment to Safer Gambling
At Ice Fishing Live Guide, we believe gambling should always remain a form of entertainment, never a source of distress. While we publish reviews, strategies and guides for the Ice Fishing Live casino game, we recognise that gambling carries real risks and can cause genuine harm.
We want every reader to have the information and resources needed to stay in control. If you or someone close to you is struggling with gambling, please read the guidance below and contact one of the professional support organisations listed on this page. Help is free, confidential and available around the clock.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually and is often difficult to recognise at first. Pay attention to these warning signs in yourself or someone you know:
Behavioural Signs
- Playing for longer or more often than you planned.
- Spending more money than you can afford to lose.
- Hiding the extent of your gambling from family, friends or colleagues.
- Chasing losses by increasing bets or extending sessions.
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
- Neglecting work, studies or family responsibilities because of gambling.
Emotional Signs
- Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when not gambling.
- Using gambling to escape stress, depression or other difficulties.
- Feeling guilty or ashamed after a gambling session.
- Losing interest in hobbies, social activities or things you used to enjoy.
- Experiencing mood swings linked to wins and losses.
Financial Signs
- Regularly spending rent, bill or grocery money on gambling.
- Using credit cards, overdrafts or payday loans to gamble.
- Unexplained debts or difficulty meeting financial commitments.
- Secretive behaviour around bank statements or online transactions.
If you recognise any of these signs, we strongly encourage you to seek professional support straight away. Problem gambling is a recognised condition, and effective treatment is available.
Self-Assessment: Ask Yourself These Questions
Answer these questions honestly. If you answer "yes" to one or more, it may be time to reconsider your gambling habits.
- Do you spend more time or money gambling than you originally intended?
- Have you tried to cut down or stop gambling but found it difficult?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when you try to stop or reduce gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape problems or relieve feelings of anxiety or depression?
- After losing money, do you return another day to try to win it back?
- Have you lied to family members, friends or others about how much you gamble?
- Have you put a relationship, job or educational opportunity at risk because of gambling?
- Do you rely on others to provide money to cover financial difficulties caused by gambling?
- Do you find yourself thinking about gambling throughout the day, even when you are not playing?
- Has gambling caused you to feel hopeless or think about harming yourself?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, please contact the GamCare helpline on 0808 8020 133 for free, confidential support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Set Limits Before You Play
The most effective way to gamble responsibly is to set firm limits before you start playing. Most UKGC-licensed casinos offer the following tools through your account settings:
Deposit Limits
Set a daily, weekly or monthly cap on how much you can deposit into your casino account. Once you reach the limit, the casino will not accept further deposits until the next period begins. Lowering your deposit limit takes effect immediately; increasing it typically requires a 24-hour cooling-off period.
Time Limits
Set a maximum number of hours you are prepared to play per day or per session. Many casinos display a session timer and will send you a notification when your time is up. Some operators allow you to set an automatic session end.
Loss Limits
Set a cap on the total net losses you are willing to accept within a defined period. When your losses reach the threshold, the casino will restrict further play until the period resets. This prevents you from chasing losses during a bad run.
Wagering Limits
Some operators also allow you to limit the total amount you can wager within a given timeframe, regardless of wins and losses. This is particularly useful for managing the pace of play on fast-round games such as Ice Fishing Live.
We recommend using at least a deposit limit and a time limit in combination. These tools are free and can be adjusted at any time through your casino account.
Self-Exclusion with GamStop
GamStop is the UK's free national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. It is managed independently and supported by the UK Gambling Commission. Here is how it works:
- Register at gamstop.co.uk with your personal details (name, date of birth, email, address and phone number).
- Choose your exclusion period: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
- All UKGC-licensed operators are required to check the GamStop register. Once your registration is confirmed, you will be blocked from gambling at all UKGC-licensed sites and apps.
- You cannot reverse a GamStop exclusion until the chosen period has ended. After the minimum period, you must actively request removal; exclusion does not lift automatically.
In addition to GamStop, individual casinos offer their own self-exclusion options. Contact the casino's customer support team to request a site-specific exclusion if you prefer to block access to a single platform.
Blocking Software
For added protection, you can install gambling-blocking software on your devices:
- Gamban - blocks access to gambling websites and apps across all your devices. Available at gamban.com.
- BetBlocker - a free, charity-funded app that blocks access to gambling sites. Available at betblocker.org.
UK Support Resources
The following organisations offer free, confidential help for anyone affected by problem gambling in the United Kingdom:
GamCare
GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline and provides counselling, online chat support and treatment referrals. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Freephone helpline: 0808 8020 133
BeGambleAware
BeGambleAware provides free information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harm. Their website includes self-assessment tools, treatment directories and educational resources.
UK Gambling Commission
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) regulates all commercial gambling in Great Britain. If you have a complaint about a licensed gambling operator, the UKGC can direct you to the appropriate dispute resolution service.
Gordon Moody Association
Gordon Moody provides residential treatment programmes, online group therapy and relapse prevention courses for people with severe gambling problems. All services are free of charge.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous runs peer support meetings across the UK, both in person and online. The programme is based on the 12-step model and is open to anyone who wants to stop gambling.
Credit Card Ban for Gambling
Since 14 April 2020, the UK Gambling Commission has banned the use of credit cards for all online and offline gambling transactions with UKGC-licensed operators. This rule was introduced to prevent people from gambling with money they do not have and building up debts they cannot repay.
The ban applies to:
- All online casino deposits, including those made through e-wallets funded by credit cards.
- Betting shops and in-person gambling venues.
- All UKGC-licensed operators, regardless of the type of gambling offered.
You can still fund your gambling account using:
- Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard).
- Bank transfers.
- E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller) funded by debit card or bank transfer.
- Prepaid cards and vouchers.
This measure is part of the UKGC's wider strategy to reduce gambling-related harm. We support this policy and encourage all players to gamble only with funds they can afford to lose.
Age Verification (18+)
The legal minimum age for gambling in the United Kingdom is 18 years old. This applies to all forms of gambling, including online casinos, sports betting, bingo, and the National Lottery (the minimum age for the National Lottery was raised from 16 to 18 in April 2021).
All UKGC-licensed operators are required by law to verify your age before you can:
- Place a bet or wager.
- Withdraw any winnings.
- Access certain gambling content.
Age verification is typically carried out electronically using your name, date of birth and address. If electronic verification is not possible, the operator may ask for photographic identification such as a passport or driving licence.
This website is intended for adults aged 18 and over. We do not target or encourage gambling among minors. If you suspect that a young person is gambling, contact the UKGC or GamCare for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
GamStop is a free self-exclusion scheme for residents of Great Britain. When you register with GamStop at gamstop.co.uk, you are blocked from all gambling websites and apps operated by companies licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. You can choose a self-exclusion period of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. During this time, you will not be able to log in to or open new accounts with any UKGC-licensed operator.
No. Since 14 April 2020, the UK Gambling Commission has banned the use of credit cards for all online and offline gambling transactions. This applies to all UKGC-licensed operators. You can still use debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill, and prepaid cards to fund your gambling account.
Contact the GamCare helpline on 0808 8020 133 (freephone, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also visit begambleaware.org for free advice and support, or register with GamStop to self-exclude from all UK-licensed gambling sites.
Most UKGC-licensed casinos allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits through your account settings. Navigate to your account, find the responsible gaming or player protection section, and choose your preferred limits. Once set, the casino will not allow you to deposit beyond your chosen amount within the specified timeframe.
The legal minimum age for gambling in the United Kingdom is 18 years old. This applies to online casinos, betting shops, bingo halls, and adult gaming centres. The only exception was the National Lottery and scratch cards, where the minimum age was raised from 16 to 18 in April 2021. All UKGC-licensed operators are required to verify your age before you can gamble or withdraw winnings.