This page is here to help you keep gambling enjoyable and under control. Westace offers casino games and sports betting to players aged 18 and over in the UK, and while most people gamble for fun, it's worth checking in with yourself now and then. Below you'll find the questions that matter, the tools the operator provides, and the organisations ready to help if things feel less straightforward than they should.
Why responsible gambling matters
Gambling is designed to be entertaining – a bit of excitement, a flutter on a match, a spin on a slot. When it stays that way, great. But for some people it stops being fun and starts feeling like a problem: chasing losses, playing longer than intended, or leaning on gambling to manage stress or boredom. The shift can be gradual, which is why it's worth pausing occasionally to ask yourself how it's going.
The operator runs both a casino and a sportsbook, so the range of products is wide – slots, live games, table games, virtual sports, horse racing. More choice means more opportunity to enjoy yourself, and more reason to stay aware of your own limits. Setting boundaries early is easier than pulling back later.
Warning signs: when gambling gets out of hand
Here are the behaviours that should make you stop and think:
- Spending more than you can afford – money meant for bills, rent or groceries going into your account instead.
- Chasing losses – depositing again immediately after losing, convinced the next bet will turn it around.
- Gambling to escape – using slots or betting to avoid dealing with something else, or to numb feelings you'd rather not sit with.
- Losing track of time – sessions that stretch far beyond what you planned, or playing until your balance is gone rather than stopping by choice.
- Lying about it – hiding deposits, minimising how much you've spent, or feeling defensive when someone asks.
- Neglecting other things – work, family, hobbies or responsibilities all taking a back seat because gambling comes first.
- Borrowing to play – credit cards, loans, or money from friends used to fund your account.
One or two of these on a bad day doesn't mean disaster, but if several are starting to sound familiar, it's time to act. The sooner you intervene, the easier it is to get things back on track.
A few questions to ask yourself
Try answering these honestly – no one else will see them, and they're not a diagnosis, just a way to check in:
- Do you gamble with money you can't afford to lose?
- Have you lied to family or friends about how much you've spent?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down?
- Have you tried to stop and found you couldn't?
- Do you gamble to escape problems or to feel better about yourself?
- After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win it back?
- Has gambling caused problems with your work, studies or relationships?
- Have you borrowed money or sold anything to finance gambling?
If you answered yes to three or more, consider reaching out for support – the organisations below are free, confidential and there to help.
Westace's control tools
The operator provides several ways to manage your account. These aren't foolproof – you still need to use them – but they exist:
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Self-exclusion | Request it by emailing [email protected] – closes your account and blocks access. |
| Account closure | Permanent closure via the same email address if you want to stop for good. |
Deposit limits, timeouts and reality checks are not confirmed in the operator's terms, so if you need those features you'll have to ask customer service directly whether they're available. Self-exclusion is the clearest route if you need a break – once requested, the operator is obliged to honour it.
Tips for gambling sensibly
Good habits make a difference. Here are a few that work:
- Set a budget before you start – decide what you can afford to lose, deposit that amount, and stop when it's gone. Never chase it.
- Treat it as entertainment, not income – winnings are a bonus, not something you can rely on. If you're playing to pay bills, you're already in trouble.
- Take regular breaks – step away every hour, even if you're winning. A clear head makes better decisions.
- Don't gamble when you're upset, drunk or tired – emotions and impaired judgement both lead to poor choices.
- Keep other interests alive – if gambling is the only thing you do for fun, it's too central. Spread your time around.
- Never borrow to gamble – using credit or loans to fund an account is a red flag. If you've run out of your own money, you've run out.
Where to find help in the UK
If gambling has stopped being fun, or if you're worried about someone else, these organisations offer free, confidential support:
GamCare – Counselling, advice and practical help for anyone affected by problem gambling. The National Gambling Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week: call 0808 8020 133 (free from all UK phones), or visit gamcare.org.uk for live chat and email support.
BeGambleAware – Information, advice and signposting to treatment services across Great Britain. The website carries self-assessment tools and guides for family members. Visit begambleaware.org.
GamStop – A free national self-exclusion scheme that blocks access to all UK-licensed gambling sites. Once registered, you can't reverse it for a minimum period (six months, one year or five years). It's effective if you need a clean break. Register at gamstop.co.uk.
Gordon Moody – Residential and online treatment programmes for people with serious gambling problems. Places are limited but the support is intensive. Visit gordonmoody.org.uk for referral information.
Blocking software
If willpower alone isn't enough, software can help. Gamban (gamban.com) blocks access to gambling sites and apps across all your devices for a subscription fee. BetBlocker (betblocker.org) does the same job and is free – it works on computers, phones and tablets, and once installed it's difficult to remove during the block period you choose.
Protecting minors
Access to the operator's platform is restricted to those aged 18 and over (18+). If you share a device with someone younger, parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio can block gambling sites at the router level. It's worth setting up if children have access to the same computer or tablet you use to play.
Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore. If it's stopped feeling that way, the support above is there – free, confidential, and without judgement. Taking a break or reaching out for help is a sign of sense, not weakness.
For questions about this page or other content on westace.com.de, write to [email protected].
This page is for information and marketing purposes only. We are not a casino operator, a bookmaker or an organiser of gambling. Access to this content is restricted to persons aged 18 and over (18+). We encourage you to gamble responsibly – for free, confidential support visit BeGambleAware.org.
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