Responsible Gambling

The growth of the online betting market in the United Kingdom reflects a culture that lives and breathes the emotions of sport. It also brings a responsibility: to help our users stay safe and aware, and to keep online betting a healthy, conscious form of entertainment.

Gamble responsibly — not for under-18s

Odds Scanner AI is a platform intended exclusively for users aged 18 or over. Access and use by minors is expressly prohibited, in line with the Gambling Act 2005. We do not promote, encourage or allow the use of our services and content by anyone under 18.

Tips for betting responsibly

It is essential to understand the risks involved in betting, so that what should be entertainment does not become a habit that harms your health or your life. Before placing a sports bet, you should:

Set time and money limits. Decide how much time and budget you can dedicate — daily, weekly and monthly — without compromising other important responsibilities such as work, finances and quality time with family and friends. Use the tools your betting platform and your bank offer to set deposit and transfer limits.

If you decide to bet, do it only for fun. Betting should be entertainment, like going to the cinema or dining out — not a way to make money or solve financial problems. Consider whether it is the right activity for your stage of life, so you do not make impulsive decisions that increase the risk of developing a problem.

Don’t chase your losses. The frustration of losing is common, but trying to win back losses with new bets is dangerous. It can lead to larger and larger losses — a vicious cycle that is hard to break. Never increase your stakes hoping to recover what you lost before.

Use the responsible-gambling tools available. Betting platforms offer features that help keep your play conscious and under control:

• Deposit limits: set daily, weekly or monthly caps on how much you can deposit.

• Loss limits: set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a given period.

• Activity alerts: set reminders that monitor the time and money you spend betting.

• Self-exclusion: if you feel you are losing control, use self-exclusion to block access to the platform temporarily or permanently. Don’t hesitate to use it as a preventive measure.

Protect your emotional control and your routine. Don’t let sports betting take over your thoughts, your routine or your personal and professional relationships. Keep your other hobbies, stay connected with friends and family, and meet your obligations. Avoid betting when you feel vulnerable or emotionally affected, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs — these conditions lead to impulsive, irresponsible decisions.

How to identify a gambling problem

Gambling problems can show up in many ways, affecting not only finances but also mental health, relationships and everyday life. Be alert to the following signs in yourself or in people close to you:

• Constant preoccupation with gambling: planning future bets, replaying past ones or seeking results even while doing other things.

• Difficulty concentrating: the obsession makes it hard to focus on work, study or conversations.

• Irritability or anxiety: feeling restless or on edge when you cannot bet.

• Needing to bet more: a growing need to stake larger amounts to feel the same thrill or to “recover” losses.

• Chasing losses: an uncontrollable urge to bet again immediately after losing, which usually leads to bigger losses.

• Hiding your betting: lying to family or friends about how often or how much you bet, or concealing statements and betting history.

• Making excuses: inventing reasons for missing money, delays or absences when you were actually gambling.

• Social isolation: pulling away from friends and activities you used to enjoy.

• Financial difficulty or debt: struggling to cover basics like rent or bills, and turning to loans, credit cards or borrowing to fund bets.

How to seek professional help

If you recognise one or more of these signs — in yourself or someone close to you — it is important to seek help. These free, confidential resources are available:

• National Gambling Helpline: operated by GamCare, offering confidential advice and support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by phone or live chat.

• National Problem Gambling Clinic: part of the National Gambling Treatment Service (GambleAware and NHS England), providing specialist treatment for gambling addiction.

• NHS — help for gambling addiction: information and resources on the NHS website, including access to specialist NHS gambling services.

• Gamblers Anonymous UK: a fellowship of people who share their experience and support each other to recover from a gambling problem.

• GambleAware: an independent charity funding research, education and treatment to reduce gambling harm in Great Britain.

• BeGambleAware: information to help people make informed decisions about their gambling.

UK gambling regulation

The Gambling Commission, created under the Gambling Act 2005, regulates commercial gambling in Great Britain in partnership with local licensing authorities. Operators must offer player-set betting and deposit limits, clear information about risks and probabilities, self-exclusion programmes, and monitoring of at-risk behaviour.

The UK has one of the most mature and rigorous regulatory frameworks in the world, with ongoing rules — such as deposit-limit controls — that reinforce its commitment to player protection and the prevention of gambling-related harm.