Keeping gambling inside a safe band

Northern Quarry Collective is an independent information and comparison site. We do not run casino games, take deposits or hold balances. Even so, we treat safer gambling as a core part of how we present the shortlist you see here.

Gambling should be a light, occasional form of entertainment – never a way to solve money problems or create income. If it starts to feel heavier than that, it’s time to step back.

1. Gambling as entertainment only

Online casino games are built so that the house has the edge over time. To keep things in a safe range, it helps to:

• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
• Set clear limits for both spend and time before you start.
• Never chase losses or try to “win back” what has gone.
• Avoid gambling when tired, stressed, upset or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Make sure gambling is not replacing work, study, hobbies or time with family and friends.

2. Tools available at UKGC-licensed operators

The casinos we highlight – such as BetTarget, Griffon Casino and Karamba – state they are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission for customers in Great Britain. Operators with a UKGC licence are required to offer safer-gambling tools, including:

• Deposit limits – caps on how much you can deposit in a given period.
• Loss and session limits – controls on how much you can lose or how long you stay logged in.
• Reality checks – on-screen reminders showing how long you’ve been playing.
• Time-outs – short breaks from play.
• Self-exclusion – longer blocks if you need a more serious pause.

These controls sit within your casino account settings. Northern Quarry Collective cannot adjust them and has no access to your accounts or activity.

3. Independent support in Great Britain

If you are worried about your gambling or someone else’s, independent help is available:

4. Signs gambling may be becoming a problem

It’s not always obvious when gambling moves from “now and then” into something more harmful. Warning signs can include:

• Spending more time or money than you planned.
• Hiding gambling from friends or family.
• Using money needed for bills, rent or essentials.
• Borrowing to fund gambling.
• Feeling stressed, anxious or low when you try to cut back.
• Chasing losses or increasing stakes after losing.
• Letting gambling interfere with work, study or relationships.

5. Young people and access

Online gambling in Great Britain is restricted to adults aged 18 and over. To reduce risks for younger people:

• Keep gambling account details and devices secure.
• Log out of casino accounts on shared computers and phones.
• Use parental controls and content filters where appropriate.

6. Our role and limitations

Northern Quarry Collective:

• Is an information and comparison site only.
• Does not operate gambling products or accept stakes.
• Does not hold customer funds or payment details.
• Cannot access your casino accounts, set limits or process self-exclusions.

All account controls, complaints and safer-gambling procedures are handled by each operator and, where relevant, its independent dispute resolution provider.

If you feel gambling is starting to cause problems, the most important step is to talk to someone and take a proper break. Support is available – you do not have to handle it alone.