Responsible Gambling at Matchbook

Betting is entertainment. It is not a way to earn money, clear debts or recover a bad week. We run Matchbook with that principle in mind, and we hold a licence from the UK Gambling Commission (licence number 39504) that obliges us to protect our customers.

Our service is for adults only. You must be 18 or over to open an account, deposit or place a bet on any of our sports markets or casino games. We may ask you to verify your age and identity at any point, and we will close accounts that belong to anyone underage. If you share a device with someone under 18, please use filtering software and keep your login details private.

You do not need to wait for a problem before using our safeguards. Most players find that setting boundaries early makes gambling easier to keep in proportion. The controls we provide are:

• Deposit limits – cap how much you can pay in over a day, week or month.
• Loss limits – set a ceiling on what you are prepared to lose across a chosen period.
• Session limits and reality checks – timed reminders showing how long you have been playing, so the clock never slips by unnoticed.
• Cooling-off breaks – step away for a short, fixed spell while keeping your account.
• Self-exclusion – a longer, firmer block on your account when you need real distance.

To activate any of these, check your account settings or message our team through Live Chat or support@matchbook.com. Requests to lower a limit take effect straight away; asking to raise one is subject to a delay, which is deliberate.

Ask yourself honestly: Do I ever gamble to escape stress? Has anyone expressed concern about my betting? Do I feel guilty afterwards? Have I tried to cut back and failed? Would I be uncomfortable showing my statement to someone I trust?

Answering yes to any of these suggests it is time to use our limits, take a break, or speak to someone independent.

You do not have to cope alone. GamCare offers free, confidential support and advice around the clock on 0808 8020 133, and further information, webchat and resources are available at www.gamcare.org.uk. Contacting them costs nothing and carries no obligation.

If you would like help using our controls, reach out through our contact page and we will walk you through the options.

A cooling-off period suits anyone who feels they are playing more than they intended but is not ready for a permanent step. Self-exclusion is different: while it is in force, we will not accept bets, and we will stop marketing to you. Please do not try to open a second account to get round it; that defeats the purpose and we will act to prevent it.

If you want to exclude yourself from gambling more widely, consider also removing betting apps and blocking gambling sites on your devices. Our terms and conditions explain how account closures and any remaining balance are handled.

Problem gambling rarely announces itself. It tends to creep in. Watch for these patterns in yourself or someone close to you:

• Betting more money, or for longer, than you planned.
• Chasing losses with bigger stakes.
• Borrowing, or using money meant for bills, rent or food.
• Lying about how much you gamble.
• Feeling irritable, anxious or low when you are not betting.
• Neglecting work, family or friends.

Recognising even one of these is worth acting on. Talking early makes a real difference.