Playing well at the Club

Why limits matter, even when it’s free

Nobody can lose money here, but time is a currency too. Casino-style games are designed to be absorbing: quick rounds, near misses, the small lift of a line coming good. That’s what makes them enjoyable, and it’s also why a pleasant half-hour can quietly turn into a whole evening. For some people, free games can also become a stepping stone towards gambling for money. Setting a limit is simply good manners towards your future self.

Your tools

Everything below is stored on this device only, and takes effect straight away.

• Reality check — a small reminder at the foot of the screen after 15, 30 or 60 minutes of play. It’s set to 30 minutes unless you change it.
• Take a break — closes every table in this browser for one hour, 24 hours or seven days.
• Reset my balance — puts your stack back to 5,000, if a long session has left the numbers feeling too important.
• Forget my settings — removes your balance, age confirmation and reminder settings from this device. A break you have already begun stays in place until it ends.

Signs it might be time to step back

• You often play for longer than you meant to.
• You feel restless or irritable when you can’t play.
• You play to escape worry, low mood or loneliness.
• Play is getting in the way of sleep, work, study or the people you care about.
• You’re tempted to try betting sites to make play “count”.
• You find yourself hiding how much time you spend at the tables.

If any of these sound familiar, take a break with the tools above and talk to someone. You don’t need to be in crisis to ask for help, and the people below hear from callers at every stage.

Keeping the Club adults-only

The Club is for people aged 18 and over. Each table asks for age confirmation before the first game, and if someone says they’re under 18 the tables stay shut. If you share a device with children or teenagers:

• switch on the parental controls and family filters built into your phone, tablet, games console or broadband router;
• give children their own user profile on shared computers and tablets;
• don’t leave games open on an unlocked device;
• talk to them about why casino-style games are meant for grown-ups.

Free, confidential support

• BeGambleAware National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133, free and open 24 hours a day. begambleaware.org
• GamCare Advice, live chat and counselling for anyone affected by gambling. gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop Free self-exclusion from gambling websites and apps licensed in Great Britain. gamstop.co.uk
• Gambling Therapy Online support and forums, available worldwide and in several languages. gamblingtherapy.org
• NHS Information on gambling harm and the NHS gambling clinics. nhs.uk
• Samaritans Call 116 123 at any hour if you’re struggling to cope. samaritans.org

Real-money gambling in Great Britain is regulated by the Gambling Commission, and Velvet Reel Club is not a gambling service: no money changes hands here and nothing can be won.