Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution
At Mecca Bingo, we believe that gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Bingo and other games of chance should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always play within your means and remember that the house always has a mathematical advantage. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in any gambling activities in the United Kingdom. If you are under 18, please do not proceed. We take age verification seriously to protect young people from the risks of gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding your gambling habits or lying about the time and money spent
- Needing to gamble with increasingly larger amounts to get the same excitement
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
- Neglecting family, work, hobbies, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Experiencing mood swings, irritability, or anxiety when unable to gamble
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Jeopardising relationships, education, or employment because of gambling
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable gambling operators, including Mecca Bingo, offer built-in tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out: Take a temporary break from your account (hours or days) without closing it permanently
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from your account for a set period (typically 6 months or longer)
Speak to customer support to activate any of these tools, or access them through your account settings.
Support & Help Organisations
If you're struggling with gambling, professional help is available. Here are trusted organisations that can assist you:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free counselling, support, and information
www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, confidential, 24/7) - GamStop – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
www.gamstop.co.uk
Self-exclude from all licensed online gambling operators at once - National Gambling Treatment Service – NHS-funded treatment
Access through your GP or local NHS gambling treatment service
Other Regions
- Australia: Gambling Help Online
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
www.responsiblegambling.org - United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (free, confidential, 24/7) - Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Information and support for problem gambling
Take Action Today
If you think you may have a problem with gambling, please reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support—many people have overcome gambling problems with professional assistance. Your mental health and financial wellbeing are important.
Contact one of the organisations listed above, speak to your GP, or visit your local gambling support service. Help is always available, and recovery is possible.