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Safer Gambling.

Although gambling and gaming should be enjoyed as a recreational activity, it can cause a problem for a minority of players. We aim to prevent problem gambling and underage access to our venues while simultaneously providing a friendly and entertaining gambling experience for our players. As a responsible gambling operator, the well-being of our players is of utmost importance.

Only spend what you can afford

Take regular breaks

Set limits for time and money

Remember that gambling is not a way to make money

Gambling shouldn't interfere with personal relationships

Play smart and don't chase losses

We maintain a strong commitment to provide you with a responsible in venue gambling environment

MERKUR 360 Program

Our MERKUR brands are setting new standards of player protection with the launch of 360 – a programme which cements the company’s continuous commitment to social responsibility. 360 has been developed following close consultation with the Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4) whose accreditation programme helps organisations to establish a responsible gambling culture and implement initiatives that minimise the harms caused by problem gambling. G4’s wide-ranging audit, which included a cultural assessment based on interviews conducted among staff working at all levels of the organisation, was documented in a dedicated Gauselmann UK specific Action Work Programme.

We have also worked with Gamcare to ensure you can trust the systems and processes we have put in place to support feedback and complaints on our Customer Care platform.

Gamcare operates a service called Safer Gambling Labs. SG Labs offer an opportunity to test or receive feedback from lived experience experts on SG initiatives, messages, activities, or processes in a safe and structured way. This is part of GamCare’s strategic commitment to represent the voice of our service users, and to shape a safer gambling sector for all. SG Labs evaluated the social responsibility elements of MERKUR’s UK customer care portal in February 2022. MERKUR found this to be an extremely useful process and look forward to working with the Gamcare team in the future.

Strictly, Over 18's Only

All of our venues operate a “Think 25” policy, whereby photographic ID is required to gain entry to over 18 areas.

With an independent test pass rate at over 94% for the past 3 years our venues surpass the hospitality industry standard.

In-Venue Tools

Staying In Control is a key part of our messaging in venue. Leaflets can be found in the venue and in private areas like the toilets.

The Golden Rules of playing Fruit Machines or Bingo are:

  • Playing in our venues is buying fun, not investing money
  • Only play with money you can afford to lose
  • Set limits on how much you will spend
  • Playing within your means can be fun and exciting
  • Spending outside your means can create problems for yourself and others

Helpline available:

National gambling helpline: 0808 8020 133

Self-Exclusion Schemes

The below provides a brief explanation of the multi operator gambling self-exclusion schemes that are available for free to people in Great Britain.

Adult Gaming Centres / High Street Arcades / Motorway Service Areas / Family Entertainment Centres

If you want to self-exclude from one or more Adult Gaming Centres, High Street Arcades, Motorway Service Areas and Family Entertainment Centres with age-controlled sections in your area and you can do so in person at the venue. If you would like advice please telephone BACTA on:
020 3930 9769, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.
www.bacta.org.uk/self-exclusion

Other Self-Exclusion Schemes

Bingo Premises

The Bingo Industry Self-Exclusion Scheme (BISES) offers self-exclusion from all licensed land-based bingo premises across Great Britain. You can register either in-person at a licensed bingo venue or by telephoning the venue directly.
www.bingo-association.co.uk/self-exclusion

Casinos

SENSE self-exclusion programme offers self-exclusion from all licensed land based casinos in Great Britain. Register in person anytime at a casino venue or to enrol by email contact
info@sensescheme.com

Bingo Premises

The Bingo Industry Self-Exclusion Scheme (BISES) offers self-exclusion from all licensed land-based bingo premises across Great Britain. You can register either in-person at a licensed bingo venue or by telephoning the venue directly.
www.bingo-association.co.uk/self-exclusion

Betting Shops

Call the MOSES help line to self-exclude from multiple bookmakers in your area.
Freephone: 0800 294 2060
www.self-exclusion.co.uk

Online Gambling (via websites/apps)

GAMSTOP helps you put controls in place to restrict your online gambling activities. Once registered, you will be prevented from using any gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing.
www.gamstop.co.uk

Time-Out

Our venues are also a part of the PlayRight app scheme whereby you can download an app to:

  • Set the days you want to play only
  • Set the times of play or amount of time you want to be in the venue
See our teams in venue for more information or download from the Apple or Google stores.
If you show signs of or feel the need to take a break our teams are on hand to help. Taking a short break can help, but you may need to consider our Self-Exclusion scheme.

During the self-exclusion period, you will not have access to gambling on our premises or premises in the area or nationally (Bingo Licensed premises). We will also stop sending you any marketing materials. The minimum period for self exclusion is of 6 months and can be set to last up to one year. At the end of the self-exclusion period you will need to complete a re-instatement form to be able to return and play. Our teams will talk you through the process.

BeGambleAware offers players advice on how to stay in control of their gambling and how to recognise a problem. Players who may be facing difficulty with their gambling can also call the GamCare helpline on 0808 8020 133. GamCare is the national centre for information, advice and practical help regarding the social impact of gambling. GamCare also provides a simple self-assessment online questionnaire for players concerned about their gambling.