Responsible gambling at Westace

• Westace
• Westace Responsible gaming

We want every session at Westace to stay fun. This page explains the tools we offer to help you keep control, the warning signs worth watching for, and where to turn when gambling stops feeling like entertainment.

Why staying in control matters

Gambling works as entertainment when it fits comfortably inside your budget and your free time. It stops working the moment it begins to cost more than you planned to spend, or when thoughts about the next bet start to crowd out other parts of your day. The line between the two can shift without you noticing, which is why checking in with yourself now and then is worth the effort.

Our tools exist to make that easier. They let you set firm boundaries before a session starts, rather than relying on willpower in the moment. We describe each one below, along with what it does and how long it lasts.

Signs that gambling is getting out of hand

These behaviours mean it is time to take a break and reassess:

• Chasing losses – putting more money in to try to win back what you lost
• Betting money you cannot afford to lose – rent, bills, savings meant for something specific
• Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble or how much you have lost
• Borrowing money to gamble, or gambling to pay off debts
• Neglecting work, relationships or responsibilities because of gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you try to stop

If more than one of these applies to you, it is not something to ignore. The support resources at the end of this page are confidential, free, and run by people who understand what you are dealing with.

Questions worth asking yourself

A short self-check can clarify whether your gambling is still under control. Answer yes or no to each:

• Have you ever gambled longer than you intended to?
• Has gambling caused you financial problems?
• Have you felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens as a result?
• Have friends or family criticised your gambling?
• Have you tried to cut back or stop, and found you could not?
• Has gambling made you lie, or made you neglect your family or work?

One or two yes answers mean it is worth setting stricter limits. Three or more suggest it is time to talk to someone – the help lines below are there for exactly this.

Control tools we offer

We provide self-exclusion and account closure to help you step back when you need to. Both are available by contacting our support team at [email protected].

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion locks your account for a fixed period you choose – typically six months, one year, or permanently. During that time you cannot log in, deposit, or place any bets. The lock cannot be reversed early, even if you change your mind. It gives you a clean break without the option to undo it on impulse.

To request self-exclusion, email [email protected] with your account details and the length of exclusion you want. We process the request within 24 hours and confirm it by email once it is active.

Account closure

Account closure ends your relationship with Westace permanently. Your account is closed, your personal data is deleted according to our retention policy, and any remaining balance is paid out to you. This option is final – you will not be able to open a new account later.

To close your account, email [email protected] with a clear statement that you want the account permanently closed. We confirm the closure and the payout of any balance within three business days.

Practical limits that work

Deposit controls and time limits reduce the chance that a bad session spirals. Here is what helps:

• Set a deposit ceiling before you start. Decide the most you can afford to lose this week or this month, then stop when you hit it – no exceptions.
• Use a separate card or e-wallet for gambling. Load it with your limit and nothing more. When it is empty, the session is over.
• Set a timer. Decide in advance how long you will play – one hour, two hours – and walk away when the alarm goes off, win or lose.
• Never gamble to solve a financial problem. Gambling is not income. If you are betting to cover a bill or pay off debt, stop now and contact one of the support organisations below.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen every 30 minutes, even if you are winning. It helps you stay clear-headed.

Where to get help in the UK

Free, confidential support is available around the clock. These organisations are staffed by professionals who understand gambling problems, and calling or visiting them costs nothing.

GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The call is free from landlines and mobiles. You can also use the live chat service at gamcare.org.uk if you prefer not to speak on the phone.

BeGambleAware offers advice, self-assessment tools and links to treatment services at begambleaware.org. The site includes a directory of local support groups across the UK.

Gordon Moody provides residential treatment and online therapy for people with serious gambling problems. You can find referral details and programme information at gordonmoody.org.uk.

GamStop is a free self-exclusion scheme that blocks your access to all UK-licensed gambling sites. Once you register at gamstop.co.uk, the exclusion applies across every operator licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. You choose the length – six months, one year, or five years – and it cannot be undone early.

Blocking software

If you want to prevent access to gambling sites on your devices, two free tools are widely used:

• Gamban – available at gamban.com, it blocks tens of thousands of gambling websites and apps across all your devices. The software runs in the background and cannot be bypassed easily. A subscription costs around £20 per year, though free trials and hardship discounts are available.
• BetBlocker – a free, open-source alternative at betblocker.org. It works on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, and blocks access to gambling sites at the device level. Once installed, it stays active until you choose to remove it.

Protecting minors

Access to this site is restricted to persons aged 18 and over (18+). We verify your age during registration and reserve the right to request additional proof of identity at any time. If a device in your home is shared with anyone under 18, install parental control software to prevent access to gambling sites.

Recommended parental control tools include Net Nanny, Qustodio and the built-in controls on iOS (Screen Time) and Android (Family Link). These let you block specific categories of websites and apps, set time limits, and monitor usage.

Our approach

Gambling should be entertainment, not a chore. The moment it stops being fun, the tools and resources on this page exist to help you step back. If you need to talk to someone, the National Gambling Helpline is free and confidential at 0808 8020 133.

For questions about our responsible gambling tools, or to request self-exclusion or account closure, email [email protected].

This site is for players aged 18 and over (18+). Support with gambling is free and confidential at BeGambleAware.org.