Responsible Gaming
Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At Highland Studios, we believe that gambling, including bingo at Mecca Bingo, should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment. It is never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set limits on how much you spend.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in the United Kingdom. If you are under 18, you are not permitted to use our affiliate services or access Mecca Bingo. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognise any of the following warning signs? If so, seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Spending more money on gambling than you originally planned
- Hiding your gambling from friends or family
- Gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Feeling anxious or irritable when you cannot gamble
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Gambling is affecting your relationships, work, or financial stability
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same excitement
Self-Help Tools and Responsible Gaming Features
Mecca Bingo and most reputable gambling operators provide tools to help you manage your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you're willing to lose in a given period
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling services if you need a break
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling
Always use these tools to maintain control over your gambling activity.
Support Organizations and Resources
If you're struggling with gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
United Kingdom
- GamCare – Free confidential support and counselling
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7) - GamStop – National Self-Exclusion Scheme for online gambling
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Self-exclude from all UK-regulated online gambling operators at once - Gamblers Anonymous – Free peer support meetings
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
International Resources
- 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
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today
Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you're worried about your own gambling or that of someone else, please reach out for support immediately. The organisations listed above are free, confidential, and staffed by trained professionals who understand what you're going through.
Remember: It's never too late to ask for help.