At Aspers Casino Newcastle, responsible gaming is treated as a core operational obligation. This document sets out the framework applied to protect players, the tools available to manage gambling activity, the support resources accessible to anyone who requires them, and the obligations that apply to both the casino and its customers under United Kingdom law.
All gambling services operated by Aspers Casino Newcastle are subject to the Gambling Act 2005 and the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) issued by the Gambling Commission. Compliance with responsible gambling requirements is mandatory and is continuously maintained.
1. Age Restriction
Gambling at Aspers Casino Newcastle is restricted to individuals aged 18 and over. This applies without exception to all gaming areas and services.
In line with legal and regulatory obligations, the age of customers must be verified prior to granting access to gambling facilities. Customers may be asked to provide valid photographic identification at any point. Accepted documents include a passport, driving licence, or other government-issued identification confirming date of birth.
Any person who is aware of an individual under the age of 18 attempting to access gambling services is encouraged to report this to a member of staff immediately. All such reports are treated seriously and acted upon without delay.
2. Responsible Gambling Tools
A range of tools is available to help customers monitor and control their gambling activity. These tools are available on request and, where applicable, can be applied promptly.
Deposit limits
- Customers may set a limit on the amount they deposit within a defined time period.
- Once a limit is set, it cannot be increased immediately. Any increase is subject to a cooling-off period, as required by the LCCP.
Loss limits
- A loss limit restricts the total amount a customer can lose within a specified period.
- This tool is designed to prevent unplanned expenditure beyond a level pre-agreed by the customer.
Session time limits and reality checks
- Customers can set a maximum duration for a gambling session.
- Reality checks provide periodic reminders of time spent gambling, allowing customers to make an informed decision about whether to continue.
Cool-off periods
- A cool-off period temporarily suspends access to gambling for a defined period chosen by the customer.
- During this time, access to gambling services is restricted.
Self-exclusion
Customers who wish to stop gambling for a longer period may request self-exclusion. Self-exclusion at Aspers Casino Newcastle means that access to gambling facilities will be refused for the duration of the exclusion period. Self-exclusion periods are a minimum of six months.
Customers who self-exclude from Aspers Casino Newcastle are also encouraged to register with GAMSTOP, the national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in Great Britain. GAMSTOP is free to use and covers all UK Gambling Commission-licensed online operators. Registration can be completed at www.gamstop.co.uk.
3. Identifying At-Risk Behaviour
Staff are trained to recognise indicators that a customer may be experiencing difficulties related to gambling. These indicators may include, for example:
- Extended session durations
- Visible signs of distress
- Repeated requests for credit or loans
- Other behavioural patterns associated with problem gambling
Where a staff member identifies a customer who may be at risk, they are authorised to initiate a conversation about responsible gambling tools and support resources. This interaction is carried out discreetly and without judgement.
Aspers Casino Newcastle reserves the right to apply account restrictions or refuse service where there are reasonable grounds to believe that a customer is gambling beyond their means or exhibiting signs of gambling-related harm.
4. Affordability and Customer Interaction
In line with Gambling Commission requirements, Aspers Casino Newcastle may conduct affordability assessments as part of its social responsibility obligations. These assessments are used to determine whether a customer’s level of gambling activity is consistent with their financial circumstances.
Customers may be contacted and asked to provide information to support such an assessment. Failure to engage with this process may result in temporary restrictions being applied to the account or to access to gambling services.
5. Support Organisations
The following organisations provide free, confidential support in the United Kingdom for anyone concerned about their own gambling or the gambling of someone they know.
National Gambling Helpline (GamCare / BeGambleAware)
- Phone: 0808 8020 133
- Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Live chat support is also available via GamCare and BeGambleAware
Samaritans
- Phone: 116 123
- Free, 24-hour crisis support
National Problem Gambling Clinic
- Phone: 020 7381 7722
- Email: [email protected]
Midlands Gambling Clinic
- Phone: 0300 123 0996
- Email: [email protected]
Gamblers Anonymous
- Peer-support fellowship with meetings across the United Kingdom
Gordon Moody
- Residential treatment and recovery services for those with severe gambling-related harm
Gambling Therapy
- International online support service available to UK residents
These organisations operate independently of Aspers Casino Newcastle. The casino does not receive any information about individuals who contact them.
6. Guidance for Safer Gambling
The following principles are consistent with guidance issued by the Gambling Commission and widely recognised across the UK gambling industry:
- Treat gambling as a form of entertainment, not as a source of income.
- Only gamble with money that can be afforded to be lost.
- Set a budget before gambling begins and do not exceed it.
- Do not attempt to recover losses by continuing to gamble.
- Take regular breaks and use session time tools where available.
- Do not gamble when under emotional stress, under the influence of alcohol or other substances, or in any situation where judgement may be impaired.
7. Protecting Minors
Protection of minors is a key element of responsible gambling.
If a device or household is shared with individuals under the age of 18, the use of parental control software is recommended to restrict access to gambling websites and services. Independent filtering tools are available from providers such as Gamban, which blocks access to gambling content across devices.
8. How to Request Responsible Gambling Assistance
To apply any of the tools described in this document, or to request self-exclusion, contact a member of staff directly at Aspers Casino Newcastle. Requests are processed promptly. Where a restriction is applied, it takes effect as soon as reasonably practicable and in accordance with LCCP requirements.
This policy is maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Gambling Commission and is reviewed on a regular basis to reflect any changes in regulation or best practice guidance.