Gambling is entertainment.
For some, it becomes
something else.
Saturday Racing is a free-to-play community. We don't take bets or handle money. But we recognise that horse racing exists alongside real-money gambling — and we take our responsibility to this community seriously.
Do you recognise
any of these?
Problem gambling rarely announces itself. It builds gradually. These are the patterns that researchers, clinicians and support services identify most often.
Chasing losses
Betting more to recover money already lost. Each loss triggers the urge to "win it back" — the most dangerous cycle in problem gambling.
Hiding bets from others
Lying about how much you gamble, hiding bank statements, or deleting betting app notifications. Secrecy is a significant warning sign.
Betting money you can't afford
Using rent, bills or food money to gamble. Borrowing from friends, family or payday lenders. Selling possessions to fund betting.
Anxiety when not gambling
Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when trying to cut down. Gambling to relieve stress rather than for entertainment.
Losing track of time
Gambling for much longer than intended. Missing meals, sleep or work commitments because you're gambling or thinking about gambling.
Preoccupation with gambling
Constantly thinking about past bets, planning next bets, or mentally rehearsing how to get more money. Gambling dominates your thoughts.
Withdrawing from relationships
Spending less time with family and friends. Arguments about gambling. Prioritising betting over relationships and social commitments.
Needing to bet more for the same feeling
Like tolerance to alcohol, gambling can require increasing stakes to produce the same excitement. This escalation is a clinical warning sign.
Failed attempts to stop
Promising yourself you'll stop but being unable to. This is not a lack of willpower — problem gambling is a recognised behavioural addiction.
The five stages of gambling harm
Most problem gambling doesn't start as problem gambling. It begins as entertainment and shifts gradually — often without the person realising.
- Bets occasionally with friends
- Spends amounts they can afford to lose
- Gambling is fun and social
- Can stop without distress
- Betting becomes part of routine
- Spends more time thinking about it
- Uses gambling to relax or unwind
- Wins feel exciting, losses are forgiven
- Starting to chase losses after races
- Spending more than originally planned
- Family beginning to notice changes
- Feeling guilty after losing sessions
- Borrowing money to fund gambling
- Hiding activity from loved ones
- Missing work or social events
- Depression and anxiety increasing
- Serious debt and financial crisis
- Relationship breakdown
- Loss of job or housing
- Mental health crisis or self-harm
Problem gambling affects
every part of life
Data from NHS treatment services, 2022–23. Among people seeking help for gambling disorder.
Practical tools that work
The most effective interventions are practical, not willpower-based. These tools are free, immediate, and proven to help.
"Problem gambling is not a moral failing. It is a recognised behavioural addiction with effective treatments. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness."
— GamCare, National Problem Gambling ClinicFree support, available today
All of these services are free, confidential and available right now. You don't need to be in crisis to call.
Our commitment
to this community
Saturday Racing is entertainment — free, community-led, and built around the joy of racing. We take no bets, handle no money, and have no financial interest in how much you gamble. Our responsibility is to the people who enjoy this sport, including those who may be struggling.
If you want to close your Saturday Racing account, email us and it will be done within 24 hours.
No questions. No delays.
GambleAware: 0808 8020 133 · GamCare: 0808 802 0133 · GAMSTOP: gamstop.co.uk