Responsible play

Only adult guests may use the casino room at Thornstead Park. You show ID to get in, the house limits do not move, and you can ask to be excluded. The rest is covered here: keeping gambling in proportion, spotting when it has gone too far, and who to contact.

Minimum age

Nobody under 18 may use the room. ID is checked on entry, and minors cannot gamble or come in. Please do not ask for an exception for a child. None is made.

Before you go in

• Decide how much to spend before you start, and stick to it.
• Stake only what you could lose without harm. Rent, bills and savings do not count.
• Agree a time limit and pause now and then. A lap of the grounds makes a good pause.
• Never chase losses. The money that is gone is gone, and the next hour will not bring it back.
• Do not gamble after drinking, or when you are tired or upset.

Signs that it is becoming a problem

• Playing for longer, or with more money, than you meant to.
• Borrowing money, or neglecting your responsibilities, in order to gamble.
• Keeping your gambling secret from family and friends.
• Becoming restless or short-tempered when you cannot gamble.

One of these does not mean you have a problem. Several together, or one that keeps happening, is a reason to stop and talk to someone.

Self-exclusion

To be excluded from the casino room, ask at the front desk. A member of staff will go through the choices with you and help set up a pause. The desk is open round the clock, so any hour will do.

Where to get help

Gambling affecting you or someone close to you? Confidential support exists at no cost. The hotel does not run any of these services.

• GambleAware, for advice and support.
• NHS guidance on gambling addiction.

If it is someone else

If you are worried about a family member or a friend, the helpline above takes calls from them as well. It also helps to be specific when you talk to them: what you have noticed, not what you think it means.