As many as 1.3 million adults in the UK are problem gamblers. For some people, gambling is a simple leisure activity or hobby, but for others it can become a problem that has detrimental effects on their lives and mental wellbeing. 

It’s important for both gambling sites and users to practice responsible gambling activities to avoid negative consequences that can come with gambling. So, here’s why gambling responsibly is so important and a few tips that can help make sure gambling remains fun and harmless. 

Why is gambling responsibly so important? 

Reduces monetary losses 

While gambling can be a harmless hobby, there is still a strong risk of losing real money. But by gambling responsibly, you may be able to reduce monetary loss and prevent the significant hardships that can come with that. 

Prevents poor mental wellbeing  

Betting irresponsibly can lead to excessive or unhealthy betting habits that can result in stress, anxiety, and depression. 

Allows you to maintain relationships 

Problem gambling can affect relationships with loved ones, but by setting limits and remaining in control, you can maintain strong relationships with friends and family. 

Top tips for responsible gambling 

Set time and spending limits 

Many reputable online gambling sites allow you to set limits on how much time and money you can spend on the site in a specific timeframe. Putting these restrictions in place can prevent you from going overboard or getting carried away. 

Avoid gambling as a way to cope with stress 

In times of stress it’s important to consider healthier and more effective coping mechanisms, such as exercise or talking therapies, instead of turning to activities like gambling, which can evolve into an unhealthy coping mechanism. 

Don’t bet more than you can afford 

Gambling comes with a financial risk. When you place a bet, be sure to only bet the amount you can afford to lose and never borrow money to place bets – this can easily lead to debt or money trouble.  

What to look for in a gambling site to ensure responsible gambling 

Many of the top UK casino sites have tools put in place to protect players and promote responsible gambling practices. Here are just a few of the things to look out for when choosing a gambling site:

Licenses 

Licensed gambling sites adhere to strict guidelines to ensure they operate fairly and transparently; these can help you game responsibly and stay safe when gambling online.

Responsible gambling tools 

Look for sites that have tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options. Deposit limits let you set a maximum amount that you can deposit in a certain timeframe, time-outs encourage you to take a break, and self exclusion means you won’t have access to gambling for a predetermined amount of time.

Keep the risks of gambling in mind 

Whilst gambling can be fun, it’s important to bear in mind that it does come with risks, to your finances, relationships, and mental wellbeing. Be sure to set time and deposit limits, avoid gambling as a way to cope with stress, and don’t borrow money to bet more than you can afford. 

Scolton Manor Park is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors this August as it hosts the much-loved Scolton’s Big Weekend, a free-entry celebration of community, creativity and countryside fun.

Taking place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August 2025 from 10:00am to 4:00pm each day, the event promises a packed programme of activities suitable for all ages — from curious toddlers to seasoned crafters and four-legged friends.

Organisers say this year’s event will be “bigger and better than ever”, building on the success of previous years which drew record crowds to the Victorian estate near Bethlehem, Pembrokeshire.

A weekend to remember

Attendees can look forward to:

• A craft fayre showcasing handmade goods from local artisans
• A bug box making workshop for children to learn about nature and build their own insect hotels
• A popular dog show inviting proud owners to show off their pooches
• Delicious local fare from a wide variety of food stalls
• A traditional cake stall with homemade bakes

And with the promise of “more activities to be announced,” visitors are being urged to keep their eyes peeled on Scolton Manor’s website and social media pages.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring the Big Weekend back to Scolton,” said a spokesperson for the event. “It’s always a highlight of the summer calendar, and this year we’re pulling out all the stops to make it even more special.”

A setting steeped in history

Scolton Manor, a Grade II* listed Victorian country house, offers a picturesque setting for the festivities. Surrounded by 60 acres of woodland and meadows, the estate is a much-loved green space for Pembrokeshire residents and tourists alike.

Visitors to the Big Weekend will not only be able to enjoy the event but also explore the manor house, gardens, café and nature trails – making it a full day out for families.

Past success fuels high expectations

Last year’s Big Weekend was described as “much busier than anyone expected” by volunteers involved in the organisation. The Pembrokeshire Supported Employment Programme, which helps local people gain work experience and skills, plays a central role in helping deliver the event each year.

Photos from previous events show colourful bunting, community stalls, live entertainment, and happy families enjoying everything from tractor rides to pottery painting. Organisers say the upbeat atmosphere and strong local turnout have helped establish the event as one of the best free festivals in west Wales.

Entry free – but come early!

Entry to the event is completely free, but car parking charges apply. A standard parking fee of around £4–£6 is expected, with annual passes also accepted.

“We want this to be accessible to everyone,” the spokesperson added. “There’s no charge to come in, and families are welcome to bring a picnic or enjoy the food stalls on site. Dogs on leads are also welcome — and encouraged, especially for the dog show!”

The event runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm on both days, and early arrival is advised to secure parking and beat the queues.

Scolton’s Big Weekend
📅 Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 August 2025
🕙 10:00am – 4:00pm
📍 Scolton Manor, Bethlehem, SA62 5QL
💷 Free entry | Car parking charges apply

For updates and announcements, follow Scolton Manor on social media or visit: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/scolton-manor

A beloved tiger sea captain returns in an epic tale of resistance, nature, and courage from award-winning local writer Nicola Davies

A YOUNG adult eco-fantasy written by Pembrokeshire-based author Nicola Davies is set for paperback release this July, after scooping multiple major literary nominations and being named Wales Children’s Book of the Year 2024.

Skrimsli, described by its author as an “act of beautiful rebellion”, traces the early life of the tiger sea captain who first captured readers’ hearts in The Song that Sings Us. With its themes of loyalty, identity, friendship, and the fight for a better world, Skrimsli has already been shortlisted for the prestigious Wainwright Prize for nature writing and nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal.

Speaking ahead of the paperback release on July 3, Davies said: “I turned to writing fantasy fiction because non-fiction didn’t allow me to say the things about what’s wrong with the world that I wanted to. Skrimsli lets me shine a light on the roots of our environmental crisis, deep in colonialism and capitalism. But it’s also an exciting adventure that encourages children to think, imagine, and maybe even start rebellions of their own – through art, music, or storytelling.”

The tale follows Skrimsli and his companions Owl and Kal as they escape a cruel circus master, try to halt a war, and attempt to save an ancient forest. Along the way, they are helped by a desert princess and her eagle, a chihuahua who thinks she’s a wolf, a golden-hearted horse, and the crew of a very unusual ship.

Publisher Penny Thomas praised the book’s unique vision: “Nicola’s imaginative grasp on how humans and animals might communicate makes for powerful storytelling. I’m so glad Skrimsli gets to tell his own story in this thrilling prequel.”

With internal illustrations by renowned artist Jackie Morris and a striking new cover by Jane Matthews, Skrimsli promises to inspire a new generation of readers. Davies, a former presenter of The Really Wild Show, has written more than eighty books and now lives and writes from her home in west Wales

Skrimsli is published by Firefly Press, which recently won the Wales Small Press of the Year Award for the fourth time