Entertainment

The importance of gambling responsibly

Published

1 year ago

June 19, 2025

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.

Entertainment

Fishguard Soapbox Derby returns for day of speed, creativity and family fun

Published

2 days ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teams are being urged to get their carts ready as Fishguard Round Table brings back one of the town’s most popular community events

FISGHUARD is gearing up for one of its most colourful community events as the Fishguard Soapbox Derby returns on Saturday, June 27.

The event, organised by Fishguard Round Table, will get underway from midday and promises a day of speed, creativity, family fun and community spirit.

Teams are being encouraged to build their own soapbox carts and take part, with organisers hoping this year’s event will be the biggest and best yet.

The derby brings together racers, families, spectators and local supporters for a fun-filled day in the town, with prizes, food, stalls and entertainment also planned.

Organisers say the event is all about “speed, creativity and community”, giving teams the chance to show off their designs while spectators enjoy the action from the roadside.

The event poster promises “fun family action” and urges people to “race it, build it, watch it, love it”.

Fishguard Round Table, which supports community causes through its fundraising and events, is encouraging people to come along, support the racers and enjoy a full afternoon out.

Entries are currently open, with teams urged to get together and prepare their carts ahead of race day.

Entertainment

Torch cuts children’s cinema tickets to £5.25 for summer

Published

2 days ago

June 26, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES heading to the cinema in Milford Haven this summer will be able to take advantage of reduced ticket prices at the Torch Theatre.

From Friday, July 3, to Tuesday, September 1, the Torch will offer cinema tickets for under-16s at £5.25 as part of the UK Government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Family tickets will be available for £21, while 3D tickets for under-16s will cost £5.80. A 3D family ticket will be priced at £23.

The discount will be applied automatically to eligible screenings during the offer period. It cannot be used on tickets already purchased or for screenings outside the stated dates.

Chelsey Gillard, Artistic Director and Interim CEO at the Torch Theatre, said: “The Torch is delighted to be offering these reduced cinema ticket prices for families over the summer months.

“We are not required to pass on the VAT saving, but we are firm believers in providing the best value for audiences and this scheme is allowing us to do just that.

“With a summer full of blockbuster titles ahead, including Toy Story 5 and the latest instalment of the Minions, we are looking forward to welcoming you soon.”

The summer savings scheme is part of a wider government package aimed at helping households with rising costs, including support around energy bills, fuel costs, holiday activities and wages.

Tickets can be booked at torchtheatre.co.uk or through the Box Office on 01646 695267.

Entertainment

Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod

Published

6 days ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.

Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.

She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.

Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.

Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.

Caption:

Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.