Safer Gambling

Our 10 Top Tips for Safer Gambling

1. 1

   View gambling as a bit of fun - not a way to make money.

   Gambling is first and foremost a form of entertainment, and this should be your reason for playing. Never play with an expectation to get money back.

2. 2

   Set a money limit before you play.

   Calculate exactly what you can afford to lose, and don’t go over this amount. Most sites now offer deposit limit tools to help you control what you’re spending.

3. 3

   Don’t attempt to win back your losses.

   Chasing your losses is a bad idea, as it’s likely to just lead to even bigger losses. Stick to your money limit and accept that once it’s gone, it’s gone.

4. 4

   Balance gambling with other activities.

   Although gambling is a form of entertainment, it shouldn’t be your only form of entertainment. Remember to make time to enjoy other hobbies too.

5. 5

   Don’t drink alcohol when gambling.

   Drinking alcohol can cloud your judgment and make you take risks you wouldn’t when sober, so avoid combining alcohol with gambling if you want to stay in control.

6. 6

   Only bet with money you can afford to lose.

   Don’t be tempted to gamble with money you may need for bills or living costs. The money you choose to spend on gambling should come from your entertainment budget.

7. 7

   Decide on a time limit or set an alarm.

   It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re gambling, so set an alarm or use the site’s ‘Reality Check’ tools to set a length of time you’d like to play for. When the time’s up, it’s up.

8. 8

   Make sure you’re in the right frame of mind.

   It’s hard to make rational decisions if you’re feeling depressed, anxious, or even elated, so only gamble when you’ve got a clear head.

9. 9

   Take a step back with frequent breaks.

   Don’t lose track of time and perspective. As well as setting an overall time limit, take regular breaks to step out for some air or grab a bite to eat.

10. 10

    Speak up if you need help.

    If you think your gambling might be becoming a problem, speak up. From support groups to confidential advice, there’s lots of help available. (For more information, see ‘External Support’ below.)