Responsible gambling

The majority of people do gamble responsibly. It may help you to keep your gambling under control by remembering the following:

• You’re buying fun, not investing your money
• Before playing, set strict limits on how much time and money you’re going to spend
• Quit while you’re ahead
• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
• Don’t spend more money on gambling with the hope to win back money that you have lost
• Keep up other interests and hobbies – don’t let gambling take over your life
• Don’t gamble in order to escape from stress or boredom
• Gambling in moderation is okay
  

For some however gambling can become a problem. If you are concerned about the amount you are gambling, and feel it is taking over your life (or you are concerned for a friend or relative) then the following questions may help you, to give you some guidance.

• Have others ever criticised your gambling?
• Have you ever lied to cover up the amount you have gambled or time you have spent doing it
• Do arguments, frustrations or disappointments make you want to gamble?
• Do you gamble alone for long periods?
• Do you stay away from work or college to gamble?
• Do you gamble to escape from a boring or unhappy life?
• Are you reluctant to spend 'gambling money' on anything else?
• Have you lost interest in your family, friends or pastimes due to gambling?
• After losing, do you feel you must try to win back your losses as soon as possible?
• When gambling and you run out of money, do you feel lost and in despair, and need to gamble again as soon as possible?
• Do you gamble until your last penny is gone?
• Have you lied, stolen or borrowed just to get money to gamble or to pay gambling debts?
• Do you feel depressed or even suicidal because of your gambling?
  

If you feel you are answering more ‘yes’ to the above questions, then it is likely a gambling problem exists.

For friendly and helpful advice from trained counsellors call the GamCare helpline on 0845 6000 133. The helpline is open 24 hours a day. You can also visit the GamCare website for more information and advice.