Responsible Gambling

How to Gamble Responsibly

Here are some key tips to help you gamble responsibly:

• Treat gambling as a source of entertainment rather than a source of income;
• Never gamble outside of your means;
• Set a money limit for each game in advance;
• Never chase your losses;
• Try to take regular breaks between games that you play;
• Avoid gambling when drinking alcohol;
• Do not gamble when you are depressed, angry or upset;
• Try to gamble from a position of knowledge;
• Do not let gambling interfere with daily responsiblities;
• Make sure gambling is not your only interest or hobby;
• Keep track of the time and money spent;
• If you feel that you are addicted from gambling, self-exclude yourself;
• Set yourself a time limit before you start gambling and stick to it. Set an alarm;
• Don’t turn to gambling as an alternative source of income or a way to pay back a debt;
• For more information on how to gamble safely and on dealing with gambling problems, seek help at BeGambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, GamCare and Gam-Anon.

What are the Signs of Problem Gambling?

The following questions can help identify when your gambling behaviour has become a concern:

• Do you stay away from work or college to gamble?
• Do you gamble to escape from problems in your life (boredom, unhappy home life, etc.)?
• If you run out of money when you’re gambling, do you feel lost and in despair and want to find money to gamble again as soon as possible?
• After losing, do you feel you must try and win back your losses as soon as possible?
• Have you lied, stolen or borrowed to get money to gamble or pay gambling debts?
• Have you ever lied to cover up the amount of money or time you’ve spent gambling?
• Do you gamble until your last penny is gone, even if it’s for your bus fare home or for food?
• Are you getting into debt because of gambling?
• Have others ever criticized your gambling behavior?
• Are you reluctant to spend “gambling money” on anything else?
• Have you lost interest in your family, friends or other interests/hobby?
• Do you put gambling before your family and other loved ones?
• Do arguments, frustrations or disappointments make you want to gamble more?
• Do you feel depressed or suicidal because of your gambling?

If you answer “yes” to any of the above, please contact: BeGambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, GamCare and Gam-Anon.

Main Gambling Organizations

Ogranizations that test and certificate fairness