Gambling and how to keep it under control

Gambling:

“To stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance”

Many of us put a bet on a game, a horse race, play the lottery or bingo and can take it or leave it without any problems.

However, it’s important to be able to spot the signs of when gambling is beginning to take control, whether spending more than someone can afford, being secretive, getting into debt or feeling unable to get through a week or even a day without gambling.

Top tips to keep gambling under control

Someone should only gamble if they can afford to lose the money they are spending.

Expect to lose and treat any winnings as a bonus. Treat gambling just like going to a concert or going out to eat: don’t expect to get your money back at the end.

Set a time limit in advance. It’s easy to lose track of time when gambling. Odds are that the more time spent gambling, the more money will be lost.

Set a budget before playing – set a limit and stick to it. When it’s gone – it’s over! If there’s a win, great, but don’t be disappointed if the good luck doesn’t continue.

Never borrow money to gamble or lend someone money to play, there’s no guarantee they’ll pay it back, especially if they lose.

• Don’t think a winning strategy will work. Gambling means there’s always a high chance of losing more money. The bank nearly always wins.
• Never try to win back money that has been lost. This might seem like a good idea, but the odds are against you.
• Quit when ahead. Don’t believe in lucky streaks and keep gambling, the odds are always in the favour of the bookie or bank.
• Don’t keep playing until getting a win. Chasing losses will usually just lead to bigger and bigger losses. By then it might be too late leading to debt, worries and anxiety.
• Understand the game, odds and house edge. Gambling sites and venues are there to make profit. Check out the jargon buster which explains the words and phrases used in gambling – knowledge is power!

• Don’t use gambling as a way to cope with bad feelings. Gambling when feeling low might seem like a distraction, but will make things worse in the long run, especially if money is lost
• Avoid gambling regularly the cost will add up and it can lead to someone getting hooked.
• Don’t drink or use drugs when gambling. Drugs and alcohol cloud judgment, and good judgment stands as someone’s main line of defence against letting gambling get out of control.

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