Responsible Gambling
How to Gamble Responsibly
- Set a budget and stick to it: Decide in advance how much money you can afford to lose and never exceed that amount.
- Never chase losses: Avoid trying to win back money lost by increasing bets; this usually leads to even greater losses.
- Avoid gambling under the influence: Don’t gamble when you are under the influence of alcohol or when feeling stressed or upset, as this impairs judgment.
- Take breaks: Periodically step away from gambling activities to clear your mind and keep a healthy balance between gambling and other life activities.
Recognizing Problem Gambling
If gambling is negatively affecting your finances, relationships, or mental health, it may be time to seek help. Common signs of problem gambling include.
- Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
- Feeling preoccupied with gambling or planning your next bet.
- Chasing losses by gambling more to win back lost money.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop gambling.
- Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences in your life.
Getting Support
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. We encourage you to reach out to the following reputable organizations for confidential advice, support, and treatment options.
- BeGambleAware: Provides free, confidential information and support to help people make safer choices about gambling.