Here are some key tips to responsibly approach gambling:
- Treat gambling as entertainment, not a source of income.
- Never gamble beyond your means.
- Set monetary limits for each game in advance.
- Avoid chasing losses.
- Take regular breaks between games.
- Avoid gambling while under the influence of alcohol.
- Don't gamble when feeling upset or distressed.
- Try playing with knowledge and understanding.
- Ensure gambling doesn't interfere with daily responsibilities.
- Maintain a balance with other interests and hobbies.
- Keep track of time and money spent.
- If you suspect gambling addiction, seek help from organizations like BeGambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, GamCare, and Gam-Anon.
Signs of Gambling Addiction
The following questions can help determine when your gambling behavior becomes concerning:
- Do you avoid work or school to gamble?
- Do you use gambling to escape life problems (boredom, unhappy family life, etc.)?
- If you run out of money while gambling, do you feel lost, desperate, and eager to find money to gamble again as soon as possible?
- After losing, do you feel the need to try to recover your losses immediately?
- Have you ever lied, stolen, or borrowed money to gamble or pay gambling debts?
- Have you ever lied to hide the amount of money or time spent on gambling?
- Do you gamble until you've spent your last penny, even if it means not having money for bus fare home or food?
- Have you accumulated debts due to gambling?
- Have others criticized your gambling behavior?
- Do you not want to spend "gambling money" on anything else?
- Have you lost interest in your family, friends, or other interests/hobbies?
- Do you prioritize gambling over your family and loved ones?
- Do arguments, frustrations, or disappointments urge you to continue gambling?
- Do you experience depression or have suicidal tendencies due to gambling?
Gambling Organizations
If you answer "yes" to any of the above questions, contact: BeGambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, GamCare, and Gam-Anon.
Main Gambling Organizations
Organizations Testing and Certifying Fairness