Introduction to Responsible Gambling

Being a responsible gambler means approaching gambling as a form of entertainment and not as a way to make money.

It also involves setting a budget and time limit for yourself, and only gambling with money that you can afford to lose. Overall, responsible gambling is about being aware of your own behavior and making sure that gambling does not negatively impact your life.

Let’s be serious here for a minute, gambling should be fun, however, if it’s not fun anymore then there’s a problem and it’s better to deal with it as quickly as possible and not ignore it.

Here are some tips anyone should follow in order to avoid the negative aspects of gambling:

  1. Only gamble when in a good mood and for entertainment purposes.
  2. Base the success of a gambling session on the amount of fun had, rather than the amount of money won.
  3. Surround yourself with other responsible gamblers.
  4. Manage your expectations and enter into a new session with the expectation of losing.
  5. Maintain balance in your life and prioritize other aspects such as work, relationships, and self-improvement.
  6. Only play at casinos or online platforms that promote safe gambling and provide the necessary tools and support for responsible gambling.
  7. Educate yourself on gambling myths and be aware of the signs of problem gambling.
  8. Set a specific budget and time limit for gambling and stick to them.
  9. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose and treat any money lost as the cost of entertainment.
  10. Seek help if necessary, such as if you are experiencing feelings of guilt or remorse as a result of your gambling habits or if you notice signs of addiction.
  11. Keep track of your gambling habits and be honest with yourself about your behavior.
  12. Take regular breaks during gambling sessions to avoid overindulging.
  13. Never gamble when feeling sad, angry, or lonely.
  14. Be aware of your emotional state before gambling and avoid gambling as a way to cope with negative emotions.
  15. Avoid chasing losses and never try to win back money lost through gambling.
  16. Prioritize other responsibilities such as work, family, and personal well-being over gambling.
  17. Never borrow money or use illegal means to finance gambling.
  18. Be transparent with loved ones, colleagues, and others about your gambling habits.
  19. Don’t let gambling take over your thoughts and negatively impact your life.
  20. Always remember to gamble responsibly and never let it becomes a problem.
  21. Use the tools and resources that casinos or online platforms provide for responsible gambling, such as setting deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and access to support and resources for problem gambling.
  22. Be aware of the risks associated with gambling and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
  23. Avoid gambling addiction by setting limits on time and money spent on gambling.
  24. Don’t rely on gambling as a source of income.
  25. Remember that gambling should be a form of entertainment and never a way to make a living.
  26. Seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction.
  27. Recognize the warning signs of addiction and take action to address it.
  28. Stay informed about local and state laws related to gambling and follow them.
  29. Take advantage of the resources offered by casinos or online platforms, such as help centers, self-assessment tests, or contact to specialized help centers
  30. Remember that gambling should be a fun and enjoyable activity, but it is important to be aware of the risks and to always gamble responsibly.

If you feel gambling is taking its toll on you, we urge you to seek professional assistance.

Here are a few resources you can contact right away:

https://www.ncpgambling.org/chat/
https://www.begambleaware.org/
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
http://www.bettors-anonymous.org/

Or simply call these numbers:
0808 8020 133
1-800-522-4700

Stay safe always!