RESPONSIBLE GAMING

Gambling is a form of entertainment. It’s fun. It’s exciting. It’s thrilling when you win. But some players cross the line and get hooked on it, losing not only money but also relationships and even employment.

So how do you keep it from being more than just entertainment? Well the first thing to do is realise and admit that you have a gambling problem. Common signs include the following - the more you recognise the greater the chance that you have a gambling problem:

• Spending more money than you can afford, often gambling until you have no money left
• Considering or committing the following to get money to gamble: borrowing, selling belongings, not paying bills, stealing
• Try to win back losses
• Increasing the amounts you gamble with to get the same buzz
• Spending more and more of your time gambling and finding it difficult to stop
• Spending less time with loved ones, relatives and friends to the detriment of your personal relationships with them
• Denying, lying or trying to cover up your gambling addiction with friends and family and even work colleagues
• Reduced performance at work due to more time spent gambling and negative affects gambling has on a person’s routine
• Always thinking about gambling, even wanting to go on holiday to gamble

If you’re not sure whether or not you have a gambling problem then consider this self-assessment tool: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/self-assessment-tool

How to play safe and prevent a gambling problem:

• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
• Don’t chase your losses
• Set limits on the money and time you spend gambling – and respect them
• Only gamble when you’re level headed and not when you are under the influence of drink, drugs or feel depressed
• Do other things than just gamble

How to find help and resolve a gambling problem:

If you have any concerns then do contact some of the organisations listed below:

http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

http://www.gamcare.org.uk/

Help to Stay Calm

https://www.calm.com/