Safer Gambling Tips & Signs of a Potential Problem

Tips for Betting Sensibly and Safely

1. Treat your betting as an entertainment expense.
2. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
3. Know your limits, and set your limits.
4. Remember to take a break.
5. Don't gamble when you're upset or depressed.
6. Don't gamble when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
7. Don't chase losses.

Warning Signs & Risks of a Gambling Problem

1. Feeling guilty, anxious, frustrated or worried about your gambling.
2. Thinking or talking about gambling more than usual.
3. Gambling to win back money you've lost or thinking that a 'big win' is just around the corner.
4. Experiencing extreme highs from wins, and extreme lows from losses.
5. Finding it difficult to control or stop gambling, or feeling irritable when you try to stop.
6. Feeling a sense of emptiness or loss when you're not gambling.
7. Borrowing money, selling belongings, committing (or considering committing) criminal or immoral acts to obtain money for gambling.
8. Having increased debt, unpaid bills, or other financial troubles because of your gambling.
9. Gambling to escape personal prblems or to relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, anger or loneliness.
10. Gambling instead of attending family or social functions, or neglecting family or household responsibilities because of gambling.