Responsible Gambling
How to Gamble Responsibly
Gambling can be a fun and exciting pastime, but it is important to gamble responsibly to avoid negative consequences. Here are some key tips:
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Treat gambling as entertainment, not a source of income.
Remember that the house always has an edge, so it is impossible to win money in the long run. If you are gambling with the expectation of making money, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.
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Never gamble beyond your means.
Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose. It is never a good idea to borrow money to gamble or to gamble with money that is needed for essential expenses.
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Set monetary limits for each game in advance.
Decide how much money you are willing to lose before you start playing, and stick to your limit. If you reach your limit, stop playing.
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Avoid chasing losses.
If you are losing, it is important to stop playing and walk away. Chasing losses will only lead to more losses.
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Take regular breaks between games.
Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes to avoid getting too tired or distracted.
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Avoid gambling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment and make it more likely that you will make impulsive decisions.
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Don't gamble when feeling upset or distressed.
Gambling can be a way to escape problems, but it will only make your problems worse in the long run.
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Try playing with knowledge and understanding.
The more you know about the games you are playing, the better your chances of winning.
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Ensure gambling doesn't interfere with daily responsibilities.
Gambling should not come before your work, school, or relationships.
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Maintain a balance with other interests and hobbies.
Gambling should not be the only thing in your life. Have other activities that you enjoy and that make you happy.
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Keep track of time and money spent.
Keep a record of how much time and money you spend gambling. This will help you to stay aware of your gambling habits and to identify any potential problems.
Signs of Gambling Addiction
If you are concerned that you may have a gambling addiction, there are a few signs to look out for:
- Do you gamble more than you can afford to lose?
- Do you chase losses?
- Do you lie to others about your gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape problems?
- Do you have trouble controlling your gambling?
- Does gambling interfere with your work, school, or relationships?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is important to seek help. There are many resources available to help people with gambling addiction, including Gamblers Anonymous, BeGambleAware, and GamCare.
Additional tips
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If you are gambling online, set up self-exclusion limits on your account.
This will prevent you from gambling more than a certain amount of money or for a certain amount of time.
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If you are gambling in a casino, ask the staff to set up self-exclusion limits for you.
You can also ask to be barred from entering the casino.
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Talk to your family and friends about your gambling problem.
They can support you and help you to stay on track.
Remember, you are not alone. There are many people who have struggled with gambling addiction and have recovered. With the right help, you can overcome your addiction and live a happy and healthy life.
Gambling Organizations
If you answer "yes" to any of the above questions, contact: BeGambleAware, Gamblers Anonymous, GamCare, and Gam-Anon.
Main Gambling Organizations
Gambling Addiction Organizations | Website | Country |
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BeGambleAware | https://www.begambleaware.org/ | United Kingdom |
GamCare | https://www.gamcare.org.uk/ | United Kingdom |
Gamblers Anonymous | https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/ | United Kingdom |
Gambling Therapy | https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/ | United Kingdom |
Gam-Anon | http://gamanon.org.uk/ | United Kingdom |
Gordon Moody Association | https://gordonmoody.org.uk/ | United Kingdom |
CNWL National Problem Gambling Clinic | https://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/addictions-and-substance-misuse-services/national-problem-gambling-clinic | United Kingdom |
The Samaritans | https://www.samaritans.org/ | United Kingdom |
Organizations Testing and Certifying Fairness
Name | Website |
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eCOGRA | www.ecogra.org |
iTech Labs | www.itechlabs.com |
TST | www.tstglobal.com |
GLI | www.gaminglabs.com |
Gaming Associates | www.gamingassociates.com |
NMi | nmi.nl |
BMM Testlabs | bmm.com |
SQS | www.sqs.com |