Let’s talk about safer gambling.
It’s good to think about your gambling, talk about your gambling and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to take control and gamble more safely.
Remember ...
It's good to set yourself limits.
Decide how long you want to play for and stick to it. Do the same for your spending limit.
400,000 deposit limits are set every month. Have you set yours yet?
Gambling is not a way to make money.
Gambling is never a way to make money. You may get lucky now and again but don’t be tempted to gamble with money that you need for things like rent and bills. Only ever stake what you can comfortably afford to lose.
It’s good to take a break.
Step away, tap out and pause before you play. Take time to think.
Friends and family are more important than gambling.
Spend time with your friends and family doing other things you enjoy. Don’t let gambling interfere with your personal relationships. And, if you are ever tempted to hide or lie about your gambling, consider talking it through with one of the gambling helplines.
Know the gambling warning signs.
Gambling may be becoming riskier for you if you are ...
- Spending more money on gambling than you can afford
- Finding it hard to manage or stop your gambling
- Having arguments with family and/or friends about your gambling
- Losing interest in other activities that you usually enjoy
- Always thinking or talking about gambling
- Lying about your gambling or hiding it from your friends and family
- Chasing your losses or gambling to get out of financial trouble
- Gambling until all your money is gone
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or not paying bills to fund your gambling
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for a longer time to get the same 'buzz' or excitement
- Neglecting work, study, family, friends, personal needs or household responsibilities because of your gambling
- Feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed or irritable
If any of these apply to you, free, confidential help and support is available to help you take back control.
GamCare offer an online forum and chatrooms for you to connect with others in similar situations to share your experience, find help and support others.
GamCare also offer self-guided resources to help you change your relationship with gambling.
If you are in Ireland, Gambling Care can signpost you to dedicated support services across the country ranging from residential programmes, in-person counselling, online counselling, and support groups to self-help tools and resources that can help you overcome the impact of Problem Gambling.
For more information visit https://safergamblinguk.org/