The vast majority of people who gamble do so without encountering serious problems. To protect yourself and those around you, here are some tips to keep gambling fun and avoid problems:
Never gamble when you are ill, overtired, or depressed:
These conditions can impair the concentration and judgment necessary when gambling. For these same reasons it is wise not to drink while gambling.
Always set a prior limit on your losses:
Gambling is entertainment. Like all forms of entertainment, you should know before you attend how much it is going to cost you. If you lose more money than you intended, panic often sets in. Your judgment will deteriorate, and more losses will inevitably follow.
Never gamble with money you can’t afford to lose:
The rent money and the car payment are for just those purposes. If there is no money available after making your regular monthly payments, then you cannot afford to gamble. Using money budgeted for bills places an immense emotional burden on the gambler and greater losses occur.
Set a limit on the amount of time you intend to gamble:
Plan an outing to gamble the same as you would plan an evening at the theatre or out with friends. Stick to the plan. If you go beyond your limit frequently and can’t seem to control yourself, seek help.
Gamble with a friend or a group of friends:
Problem gamblers often gamble alone. Combine another social function with gambling and try to be involved with others. If you find that you are gambling alone and more frequently, there is the potential for a serious problem.
Learn as much as you can about your favourite games:
All games have rules and gambling is no exception. The more you learn about the unbending rules of mathematics that govern the rules of chance, the less likely you will be to abandon logic and foolishly hope that this time the long shot will come through.
Learn more about gambling:
If you feel that gambling is becoming a problem, seek out information at the library, on the internet, or from community agencies that deal with problem gambling. Get a complete picture of gambling and problem gambling. Confidential help and referrals are available free of charge.
