Tips for Safe Gambling
- Set a Budget: Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Set Time Limits: Take regular breaks and don't chase losses.
- Don't Drink and Gamble: Alcohol impairs judgment.
- Never Borrow to Gamble: This is a major warning sign.
- Keep It Fun: When it stops being fun, it's time to stop.
Warning Signs
Watch for these signs of problem gambling:
- Spending more time or money gambling than intended
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Lying about gambling activities
- Neglecting work, family, or responsibilities
- Borrowing money or selling things to gamble
- Feeling restless when not gambling
Self-Exclusion
If you need a break from gambling, most reputable casinos offer self-exclusion tools. You can also use national programs:
- GamStop (UK): Free self-exclusion from all UKGC-licensed sites
- GAMBAN: Software that blocks gambling sites on all devices