Keep it entertainment — never let it become a burden
Gambling carries a real risk of addiction. If it's starting to weigh on your life, reach out for help now rather than later. Plenty of people have been there, and support lines run around the clock.
Stake only what you'd be fine losing outright.
Long unbroken sessions are where trouble starts.
A losing run is part of it — don't try to claw it back.
Regular breaks keep your head clear.
Be straight with yourself here. The prompts below come from the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Two or more “yes” answers is a signal to contact one of the groups listed above.
Have you bet more than you could afford to lose in the past 12 months?
Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?
Have you gone back another day to try to win back money you lost?
Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
This is not a diagnostic tool. For professional assessment, contact GamCare (0808 8020 133) or your local gambling helpline.
