1. Set a budget and stick to it
Budgeting properly is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to responsible gambling. Take a look at your income and expenses, and use that information to decide how much you are happy to spend and potentially lose on gambling each week or month. Stick to that limit.
2. Don't chase your losses
Never try to win back your losses by gambling more. This is a guaranteed way to lose even more money. If you've followed the above advice on budgeting, stick to that budget. You should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.
3. Take breaks from gambling
If you are gambling more than you intended, or feel stressed or anxious about how much you are spending, take a break. Taking a few days or even a week off from gambling to clear your head and resetting your gambling habits will be a big help to both your mental health and finances.If taking a break does not help then you need to consider using gambling exclusion services to keep yourself safe. In situations like this, seeking professional advice is also recommended.
4. Be aware of the odds
You should always be aware of the odds when you are gambling. The odds are always stacked against you, so don't expect to win every time you gamble. Our truth about sports betting and truth about slots guides gives you a more detailed breakdown on how odds work and the risks of losing when you play, helping you make smarter choices and gamble more responsibly as a result.
5. Don't gamble when you are emotional
Never gamble when you are angry, sad, or stressed. This can lead to you making bad and risky decisions, which can lead to big problems very quickly. If you aren't feeling like your normal self, you should wait until you have calmed down and refocused before you gamble.
6. Do not gamble when you are under the influence of alcohol or other substances
Alcohol, prescription medication, and recreational drugs (whether legal or not) alter your state of mind, putting you at risk of making bad decisions. This is a big problem when it comes to gambling as you should always be fully aware and capable of making smart choices when you play. Always give yourself enough time to recover after taking any substance before you start to gamble.
7. Get help if you are struggling
If you can't cope with your current gambling habits, there is no shame in getting help. There are plenty resources available, all of them judgement free. In most countries or provinces with legalized gambling, there are a range organizations and services offering support to anyone who has, or is at risk of developing, a gambling problem.