Health

Gambling

Gambling can be fun, but it's important to know when it might be getting out of hand. Stick to the following and you should be able to keep things in perspective:
  • Remember your money is going on entertainment, not investment.
  • Have a time and money limit decided before you start.
  • Quit while you are ahead.
  • Don't play unless you can afford to lose the money you are spending.
  • Make sure you have other interests that you enjoy as much as gambling.
  • Be aware of age restrictions: jackpot machines and higher payout cash machines are restricted to over 18s. It is also illegal for under 18s to bet in a shop, gamble in a casino or play bingo in a bingo club. Pools, lottery and scratchcards are restricted to those aged 16 and over.

When it gets out of hand

You love gambling and think you've got it under control, but you know you don't want to end up addicted. Sometimes it's difficult to assess just how much you are involved in a situation until it's too late. Try answering the following questions honestly. If you answer 'yes' to more than one question, chances are, gambling may be a problem:
  • Have I ever lied about my gambling or lied to get money for it?
  • Do I spend more than I can afford on gambling?
  • When I lose money, do I want to gamble more to win back my losses?
  • Is gambling an escape from the stress and worries in my life?
  • Have I ever missed school, college or work to gamble?
  • Do I think about gambling when I should be doing other things?

Helping a gambler

When gambling gets out of hand it can destroy relationships in the same way as alcohol or drug dependency. It is estimated that gambling addiction can affect up to 13 people linked to the gambler so if you think someone you know has a problem, don't shove it under the carpet and hope that it will go away, deal with it now.

Remember that gambling is a serious problem, and like any other addiction, gamblers can't 'just give up'. Keep encouraging them to stop, but bear in mind that the decision has to come from them, and they could lie to you (and themselves) about their habit. Even if they don't believe they have a problem, make them aware that you think they do, but leave the responsibility for the gambling and its consequences with them. Most importantly, make sure they know that you still love them, even if you have to make a tough decision such as asking them to leave home for a while.

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