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Gambling Responsibly
Guidelines to the Game
If you’re concerned that gambling is becoming more than a game for you, try using these guidelines to moderate your play.
The decision to gamble is a personal choice. No one should feel pressure to gamble, or feel that he or she must gamble to be accepted.
- Think of the money you lose as the cost of your entertainment. Consider any money you win a bonus. People should only gamble with money they can afford to lose. For those who choose to gamble, it is essential to know when to stop.
- Set a dollar limit and stick to it.
- Set a time limit and stick to it. Leave when you reach your limit, whether you’re winning or losing.
- Understand that you’ll probably lose and accept the loss as part of the game.
- Don’t borrow money to gamble. Borrowing money from a friend, relative, or any other source of funds with the intention of repaying with gambling winnings is always high risk and inappropriate.
- Gambling is not essential for having a good time. Gambling should not be perceived as necessary for having fun and being with friends.
- Don’t let gambling interfere with or become a substitute for family, friends or work.
There are times when people should not gamble. Never gamble when under the legal gambling age; when it interferes with work or family responsibilities; when in recovery for addictive disorders or dependencies; when the form of gambling is illegal; when gambling is prohibited by organizational policy; or when trying to make up for prior gambling losses (“chasing” losses).
- Don’t chase losses. Chances are you’ll lose even more trying to recoup your losses.
- Don’t use gambling as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain. Avoid gambling when feeling lonely, angry, depressed or under stress; when coping with the death of a loved one; to solve personal or family problems; or to impress others.
- Excessive use of alcohol when gambling can be risky. Irresponsible alcohol use can affect a person’s judgment and interfere with the ability to control gambling and adhere to predetermined limits.
- Know the warning signs of problem gambling.
Characteristics of Responsible Gambling
Responsible gamblers understand that gambling by its nature entails risk and that the odds of winning are with the house.
Responsible gaming is done socially, with family, friends, or colleagues.
Responsible gaming is done for limited amounts of time, both in frequency and duration.
Responsible gaming always has predetermined acceptable limits for losses.
KEEP GAMBLING WHAT IT SHOULD BE – ENTERTAINMENT. KNOW HOW TO SET LIMITS, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, KNOW WHEN TO STOP.
Adapted from Gambling: Choices and Guidelines, Roger Svendsen and Tom Griffin, Minnesota Department of Public Health
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