While the majority of our supporters gamble within their means, for some it can be more difficult.
Our intention is to present supporters with opportunities to enjoy the chance of winning prizes, while raising money to support our charitable work, which do not encourage problem gambling and are set within sensible spending limits.
The following information is in place to help you to gamble responsibly:
- You’re buying fun, not investing your money.
- Set strict limits on how much time and money you’re willing to spend.
- Quit while you’re ahead.
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Don’t spend more money in the hope of winning back what you have lost.
- Keep up other interests and hobbies, don’t let gambling take over your life.
- Don’t gamble in order to escape from stress or boredom.
- Gambling in moderation is okay.
When gambling can become a problem:
If you are concerned about the amount you are gambling, (or you are concerned for a friend or relative) then the following questions may help give you some guidance:
- Have you been criticised for your gambling?
- Have you lied to cover up the financial amount or the time you have spent gambling?
- Do arguments, stressful situations or disappointments make you want to gamble?
- Do you gamble alone for long periods?
- Do you stay away from work or college to gamble?
- Do you gamble to escape from a boring or unhappy life?
- Are you reluctant to spend ‘gambling money’ on anything else?
- Have you lost interest in your family, friends or pastimes due to gambling?
- If you lose, do you feel you must try to win back your losses as soon as possible?
- When you run out of money while gambling, do you feel lost and in despair, and feel the need to gamble again as soon as possible?
- Do you gamble until your last penny is gone?
- Have you lied, stolen or borrowed just to get money to gamble or to pay gambling debts?
- Does your gambling ever make you feel depressed or even suicidal?
If you feel you are answering ‘yes’ to the majority of the questions above, then it is likely a gambling problem exists. Sometimes just telling someone about your concerns can be a relief and the first step toward dealing with the problem.
For friendly and helpful advice and support they can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit begambleaware.org for information or to use their live chat feature. Both the helpline and live chat are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.