Responsible Gambling

1. Playing Responsibly: Advice for Responsible Gambling and Sports Betting

Gambling and sports betting can be enjoyable, but it is important to stay mindful of your well-being. The guidance below offers practical suggestions to help maintain balance and control. These ideas are not rules, but supportive reminders for anyone wishing to approach gambling more responsibly while keeping the experience enjoyable and manageable.

Tracking Your Gambling Expenses Clearly

Keeping track of gambling and betting expenses helps maintain control. Using a simple spreadsheet in Excel or Google Sheets, record deposits, stakes and withdrawals regularly. Reviewing your activity each month can highlight patterns, impulsive behaviour and potential triggers, giving you clearer insight into your habits and helping you make more considered decisions.

Avoiding Alcohol While Gambling or Betting

Alcohol and other substances can impair judgement during gambling or betting. Even small amounts may affect decisions and create a false sense of confidence. This can lead to overbetting, choosing risky odds or making poor choices. Staying sober helps maintain clearer thinking, better control and a safer overall gambling experience.

Withdrawing Your Winnings Wisely

It is common to win and then quickly lose those gains. A simple approach is to withdraw part of your winnings immediately. For example, after turning €50 into €600, consider cashing out two-thirds and keeping the remainder for play. This helps protect profits while reducing the temptation to overspend.

Resisting the Urge to Cancel a Withdrawal

Many platforms delay withdrawals briefly, which can tempt players to cancel and continue gambling. Once you decide to withdraw, try to stick to that choice. Reversing withdrawals often leads to unnecessary losses and frustration. Staying consistent with your decisions helps maintain control and supports healthier gambling habits overall.

Using a Cooldown Activity After a Gambling Session

Finishing a gambling or betting session can sometimes be difficult. A helpful approach is to switch to another enjoyable activity afterwards. Whether it’s eating something you like or taking a short break, linking the end of a session to a separate reward can reduce the urge to continue playing longer than intended.

Using Your Winnings Thoughtfully

Many players win only to spend everything again quickly. A healthier approach is to set aside part of your winnings for real-life purchases or savings. For example, if you win €1,000, consider using a portion for something meaningful. This helps you enjoy the reward while keeping your gambling habits more controlled.

Choosing Stakes That Suit Your Budget

A common mistake in gambling and sports betting is choosing stakes that are too high for your available funds. Betting beyond your budget quickly leads to unnecessary losses. Selecting stakes that match your financial situation helps maintain control and creates a safer, more sustainable gambling experience over time.

Knowing When to Stop and Accept Losses

Casino games and sports betting naturally involve wins and losses. Accepting this helps prevent harmful behaviour such as chasing losses, which often leads to even greater setbacks. Knowing when to stop, especially on difficult days, supports healthier habits and reduces the risk of emotional or financial strain over time.

2. Talking Openly About Gambling

Talking openly about gambling and betting can be genuinely helpful. These activities should not feel hidden or stigmatised. After a difficult session, speaking with someone you trust can provide reassurance and perspective. A supportive friend or family member can help you reflect more clearly and maintain a healthier relationship with gambling.

Avoiding Gambling When Feeling Stressed

Everyone has days marked by stress or low mood. During these moments, it is best to avoid gambling or betting, as negative emotions can lead to poor decisions and added frustration. Choosing a calming activity instead, such as watching a film or reading, helps maintain balance and protects overall well-being.

Avoiding the Urge to Chase Losses

Many players fall into the trap of chasing losses, hoping to recover money quickly, but this usually leads to greater harm. After a significant setback, taking a break can help restore perspective. Returning only when calm allows for clearer thinking and more realistic goals, reducing the risk of further impulsive decisions.

Recognising a Gambling Problem and Seeking Support

If you continue to struggle with controlling gambling or betting, even after following helpful guidelines, it is important to acknowledge the problem and take proactive steps. Recognising when gambling is no longer manageable is a crucial first step towards seeking support, regaining balance and improving your overall well-being.

Support Services You Can Rely On

BeGambleAware provides essential support for anyone facing gambling-related challenges. The service offers guidance through its website, a free 24/7 helpline at 0808 8020 133, and a live chat option for those who prefer written assistance. These resources help players seek advice, understand risks and access professional help when needed.

• Website: BeGambleAware
• Helpline: Available round the clock at 0808 8020 133.
• Live chat: This service is also accessible for those preferring textual interactions.

Using Self-Exclusion to Protect Yourself

If you notice increasing losses on certain casinos or betting sites, consider using their self-exclusion tools. Most platforms provide this option on their website, often in the footer. If it is not clearly displayed, contact customer support and request exclusion to help maintain control and reduce potential harm.

Protecting Your Financial Access

If you feel tempted to overspend while gambling, consider asking a trusted person to help manage access to your bank cards or payment apps. Temporarily uninstalling banking applications can also reduce impulsive transfers. When necessary, you can complete essential transactions together, helping maintain control while you rebuild healthier habits.

Local Support and Trusted People

Local support groups, counselling services and mental health professionals can provide valuable help when gambling becomes difficult to manage. Speaking openly with trusted friends or family can also offer comfort and perspective. Every step you take towards reducing harmful gambling habits contributes to improved well-being and a healthier sense of control.