Being able to control one’s gambling and prevent it from badly impacting other aspects of one’s life is the definition of “gambling responsibly.”It is common for gamblers to do so for a variety of reasons. Some gamble for the thrill of winning, for the social aspect, or for the chance to meet new people.
Many Australians are able to enjoy a bet without going over the edge, from two-up on Anzac Day to the annual Melbourne Cup plunge. This is a good example of how to gamble responsibly.
When you’re gambling responsibly, you’re:
- In terms of time and money, are you in charge of your decisions?
- Think of gambling as an enjoyable pastime.
- Don’t put more money on the line than you’re willing to lose.
- The chances are stacked against you.
- Keep an eye on your winning potential.
- Accept that you may have a lower spending limit than others.
- Don’t try to recoup your losses the following time around.
To make matters worse, gambling is getting more popular and harder to avoid. On our cellphones, we can now play the pokies, and we’re constantly being bombarded with sports betting advertisements.
This makes it more convenient for Australians to bet, but it also makes it more difficult for some Australians to say no. To bet responsibly, this can be difficult.
Talk to one of our counselors if you have any concerns about your ability to manage your gaming properly.
Recommendations on how to play safely when gambling
- You should view gambling as a form of fun, rather than a means of making money
- When gambling, only use money that you can afford to lose
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Decide on a deadline ahead of time.
- You should not bet when intoxicated or high.
- Allow yourself some time to relax.
- When you’re depressed or irritated, you shouldn’t bet.
- Gambling should be supplemented by other pursuits.
- Never go for a lost cause.
Reducing your gambling habits with these tips
- Calculate how much money you can afford to lose on gambling by looking at your finances.
- Set a budget for yourself and stick to it.
- Determine how long it took you to earn that amount of money.
- Reduce your bank’s daily withdrawal limit to avoid impulsive actions.
- Use a site with daily spending limits
- Make use of an Australian-registered website with self-exclusion capabilities.
- Keep your bets to a few places and don’t open several accounts.
- Instead of using a credit card, opt for a debit card to keep track of your spending.
- Make sure you’re aware of how much money you’re spending by checking your player history and/or your bank and credit card statements.
- In marketing incentives like “free bets,” read the tiny print carefully.
- Take a break from gambling to consider the long-term consequences of your habit.
- It’s important to realize that online poker, sports betting, and gambling in general is not a good way to gain money.