If you bet, know your limits

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For the majority of adults, gambling can be a fun and entertaining experience, but there are risks involved. It is critical to know the risks and have a plan before you begin gambling.

Tips to Help You Keep Gambling Fun

Whether it’s your first bet or you’ve been gambling for years, before you wager, consider the following tips to help you keep gambling fun.

KNOW THE GAME

Make sure you understand the odds and house edge. Over the long run the house always wins.

MAKE YOUR PLAN

Know how much you’re
willing to lose and how long you want to play – set limits of time and money.

RISK

Know and respect your tolerance for risk.

TEAM UP

Consider teaming up with a friend to help each other stick to your personal betting plan.

MONEY

Never borrow money to gamble.
Don’t gamble money you can’t afford to lose.

TIME

Set a timer on your phone to keep track of time spent betting.

BALANCE

Balance gambling with
other activities.

ENTERTAINMENT

Treat gambling as a form of entertainment and not a way to make money.

TAKE A BREAK

When gambling is no longer fun, take a break

EXPECT TO LOSE

Hope to win but expect to lose. Remember: you’re playing to have a good time – never chase your losses.

KNOW THE GAME

Make sure you understand the odds and house edge. Over the long run the house always wins.

MAKE YOUR PLAN

Know how much you’re
willing to lose and how long you want to play – set limits of time and money.

RISK

Know and respect your tolerance for risk.

MONEY

Never borrow money to gamble.
Don’t gamble money you can’t afford to lose.

TEAM UP

Consider teaming up with a friend to help each other stick to your personal betting plan.

TIME

Set a timer on your phone to keep track of time spent betting.

BALANCE

Balance gambling with
other activities.

ENTERTAINMENT

Treat gambling as a form of entertainment and not a way to make money.

TAKE A BREAK

When gambling is no longer fun, take a break.

EXPECT TO LOSE

Hope to win but expect to lose. Remember: you’re playing to have a good time – never chase your losses.

It’s important to remember that different tips work for different people.

Try things out and find what works best for you.

Be self-aware so you can make gambling a positive experience.

Basic Facts about Problem Gambling

  • Problem gambling is the spectrum of all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits.
  • It can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or In extreme cases, even suicide.
  • Nationally between 1% and 3% of the general adult (18+) population, or over 5.1 million people, experience a gambling problem every year.
  • Gambling problems are often hidden, and many people may not be aware of them.
  • One person’s gambling addiction may also lead to negative consequences for loved ones and concerned others.
  • Gambling problems often occur alongside other problems such as alcohol disorder, and substance abuse.

For additional information, visit Frequently Asked Questions here.

Remember, if gambling is no longer fun, help is available and it works.
How to Get Help

How to Get Help

What to do if you or someone you care about shows signs of a gambling problem

SCREENING

Take a short quiz to evaluate gambling behavior

CALL OR TEXT FOR HELP

Call or text for help:  National Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-MY-RESET. Free, confidential, available 24/7

HELP IN YOUR STATE

Find local resources in your state

CHAT ONLINE FOR HELP

1800myreset.org is free, confidential and available 24/7

SCREENING

Take a short quiz to evaluate gambling behavior

CALL OR TEXT FOR HELP

Call or text for help: National Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-MY-RESET. Free, confidential, available 24/7

HELP IN YOUR STATE

Find local resources in your state

CHAT ONLINE FOR HELP

ncpgambling.org/chat is free, confidential and available 24/7