Gamble with money that you have set aside for entertainment. Never use money that you need for important things like rent, bills or food.
Keep track of how much money you are really spending – not only the amount you bet at first, but also the winnings that you may spend. For example, sometimes people believe they’ve won £20 overall when in fact they’ve spent £40 in the process. With gaming machines, this happens because people don’t pocket their winnings, they put them back in the machines.
Leave your debit or credit card at home or avoid withdrawing money at gambling venues. Take only what you plan to spend and leave cash at home.
If you use a credit card, understand the fees your credit card company may charge for gambling transactions. These are sometimes higher than you usually pay. Banks and other companies lend money to make a profit and charge interest on whatever you borrow, meaning you will actually repay more than the original amount.
Some people find having a budget helps them plan and manage their day-to-day spending, including gambling. The budget calculator will help you work out how much money you have available each month. It will only take five minutes to complete. Your answers are completely confidential, and we won’t see or keep any of your information.
Recognise a problem
It is important to be able to recognise the signs that you may have a gambling problem.
