Your tips

  • Before I start I give my purse to my husband and tell him to not give me any more money, even if I ask for it. This stops me spending too much.

    Kelly, 25, Glasgow

  • Don't bother gambling. I learnt the hard way. It's a mugs game as the house always wins. Download gamblock - it's your best option. I only bet with the money in my pocket now.

    Alan, 35, Falkirk

  • Having a compulsive gambling addiction can ruin your life. Learn how to spot the signs and get help early before your gambling compulsion really does take control of your life. Good luck and please the help is out there and its great.

    Lonsdale, 28, Merseyside

  • I bet on horses for fun. I have a seperate bank for my racing. I only put money in that I have extra, never money I need for other things. I never bet when drinking alcohol, when feeling depressed, or when I'm tired.

    Graham, 50, Bradford

  • I bet on the horses but have learnt to never try to win back money I’ve lost - that’s a mug’s game. Sometimes I put my money on at the tote and go home to watch the race.

    Paul, 58, Lewisham

  • I found I was spending too much time playing poker on the internet, but then I found a feature where I can set a weekly limit online. This helps me stick to a budget and a time limit.

    Truong, 33, Stratford

  • I have been a compulsive gambler for 25 years. With the help of Gordon House and www.gamblingtherapy.org I have been in recovery for 14 months.

    Harry, 39, London

  • I play the machines at the pub once or twice a week. I only go with a couple of quid and leaving my wallet at home stops me from spending too much. If I really want to keep playing then I have to go home first.

    Roger, 23, Ealing

  • I put my betting money in a separate pocket in my wallet so I stick to my limit…and I don’t bet on “hot” tips anymore.

    Clive, 41, Cardiff

  • My sister and I have been playing bingo every week for the past two years. Playing with her keeps it fun. We care more about catching up and having a laugh than about winning.

    Shirley, 68, Bermondsey

  • No point in gambling even a single penny - my mate gambles and he loses everytime. It is a lot better to keep the money in the bank and set yourself limits how much a week you spend.

    Tommy, 20, London

  • Sometimes the weekends can be hard, so my "tip" would be to withdraw a limited amount of money on a friday night , and then post the bank cards back to myself so I can't withdraw any more money over the weekend.

    Kazza, 42, Egham

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