At bestbettingsites.org.uk we are committed to promoting responsible gambling, regardless of whether it’s online, down the bookies or simply buying a lottery ticket from the corner shop. It is estimated that 73% of British adults gamble at least once a year (source: Gamble Aware), and for most people it’s harmless entertainment.
There are, however, a small minority of people for whom gambling becomes a problem and who find themselves unable to control their betting. This not only has a negative financial implication, but can also have an impact on their quality of life – affecting relationships and the persons health (both mentally and physically).
How To Bet Responsibly
The following are our top tips to staying in control, as well as identifying if you may have a problem with gambling:
- Only bet what you can afford to lose – Gambling is a form of entertainment that comes with a cost. Any betting-related expenditure should come after all other bills and responsibilities have been paid. If after paying your rent, bills and buying food you don’t have money left to gamble, then don’t gamble.
- Never bet with borrowed money – Following on from #1, we recommend never betting with money that isn’t yours. This includes overdrafts, your rent money or borrowing from Bob down the pub.
- Never chase your losses – The biggest trap people fall into is chasing their losses. Such behaviour can quickly spiral out of control and result in huge losses that far exceed the original loss. Instead, consider all lost money as gone forever.
- Don’t participate in betting systems – Whilst they may sound like a good idea at the time, generally speaking betting systems are best avoided as they almost always inevitably fail. In fact the only way to come out on top using a system is to pull out before the system fails, but as there’s no way of knowing when that will be they generally end the same way. The most common system is to increase your bet after a loss and continue doing so until you win, with the hope that the return from the winning bet will cover the previous losses. In reality the stakes and betting limits needed for such a system quickly accumulate and usually results in massive losses.
- If you don’t enjoy it, don’t do it – Finally, there’s a fairly obvious one. If you’re not having fun or enjoying whilst betting, then it’s time to stop. Betting when it’s no longer entertaining is a big red flag that a problem could be brewing.
So long as you bear the above in mind and bet sensibly, then please continue to enjoy what is a very pleasurable pastime. On the other hand, if any of the above ring warning bells in your head, then the next section is for you.
Where To Get Help
If you think that you might have a problem with gambling, then the first thing you should do is tell somebody. Having the support of friends and family is vital if you’re going to get yourself back under control.
There are also a number of organisations and charities that have been set up to help people that think they’re gambling too much. The following offer excellent advice and support to people in the UK:
- Gamble Aware – A UK based charity that offers advice on problem gambling. Their website is packed with useful guidance and information, and you can get one-to-one support via live chat and telephone (0808 8020 133 – lines are open between 8am and midnight 7 days a week).
- Gamblers Anonymous – The UK chapter of the worldwide Gamblers Anonymous support network. They offer advice, as well as local face-to-face meetings where you can talk about your problems with others.