Tips to stay in control
Tips to stay in control
For most players, playing games of chance is an activity that entails few consequences. For others, it comes with risks, and results in negative consequences.
Gaming should be just one of a range of activities.
If playing games of chance is your only activity, you increase the risk of losing control over your gaming habits.
It’s a question of balance.
Set your limits and stick to them.
Spending limit
- Before you start to play, determine the amount of money you want to bet.
Time limit
- Set a limit to the amount of time you want to play, either in minutes or hours.
- Make a habit of keeping your eye on the time and take breaks.
Frequency limit
- Set a limit to the number of days you want to play, either per week, per month or per year
Playing more often or for longer periods of time does not improve your odds of winning.
Look at gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money.
Most games of chance are designed to retain part of the money players bet. Although they may win sometimes, in the long run, all players lose more money than they win. That’s how gaming establishments stay profitable; it’s called house advantage.
Bet only the amount of money you can afford to lose.
Make sure you spend only a portion of the money you’ve set aside for entertainment. Never use the money you need for essentials, such as rent, food, bills, transportation and tuition. Be sure to leave your debit and credit cards at home.
When you bet your money, you also risk losing it.
Losing is part of the game. Don’t try to win back your losses.
If you try to make up the money lost gambling, you will likely lose even more. Look at your losses as the cost of playing games of chance.
Don’t play if you are feeling depressed or anxious.
It’s difficult to make informed decisions when we’re going through difficult times.
Don’t play when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Playing when under the influence of alcohol or drugs usually leads to poor decisions.
Remain realistic: the outcome of games is random and unpredictable.
Even though games of chance are designed to give players the illusion that they can control the game, the outcome is always unpredictable. The amount of time and money you spend playing are the only factors under your control.