Step 1: Limiting the amount of money you spend gambling!
- Set a limit from the start on how much you are willing to spend (or lose) on gambling in a session or in a
week stick to it! - Learn to budget and pay all your priority debts first (mortgage, rent, council tax, food ETC).
- Leave bank/credit cards at home when you go out to gamble. Don’t take extra cash with you.
- If you use a betting account ask them to place a limiter on it. Say £50 a session, this works for online
facilities too!
Step 2: Reduce the amount of time and days that you gamble!
- Set yourself a limit on how many times a week you will gamble (e.g. twice a week) be specific and name
the days. - Avoid those “I’ll just have a quick go!” scenarios.
- Set a limit on how long you will allow yourself to gamble in each session e.g. half hour then take a break
or leave. - Ensure that you have a day off between each gambling session.
- You can set your alarm on your watch or phone to remind you, even your PC will have a calendar reminder
alert you can use.
Step 3: Not viewing gambling as a way of making money!
- Remember that you are buying entertainment.
- Always be prepared to lose, if you win know that it happened by chance.
- Be honest with yourself about losses and try to accept them.
- Never spend your savings or investments on gambling and ask friends and family not to lend you money
if you ask them. - Learn to budget and seek financial help for any outstanding debts.
Step 4: Spend time doing other activities!
- Take up new hobbies or interests or revisit what you enjoyed before gambling.
- Talk to others about your worries or concerns rather than “bottling” it up.
- If you like the adrenaline experience, try the gym or other sports activities. Learn relaxation techniques if appropriate.
- Spend more time with friends and family.
- Join a social group or organise events with friends who don’t gamble.
For more information see:
