1. If you choose to gamble, do so for entertainment purposes
If your gambling is no longer an enjoyable activity then ask yourself why you are still “playing.”
2. Treat the money you lose as the cost of your entertainment
Treat any winnings as a bonus.
3. Set a dollar limit and stick to it
Decide before you go not only what you can “afford” to lose, but how much you want to spend. Do not change your mind after losing.
4. Set a time limit and stick to it
Decide how much of your time you want to allow for gambling. Leave when you reach the time limit whether you are winning or losing.
5. Expect to lose
The odds are that you will lose.
6. Make it a private rule not to gamble on credit
Do not borrow money to gamble.
7. Create balance in your life
Gambling should not interfere with or substitute for friends, family, work or other worthwhile activities.
8. Avoid “chasing” lost money
Chances are the more you try to recoup your losses the larger your losses will be.
9. Don’t gamble as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain
Gambling for reasons other then entertainment can lead to problems.
10. Become educated about the warning signs of problem gambling
The more you know, the better choices you can make.
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse! If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call us today at 877-702-7848.
Adapted from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA