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