A game to enjoy, kept within limits
Gambling can become addictive. Where it begins to affect finances, wellbeing, or relationships, help should be sought promptly. Assistance is available at any hour, and no one has to manage the situation alone.
Commit only funds that can be lost without consequence.
Establish a session length in advance and observe it.
Regard a loss as final rather than something to recover.
Pause at regular intervals to retain perspective.
Free counselling and guidance for those affected by gambling.
Gamblers AnonymousA mutual-support fellowship drawing on shared recovery.
BeGambleAwareConfidential assistance, provided free, for anyone impacted by gambling.
Gambling TherapyFree online support for gambling-related difficulties worldwide.
Respond candidly. The following items are drawn from the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Two or more affirmative answers indicate that contacting one of the services listed above would be advisable.
Have you bet more than you could afford to lose in the past 12 months?
Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?
Have you gone back another day to try to win back money you lost?
Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
This is not a diagnostic tool. For professional assessment, contact GamCare (0808 8020 133) or your local gambling helpline.
