What is Safer Gambling?

Gambling safely is staying in control and staying within your limits. The Racing Post wants all our customers to understand that gambling should be regarded only as an enjoyable recreational pastime, not as a means of making money. We believe it is important that you understand the risks associated with gambling. And we take seriously our commitment to encourage you to stay within your limits and to seek help if you feel you are spending too much time or too much money on gambling. Below is some information about where you can find further advice and support

Here are some questions to ask yourself

1. Do you stay away from work or college to gamble?
2. Do you gamble to escape from a boring or unhappy life?
3. Do you gamble until all your money is gone?
4. Have you ever lied to cover up the amount you have gambled?
5. Have others ever criticised your gambling?
6. Have you lied, stolen or borrowed to get money to gamble?
7. Have you lost interest in your family, friends or hobbies?
8. After losing, do you feel you must try to win back your losses?
9. Do you feel depressed because of your gambling?

If you are concerned about your gambling, or are concerned that you have a gambling problem, take this quiz on the GambleAware website to understand more.

You should also pay particular attention to the following rules:

1. Gamble only money you can afford to lose – money you set aside for entertainment
2. Never gamble with money you need for important things like bills or food.
3. Don’t try to get money back by betting more and chasing losses.
4. Set a limit on how much you are prepared to lose.
5. Set a time limit on how much time you want to spend gambling.
6. Never put gambling before friends or family.
7. Gambling is fun and not a way of making money.
8. Don’t gamble if you are angry, upset or depressed.
9. Don’t drink or take drugs when gambling.

If you find yourself breaking any of these rules then please seek help and advice.