Tips

 

It is important to develop and maintain healthy habits when it comes to gambling.

 

TIPS TO KEEP GAMBLING FUN

TIPS FOR GAMBLERS TRYING NOT TO GAMBLE

TIPS FOR THE GAMBLER'S ENTOURAGE  

TIPS TO KEEP GAMBLING FUN

Here is a list of actions to take to be and remain a responsible gambler:

 

  • Tip no. 1 : Don't gamble to win money at all costs.

  • Tip no. 2 : Remember that the risk of losing is greater than the chance of winning.

  • Tip no. 3 : You have no influence over the game, and you cannot predict the result.

  • Tip no. 4 : Set yourself a limit that you will not exceed.

  • Tip no. 5 : Do not borrow money from your nearest and dearest to gamble.

  • Tip no. 6 : Do not gamble money that you need for your everyday expenses.

  • Tip no. 7 : If you have lost, do not try to win back what you staked.

  • Tip no. 8 : Don't gamble away your winnings.

 

TIPS FOR GAMBLERS TRYING NOT TO GAMBLE

 

If you have stopped gambling for 2 days, 2 months or 2 years, you need to know that the urge to gamble can continue for an indefinite period, even if you have decided to quit gambling. This need to gamble can cause you to feel so bad that you may even forget about your decision. This is a normal state, which all gamblers are familiar with.

 

How to handle your gambling urge?

  • Breathe gently.

  • Try to be aware of what you are feeling.

  • Learn to control your emotions, and not be controlled by them.

  • Phone someone, even to talk "aimlessly".

  • Describe, in writing or verbally, the images that come into your mind, your feelings, the scenarios and the consequences that your gambling could cause.

 

How to avoid a relapse?

 

If a relapse happens, don't blame yourself. It can happen to anyone who tries hard to quit gambling. Bills or payment reminders are financial requirements that may push you back into gambling. Remain realistic and consult the debt counselling service of your local social services.

 

Don't forget you are still vulnerable. Try to avoid a relapse:

  • Important events and changes can cause you to relapse, and gambling can look like a way of calming your worries.

  • Happy events that cause joy and excessive self-confidence can also push you to start gambling again.

 

It is important to understand and avoid the pitfalls in order to reduce the risks of a relapse.

 

These moments of crisis will bolster your determination to quit the habit.

 

When your urge goes away, you will have won at last, and the intensity of the need will gradually reduce.

 

Seeking help from a therapist is one possible solution, as he/she could give you some "extra hints and tips" for handling situations that you still find difficult.

 

TIPS FOR THE GAMBLER'S ENTOURAGE

 

The gambler is often unaware of his/her problem. So they often trivialise or deny that they have a problem.

  • Try to understand better what he/she has been going through, by finding information about gambling addiction.

  • Talk openly to him/her about your concerns.

  • Adopt a neutral/open attitude at all times. If possible, consider family discussions with a specialist or your family doctor.

  • But only raise the subject at the right time.

  • Do you help him/her financially (even indirectly) and take protective measures (in terms of finance or other aspects). If you help financially, you will only be making the situation worse.

 

Like all other addictions, it will be difficult for the person to "change". Your patience will be tried often and to the limit.

  • As much as possible, try to encourage him/her to want to change.

  • At the time when he/she expresses a wish to change: support these actions, and say that you will support him/her and provide a listening ear.
 
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