For most people gambling is a way to socialise and have fun. In order to gamble responsibly, consider the following strategies:

• Pay your bills, rent, and buy food before deciding to gamble
• Only gamble with your own money
• Plan your gambling before you leave the house. For example, set limits on the amounts of time and money you will spend
• Keep a record of your wins and losses
• Do not take an ATM card to access extra money
• Don't drink or use drugs when gambling
• Don't gamble when upset
• Take the time to learn how the game operates before you play
• Remember, the house always has the advantage
• Set a budget and stick to it
• Do not chase losses
• Balance gambling with your other leisure choices
• Know the warning signs of problem gambling
• Tell someone who cares for you if you are feeling particularly stressed, unhappy or upset.

What Else You Can Do

If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem:

• Don't feel ashamed about getting help from a professional who has a good understanding of gambling and the problems that may come with it.
• Make a gambling diary (record all Casino visits and their outcomes to increase your personal awareness of the extent and nature of your gambling behaviour)
• Carefully consider the situations in which you find yourself most at risk of gambling
• Identify the future risks (financial, personal, family) of any further problematic gambling and devise strategies to avoid such risks.
• Establish goals to abstain from gambling or to control gambling by:
  • Making an application for voluntary self-exclusion
  • Accessing professional counselling to help understand the reasons why you gamble
  • Accessing a financial counsellor to assist with a budgeting plan to repay debts; and
  • Accessing assistance from other support services.

It is important to remember that help is available and that this website can assist you to make contact with helpful resources.