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Before you begin gambling:
- Set out to gamble for fun.
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Set yourself a limit for what you are prepared to lose on the night.
- Never place bets just to recoup losses.
- Set a monthly budget.
- Never play when under the influence of drugs, alcohol or tiredness.
- Take regular breaks to keep your mind fresh.
- Keep track of how long you are gambling, and make sure you are aware of your losses.
- Don't let gambling take over your life. Make sure you keep up with other hobbies.
- Don't gamble to escape from boredom or stress.
- Remember, it's rare that people can retire due to big wins. Don't approach gambling like you can earn a living out of it. It's there for enjoyment.
Player Safety
Before you start gambling on any online casino / poker / bookmaker sites, you'll want to be sure that the site your are spending money on is safe. It always a good idea to check the bottom of every homepage to look for certain information. Does that the site have a valid license? Is it safe to deposit and withdraw money (VeriSign for example))? Does it have a GamCare certification, or something similar? It's important to check this information, so you know your money is safe and the site is playing fairly.
Gambling Addiction Awareness
Just like video games, coffee and cigarettes, gambling can be very addictive. Smokers can claim to quit whenever they like, while gamers confess they'll stop playing when they have children. Not true. Addiction is very hard to give up without support. But before you seek support you'll need to take the Alcoholics Anonymous route and admit you have a problem. It's very common that people may not even know they have a problem. Numerous support groups will help you determine whether you are a gambling addict or not (See Support Groups). For a quick questionnaire that will determine this, visit: www.gamblingselfchange.org
Support Groups
While there's a lot of fun to be had, and potentially a lot of money to be won from gambling, it has to be remembered that there are downsides to the activity. For every winning gamble, it's most likely that are hundreds, thousands, maybe even millions of losing ones. And it's not just money that players can lose - foolish bets and, worse still, gambling addictions can cost people their friends, families, health and perhaps even their lives. There are several different support groups and websites available to help people garner the facts that they need to know about gambling and the problems it can cause.
GambleAware
The GambleAware website offers a wealth of useful information and tools to assist gamblers both new and old, including tips on responsible gambling, rules for a number of popular gambling games and types, and even budget planners, where you can work out how much money you can/should feasibly use for gambling. It also gives you handy advice on recognising whether you may have an issue with gambling.
Website: http://www.gambleaware.co.uk/
GamCare
GamCare is a registered charity and, in their own words, "the leading national authority on the provision of advice, practical help, support and counselling in addressing the social impact of gambling". Taking a non-judgemental stance on gambling issues, they offer online support, as well as forums and chat rooms where people can share their experiences and issues. Meanwhile, they also offer a telephone help-line as well.
Website: http://www.gamcare.co.uk
Telephone Number: 0845 6000 133
Gambler's Anonymous UK
A name that you might be more familiar with is Gambler's Anonymous. Like Alcoholics Anonymous, GA is countrywide and allows people with problems to get together locally and share experiences and stories of their issues, while ultimately trying to help and support one another. Their website gives details of local GA meetings and announcements, as well as offering media and literature downloads to give assistance to those perhaps not comfortable enough to attend a meeting.
Website: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Telephone Number: 0207 384 3040 or 0870 050 8881 (Scotland)
Gam-Anon
Similar to Gambler's Anonymous is Gam-Anon. This organisation deals with the often forgotten victims of a gambling addiction - friends and family. They offer solutions for living with and identifying the gambling problems of a loved one, a comprehensive Q and A on what the group offers, plus news and information with regards to meetings for members. Like Gambler's Anonymous, Gam-Anon meetings take place across the country, allowing you to find several other people that have shared/are sharing similar experiences.
Website: http://www.gamanon.org.uk
Telephone: 0870 050 8880 (see website for regional numbers)
Gordon Moody Association
If problems persist to the point where rehabilitation is required, then there are several companies and facilities available to provide this, most notably the Gordon Moody Assocation, which provides residential treatment to those afflicted by a gambling addiction. They have over 30 years of experience in this field, and offer treatment interventions focused on gambling and the extremes of associated behavior.
Website: http://www.gordonhouse.org.uk/
Telephone: 01384 241 292
Gambling Therapy
Gambling Therapy has a wealth of skills and experience in helping those affected by compulsive gambling or affected by a loved one's compulsive gambling. They have a broad range of facilities and services tailored to meet the specific needs of their clients. The support groups are designed to help people with common issues exchange experiences and ideas on how best to cope with and recover from their gambling habit.
Website: http://www.gamblingtherapy.org
Telephone: 07624 806159 (Text)