If you watch sports or late night TV, you’ll undoubtedly have noticed the number of adverts for gambling and gaming. A popular pastime which has been around for many years, gambling has soared in popularity.
Although it’s great when you win, losing isn’t such fun and for some people it can become an addiction. Being determined to keep playing, even when you can’t really afford to, is just one sign that things have gotten out of control. However, there are some things you can do to gamble responsibly and avoid any potential problems.
The right mental attitude
How you think about gambling is at the very core of the matter and if you get your mental attitude right, you’ll never have a problem.
Everyone has heard of people who have had a big win and that can be very seductive. Believing that you’re going to win money when you play isn’t healthy because it creates the temptation to keep playing until you do – and that can work out very expensive.
Gambling is all about luck and there’s no guarantee how or when you’ll win. Rather than viewing it as some kind of investment scheme where ultimately you’ll receive a payout, think of it as entertainment. You’d pay to go to the cinema or for a night out; gambling is just another form of entertainment which needs to be paid for.
When viewed in this way, any payout comes as a nice surprise, and you won’t feel so obliged to keep playing if you’re not so lucky.
Know your limits
Money spent gambling should always be money that you can afford to lose as there’s no guarantee of a return. If you gamble with cash that you need in the hope of a big win, it can lead to debt problems.
Know how much you can comfortably gamble without leaving yourself short of money and make sure you stick to this limit. Don’t be tempted to keep going because you think you’re close to cracking a big win.
If you think that you might struggle with a self-imposed limit once you start playing, look for a casino that actively promotes Responsible Gambling. This should give you options such as setting limits for money spent and/or time played which can be stipulated at the start.
Opt for low-value gambling
If you love the thrill of gambling and want to play for longer without ending up with an empty bank account, an alternative would be to try out low-value gambling.
Not all types of gambling involve vast sums, and there’s the same buzz when you win. Games such as slots, blackjack and even poker come with low-value options, giving you the chance to play without spending a small fortune.
Use a Responsible Gaming site you can trust
The above suggestions will help you to maintain control over your gambling but it’s just as important to make sure you pick the right casino. You should look for a site that is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, and one that promotes Responsible Gaming. Click here to visit NetBet for a good example of a casino that protects its players, and provides a range of options to make sure playing is always fun.