Plan Before You Play
Knowing how you react to different gambling situations takes mindfulness. When you understand why you’re gambling, you can make the right plan for you … before you play.
Everyone Needs a Plan.
Getting caught up in the excitement of the big game, getting together with a group of friends, celebrating a little too much … all of those things can affect how much or how long you gamble. And it’s different for all of us. Knowing how you might react in those situations is the first step in minimizing the potential for risk from gambling.
Be Mindful When:
Gambling for Fun
On a night out with friends, it’s easy to get influenced to bet more to keep up with them, especially if alcohol and/or cannabis are involved.
Be Mindful On:
Special Occasions
Birthdays, New Years, Diwali … at certain times of the year, you just feel lucky. But feeling lucky has no influence on the outcome of a bet.
Be Mindful When:
Sports Betting
The excitement of the big game, friendly competition between friends … sports gambling can get your adrenaline going, which can make you want to keep betting.
What Comes After Mindfulness? Putting Your Plan in Place.
Before you gamble, prepare yourself.
- Be self-aware.
Don’t gamble when you’re upset or stressed. Gambling is not recommended if you suffer from anxiety or depression.
- Don’t gamble to replace income.
Don’t think of it as a chance to win money for a trip, to pay bills or to pay off debt.
- Decide on a time and budget.
Use the site’s pre-commitment tools to set a loss-limit and a win-limit and stop when you reach those limits.
While playing in-venue or online.
- Limit or avoid alcohol and/or other substances.
- Gambling intoxicated, or with a ‘buzz’, can lead you to making decisions you may not normally make when sober.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Move around, get some fresh air, have a coffee or something to eat.
- Don’t try to win back what you’ve lost.
- All gambling establishments (whether in real life or online), are designed to take in more money than they pay out. So over time, you’ll lose more than you’ll win.
- If gambling stops being fun … stop playing.
For more planning related info, click here.
Reaction Lab
Play the Reaction Lab to see how heightened emotional states can make smart decision-making more difficult.
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If you have concerns about your gambling or are worried about someone close to you, free and confidential support is available.
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