Gambling

Buying a lottery ticket, betting on a horse race or a sporting event, or playing the poker machines: most people gamble at some point. Even if you only gamble occasionally, it helps to understand how gambling works so you have realistic expectations about your chances of winning.

The odds are designed to work against you#

If you gamble, you should expect to lose. Gambling is best treated as a form of entertainment with a cost attached, like a meal out, rather than a way to make money.

Across every common form of gambling, the odds are set so that the operator profits over time. The more you play, the more likely you are to end up behind. No matter what type of gambling you choose, the realistic expectation is that you will lose.

Keeping gambling in balance#

If you want to make sure gambling does not become a problem, a few simple habits can help:

• Don’t think of gambling as a way to make money. Venues and operators use gambling to make money; it is not designed to work the other way around.
• Gamble only with money set aside for entertainment, never with money meant for bills, rent or other essentials.
• Decide in advance how much money and how much time you will spend, and stop when you reach those limits.
• Never chase your losses. Trying to win back what you have lost usually leads to bigger losses.

Is my gambling causing harm?#

It can be hard to recognise when gambling is getting out of hand. A common reaction is to play it down or deny that it is causing harm. Some people hide their gambling, or start to lie about how much time and money they are spending on it.

Signs that gambling may be causing harm include:

• lying about, or hiding evidence of, your gambling
• lying awake at night thinking about gambling
• feeling that you are out of control
• building up debts you cannot pay
• betting more than you can afford
• feeling you cannot talk to anyone about your gambling

Support is available#

If you are worried about your gambling, you are not alone. Many organisations offer free, confidential support and counselling for people experiencing harm from gambling. Depending on the service, the aim is to help you either control your gambling or stop altogether.

Support is also available for family members and friends affected by someone else’s gambling, as well as for people who simply want to cut back or regain control. Reaching out early makes it easier to take back control.

Key points#

• If you gamble, expect to lose; the odds are designed to favour the operator.
• Treat gambling as an entertainment cost, not a way to make money.
• Set money and time limits in advance, and never chase losses.
• Help is available for people experiencing harm and for their families and friends.

Where to get help#