While most people can and do bet within their means, for some, gambling can become a problem. It may help you to keep control by following these guidelines:
- Set limits for deposits, stakes, and losses before you start gambling.
- Only gamble what you can afford to lose.
- Avoid chasing losses.
- Keep track of the time and amount you spend gambling.
- Gambling should be entertaining and not seen as a way of making money.
- Apply our risk management strategy.
- Control your betting and spend money that is ONLY set aside for entertainment betting.
The gambling age varies greatly across the world. In some countries, gambling is outlawed altogether; in others, it is only legal for foreigners. The most common gambling age globally is 18 years, with more than 50% of western countries having this age limit for casinos and physical establishments. There is a trend of lowering the gambling age to 18 from previous limits of 21 years. It is advisable to spend 5-10 minutes online to verify the gambling age to avoid problems.
Different countries have different rules for gambling, making the legality of internet gambling a complicated issue. While most people know the legality of gambling in their home area, they often become confused about online gambling. This is especially true within the European Union, where member states' laws are not always in sync with EU regulations. Many countries have restrictive laws or monopoly licensing for online gambling, primarily to maximize tax revenues. Registering to play online from an area where gambling is illegal is unlikely to get you into trouble, but this is not guaranteed. Governments are more likely to pursue those who arrange and run illegal gambling than individual players.
If you are concerned that gambling may be negatively impacting your life, consider the following questions:
- Do you stay away from work, college, or school to gamble?
- Do you gamble to escape from a boring or unhappy life?
- Do you gamble until you lose all your money?
- Have you ever lied to cover up the amount of money or time you have spent gambling?
- Have you lied, stolen, or borrowed to maintain betting habits?
- After losing, do you feel you must try and win back your losses as soon as possible?
- Have you lost interest in your family, friends, or hobbies?
- Do arguments, frustrations, or disappointments make you want to gamble?
- Do you feel depressed or even suicidal because of your gambling?
If you answer 'yes' to one or more questions, consider whether you have a serious gambling problem. To speak to someone about this, please contact one of the appropriate organizations listed below:
Australia: Gambling Help
United States: Gamblers Anonymous
Ireland: GambleAware
United Kingdom: GamCare
Canada: Responsible Gambling