Gamble with no more than your discretionary income.
Don't "chase your losses".
Set your play limit and stick to it.
View gambling as entertainment only. Gambling should never be viewed as an income generator.
The 16 Symptoms of Gambling Addiction
Regret over the amount of money or time spent on gambling.
Regret over money lost on gambling.
Spending more than you can afford on gambling.
Spending money on gambling while financial responsibilities are neglected (neglect of paying bills, rent, etc.).
Spending money on gambling while personal responsibilities are neglected (neglect of family, pets, charities, commitments, etc.).
"Cutting back" on a necessity (food, medicine, etc.) in order to pay for gambling.
Covering up or lying about the amount of money spent on gambling.
Purchasing lottery tickets at multiple locations to allay suspicions of sales clerks that you may have a gambling problem.
Having an intense compulsion to purchase tickets regularly: to never, ever, miss a drawing of your favorite lottery.
Breaking the law in order to get gambling money or recover gambling losses (stealing, fraud, tax evasion, etc.).
Asking for financial assistance as a result of gambling.
Continued gambling despite negative consequences: loss of job, relationships or opportunities.
Denial of a gambling problem or lying to friends or family about behavior.
Complaining about the cost of gambling or accusing gambling vendors of "profiteering".
Thinking that the tragic experiences of lottery winners could not possibly, ever, happen to you.
Rationalizing one's gambling, or believing that this list of Symptoms of Gambling Addiction does not apply to you. Remember, "rationalize" means "rational lies".
Gambling addiction is a continuum, from "at-risk gambler" to "problem gambler" to "compulsive gambler" to "addicted gambler". Matching even one symptom, listed above, is a red flag.The more symptoms you match, the more addicted you may be.
If you think you may have a gambling problem or addiction, we strongly recommend that you visit these links which may prove useful:
