Gambling can be a fun and exciting way to spend your time, but it’s important to remember that it can also be addictive and destructive. Here are some tips on how to gamble responsibly so you can enjoy yourself without risking your health or your finances.
Determine a budget and stick to it
It is important that you know how much money you are willing to lose before you start gambling. When you reach your limit, stop playing. It’s also a good idea to set aside some money for taxes and fees so you don’t go into debt when you win.
Do not chase your losses
If you are on a losing streak, don’t try to recoup your losses by gambling even more. This is a surefire way to get into debt.
Know when to stop
If you are lucky and in the plus, it can be tempting to keep playing. But it’s important to know when you should stop. A good rule of thumb is that you should cash out when you have won 10% of your original budget.
Play with money you can afford to lose
Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. This includes rent, credit card bills or money for groceries and other essentials.
Seek help when you need it
If you think you might have a gambling problem, there’s no shame in seeking help. There are many resources available to help you overcome addiction and get your life back on track.
Gambling addiction
Gambling addiction is a real problem that can ruin your life. If you think you may have a problem with gambling, you should get help right away. There are many resources available to help you overcome addiction and get your life back on track.
How a gambling addiction develops
Gambling addiction can develop over time or occur suddenly. It usually starts with recreational gambling, but over time the urge to gamble becomes more compulsive. Eventually, gambling can take over your life and cause serious problems.
Signs and symptoms of gambling addiction
The signs and symptoms of gambling addiction can vary from person to person. However, there are some common signs to look out for, including:
- You chase your losses: you keep playing even if you have lost money, hoping to win it back.
- Bet more money: You start playing with more money to try to win back the money you lost or have to increase your bet to have the same “kick”.
- They isolate themselves: they stop spending time with friends and family to play more.
- Lying: You lie to loved ones about how much you gamble or how much money you have lost.
- Borrow money: you borrow money to gamble, or you use your credit cards to fund your gambling. Also, if you are selling things to fund your gambling, it is time to seek help.
- Being depressed: you feel depressed or anxious even when you are not playing.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important that you stop gambling immediately. If you feel that this is not possible or could be a big challenge for you, you should seek help as soon as possible.
How to get help for gambling addiction
If you think you may have a gambling problem, there is no shame in seeking help. There are many resources available to help you overcome addiction and get your life back on track.
Some helpful resources include:
- SOS Switzerland – Gaming without addiction: https://www.sos-spielsucht.ch/de/
- Addiction Switzerland: https://www.suchtschweiz.ch/gluecksspiel/