Responsible game playing

Games of chance are addictive. If you are unable to control yourself, if games of chance are no longer just a fun pastime for you, the information below might help you.

We all take risks and games of chance are a special kind of risk that is both thrilling and fun. For most people who like to play at casinos, games of chance are a form of entertainment.

The temptation to try your luck or to win big quickly may be insurmountable. It could happen that every win will bring about new bets, and a loss will prompt a person to continue desperately playing in the hope of a “big win” coming their way soon. The longer this goes on, the more addicted the person becomes.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Have you jeopardized important relationships, your education, your job, or your career over games of chance?
• Do you continue playing to recoup your losses, or do you quickly return to playing after a series of losses?
• When you win, do you feel an overwhelming desire to win even more?
• Have you ever lied, stolen, or borrowed money to gamble?
• Are you unwilling to spend money earmarked for gambling on something else?
• Have you ever played games of chance for longer than planned?
• Have you ever used gambling to relieve anxiety, stress, frustration, or depression?
• Have you ever become depressed or suicidal over gambling? Have games of chance driven you into debt?
• Have you ever sold your own or your family's possessions to obtain money for gambling or to pay off gambling debts?

The more "yes" answers you gave, the higher the likelihood that you have a serious gambling problem.

1. Take responsibility for your life and actions. Don't run away from your problems.
2. Be honest with yourself first, and then with others.
3. Talk about your problems with someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, or mentor.
4. Take regular breaks to stay grounded. Get up and stop playing.
5. Consider capping your bank withdrawals.
6. Talk to a casino manager. They have many years of experience and know about these problems, so they will understand you. There are several ways the casino administration can help you control your gambling addiction.
7. Ask to be barred from the casino for three to six months.

1. Stop playing games of chance while fighting the addiction.
2. Find patterns in your behavior. Do you play when you are bored, stressed, or under serious pressure?
3. Use a calendar to mark days without gambling and track your progress.
4. Ask someone you trust to manage your financial affairs for a prearranged period.
5. After a gambling-free period, spend some of the money you saved on something nice for yourself.

Do not rush things. Remain optimistic. You can beat an addiction to games of chance. Some gamblers cannot return to gambling without losing control, while others are able to control their urges after a period of abstinence.

If you know people who engage in irresponsible gaming, share this information with them.