Play safe
Responsible gambling
Betting should be entertainment, never a way to make money or escape problems. Tools and free help are listed below.
Stay in control
A 20-day Major has dozens of matches every day. Decide the limits before the first one starts.
- Bet only money you can afford to lose;
- Set a budget and a time limit before you start;
- Use deposit limits, reality checks and time-outs offered by the bookmaker;
- Never chase losses or bet under the influence;
- Keep betting money separate from bills, savings and borrowed money.
Warning signs
Problem gambling builds slowly. Any of these signs is a reason to take a break:
- Betting more than planned, or more often;
- Hiding betting from family or friends;
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not betting;
- Borrowing money or selling things to bet.
Where to get help
These organisations offer free, confidential support:
- BeGambleAware: advice and support in the UK;
- GamCare: helpline and live chat in the UK;
- Gambling Therapy: international support in many languages;
- GamStop: self-exclusion from UK-licensed sites;
- NCPG: the US National Council on Problem Gambling.
Under 18? Gambling is not for you. Parents can block gambling sites with tools such as Gamban or Net Nanny.