BORROW

Are you borrowing money to gamble?

Whilst gambling is portrayed as fun, it’s not strictly the case for all players and heavy losses can lead to borrowing money in an attempt to win back losses. This is never a good idea as borrowing can lead to further problems. So, please set limits on your spend and despite urges to borrow, it is just best to accept your losses, and not create a worse place for your finances.

It’s said to only gamble what you can afford and to be fair it's a very good statement.

CHASE

Do you chase losses over and over?

This is the word used by players to describe trying to win back losses, i.e. chase your money. This is a very risky strategy as it involves you spending beyond any preset limits and can induce a feeling of panic as it can spiral quickly into a session of play that can do financial and mind damage – losing a sense of proportion of the money is easily induced.

It further endorses why setting limits is integral.

DOPAMINE

How much are you getting?

Dopamine is the chemical released during a state of pleasure and excitement and is a very powerful stimulant which along with adrenaline is experienced by most players. It is particularly active during high risk games and when you are having big wins or losses.

It can alter the way that even the most disciplined player thinks and despite the highs it can create, again it can cause a player to break their limits.

INTERFERING

Is gambling playing too big a part in your life?

If you somehow find yourself spending too much time on gambling there is a fair chance you are neglecting yourself and other things in your life, maybe even neglecting work, or family commitments. Because it’s so accessible to gamble either on your phone, or laptop, or just to pop into the bookies –

we are probably unaware of just how often it interferes with our time.

JIGGY

Do you get adrenaline rushes in play?

During gameplay, or whilst watching a live sporting event, you will more often than not get ‘jiggy’ – excited, anxious at the result. You will experience an adrenaline rush and often shout or scream for a winner, either inwardly or out loud!

But, having too much of these things can set your brain in a bad ‘default’ setting, which is then setting a standard of replication that will require you to put your body and mind through a tough test each time you play, creating more harm than fun in your life.

KNOWLEDGE

How much do you know about the product you're playing?

Knowing as much as you can about the game you play is vital. Is it fast paced? Is it slow? Does it need any skill? All things to consider . . . in sports, you may analyse the form of the teams or competitors, to make a skill-based bet and then just sit back and watch. But, in casino games and slots, the action is fast, fast, fast, and that can lead you into making more bets than intended as you get sucked into the pace of play.

So, learn as much prior to playing your favourite game.

PLAY

Try not to play just out of boredom and avoid playing if you feel unwell.

Playing or betting if you are bored, or tired, or unwell, is potentially very risky, because if your mind isn't focused on your activity, then it can lead you to overplay and overspend. Just pushing a button to start a game is so simple, yet if you are elsewhere in your mind during play, it’s so, so easy to play on and on and on, way beyond your original plan.

If your clarity of mind isn’t 100% – do something else!

QUIT

If it’s getting too much, stop, take a break and do something else.

When it’s getting too much for you and you can feel yourself losing control, that you just cannot win, but you need a win, you crave a win, then that is a point to say to yourself – QUIT! – stop – take a break – have some fresh air – and realise you cannot cope. It isn’t your fault if this happens, some games just cause this reaction.

Quitting isn’t being weak, it’s a sign of strength – and it will empower you to deal with where you are at.

RUSH

Play slower than the game wants you to and don’t get agitated by bad luck.

So many games, slots in particular, are at a mega-fast pace, circa 2 seconds and the spin is over . . . that’s 30 games in a minute . . . 1800 an hour! That causes by definition a rush of chemicals to the brain, irrespective of whether you win or lose.

So, play slower than the game wants you to and absorb the reactions at a rate that doesn’t get you out of your comfort zone.

WIN

Ask yourself ... when you win a lot, do you keep playing for more than you intended?

So, you’re a winner . . . your horse wins, your team wins . . . you predict the number on a spin of the wheel. But, does this winning streak get you to bet more and more and more? If it does, then even though you’re playing with ‘winnings’ it can create a feeling of a ‘bottomless kitty’.

Just like lose – lose – lose, win – win – win can be a risky mindset. Use your ‘limits’ to prevent free-fall occurring.

XFACTOR

… if gambling is too enticing and controlling you, then find something else in your life to replace it.

Gambling is now a huge social and health issue for both men and women. Throughout this guide of player advice, you will see a wide range of statements and coping strategies which when you employ them will give you the Xfactor.

Being in charge of your betting is a talent in itself – and be kind to yourself more often if you experience deep, deep lows.

YOU

Always be honest with yourself about your gambling.

Being honest with yourself about your gambling is such an enhancing quality. Some people do win long-term, but for the vast majority it's a recreational social thing and they show little or no profit over a lifetime. Why is this really important though? Because we invest our time, our health and our money in it when we gamble.

So, overall, try to enjoy the experience, but Don't bet YOUR LIFE on it.