Play Responsibly

First and foremost, gambling is not a way to make money; it's a form of entertainment where you might win money. There may be a few lucky gamblers who make a living from it, but overall, the only ones making consistent money from gambling are the gaming companies. There's a reason they say "the house always wins," and that's because, in the long run, the house does always win.

This doesn't mean you can't win at casino games, but it does mean you're likely to experience periods of loss. This brings us to the second point.

If you suspect you're developing some bad habits, don't be afraid to seek professional help. Support organizations are there for you, and you can always remain anonymous in your communications with them.

An interesting website in this field is Gambling Therapy, and they have some very good tips to keep in mind that will help you recognize unhealthy gambling habits at an early stage.

It's important to set limits in advance and stick to them. This includes how many hours you spend gambling each week and how much money you allocate for it. If you're avoiding setting limits or moving the ones you've already established, it's time to reflect on your habits. Remember, you can never lose what you don't risk, so don't risk what you're not prepared to lose.

Many casinos provide tools to set time limits and attach budget restrictions to your account; use them if they exist. Many also have algorithms running in the background that are designed to detect early signs of problematic gambling habits. If you're notified by the system or staff that they're concerned about how you're playing, take it seriously. Remember, the casino is making money from you—if they're telling you it's time to stop giving them money, you can be sure they have good reasons for doing so.

The same goes if someone you know confronts you about your gambling habits. If someone close to you thinks you're gambling too much, they're probably right.

The last point to consider concerns our state of mind. Since all forms of gambling involve some degree of decision-making, it's important to have a clear head.

If you're not feeling well or something in your personal life is distracting you, you're not in a good position to make decisions about money. It's also highly unlikely that gambling will solve these problems; even if you get lucky, losing money will certainly make them worse. This also includes staying sober.

Coming home late at night from the pub is not the time to gamble. You'll likely feel more confident and take bigger risks. Sure, your hangover might be somewhat eased if you find extra money in your account the next day, but waking up to an empty bank account won't be as comforting.

We'll leave you with one last piece of practical advice, which we hope will help you keep gambling a fun and enjoyable pastime. Try taking a week off every now and then to see how it affects you.

Are your fingers itching to play some slots after a day or two?

Do you find yourself not enjoying a football game as much as you used to now that there's no money on the line?

If so, you probably should take a few more days off, and when you return to the tables (or screen), make sure to set some clear limits for yourself.