Gambling With a Clear Head

Rhapsody for a Unicorn writes about slots, casinos and betting because many adults enjoy them. We also know that for some people gambling stops being a pastime and becomes a problem. This page sets out how we think about playing safely, and what to do if things begin to slip.

Adults only

Gambling of any kind is for people aged 18 or over, or older where local law sets a higher age. If you share a device with younger people, keep casino and betting apps locked or logged out, and do not save payment details where others can use them.

Know the deal before you play

Every casino game and betting market is designed so that the operator keeps a share over time. Some sessions end ahead, but the overall direction favours the house. There is no system, pattern or feature that changes this. Thinking of gambling as a purchase of entertainment, like a concert ticket, keeps expectations honest: the money is spent on the experience, and anything that comes back is a bonus rather than income.

Check, too, that gambling is legal where you are. Online casinos and sports betting are banned or restricted in many countries and regions.

Set limits while you are calm

The best moment to decide how much to spend is before you start, not halfway through a session. A few habits help:

• Decide on a fixed amount for the week or month that you can afford to lose completely.
• Set a time limit as well as a money limit, and use an alarm.
• Use the deposit, loss and session limits that licensed operators provide.
• Do not borrow, use credit or dip into money meant for bills.
• Avoid playing when you are upset, tired or have been drinking.
• Keep a short record of each session; our guide to keeping a gambling diary shows one way.

Sports bettors may also find it helps to stake a fixed amount per bet, an idea explained in What Is a Unit in Betting?

Signs that gambling is causing harm

Problems rarely arrive all at once. They tend to build quietly. Be honest with yourself if you notice any of the following:

1. repeatedly going past the money or time you had set for yourself;
2. trying to win back losses with bigger or more frequent bets;
3. finding your thoughts drifting back to the next session during work, meals or time with friends;
4. hiding play or spending from family or friends;
5. borrowing money, selling possessions or missing payments because of gambling;
6. becoming edgy, short-tempered or down whenever you try to play less;
7. gambling to escape stress, loneliness or worry.

One of these on its own is a reason to pause and look again. When a few of them appear at once, it is time to reach out for help.

Taking a break

Most licensed operators let you take a short time-out or exclude yourself for a longer period. Many countries also run national self-exclusion schemes that cover several operators at once, and some banks let customers block gambling transactions on their cards. Blocking software for phones and computers can add another barrier.

Finding support

Free and confidential help is available in many countries, often through national gambling support services, health services or charities. They can talk through what is happening, help with debts and offer support to family members too. Your doctor or a local advice centre can point you to the right service where you live. You do not need to reach a crisis before asking for help.

Our part

We try never to make gambling sound easy, safe or profitable, and we do not publish tips or predictions. If you think something on this site falls short of that, please tell us through Drop Us a Line. More on our approach is in How We Write About Games.