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Responsible Gambling

Betting can be a very enjoyable experience for most people if done in moderation, but like alcohol, it can become addictive, leading to debt and destroying family/work life. At letsbet, we want to promote responsible gambling. Here are some golden gambling rules that should always be adhered to:
  • Only bet what you are prepared to lose. Set yourself sensible stakes and stick to them.
  • Learn to quit while you are behind as well as ahead. Never chase your losses. If you have a losing day, be patient - another good opportunity will arise in the future.
  • Learn to think long-term. Try not to set yourself daily amounts to win. This leads to erratic betting when things don’t go your way.
  • Do not gamble while drinking. Your judgement will be clouded and your reasoning will go out the window. If you enjoy a drink while watching a race or a football match for example, place your bets beforehand and then leave the bookies/computer alone, win or lose.
  • Bear in mind that most people lose money when gambling. If you are making even a few percent profit per year, you are one of the lucky ones. There is no such thing as getting rich quick. Time, research, hard work and sensible staking are the only way forward.


Problem Gambling

If you can answer ‘yes’ to most of the below statements, you may need to seek help. Most online gambling sites have both temporary and permanent self-exclusion schemes that can be availed of.
  • Do you ever require financial assistance by friends, family or by means of loans to cover expenses caused by gambling?
  • Do you feel the need to conceal the amount of time/money that you are spending on gambling?
  • If you are losing money, do you try to chase your losses by increasing your stakes or by betting on an event that you would have left alone otherwise?
  • Have you tried to cut-down or stop gambling, and are finding it difficult?
  • Do you use gambling as escapism from stress or personal problems?
  • Have you ever thought of commiting - or actually committed fraud or theft to relieve gambling debts?
  • Does gambling effect your job/college work? Do you spend time gambling when you should be studying/working?
  • Does your gambling effect your friends and family in a negative way? Do you neglect your friends or family in order to gamble?
  • Does gambling make you feel depressed or suicidal?


Useful Contacts


Gamcare
GamCare, a registered charity, has become the leading authority on the provision of information, advice and practical help in addressing the social impact of gambling. Gamcare strive to develop strategies that will:

- Improve the understanding of the social impact of gambling
- Promote a responsible approach to gambling
- Address the needs of those adversely affected by a gambling dependency

Helpline
1800 246 139 from Ireland
0845 6000 133 from the UK
+44 845 6000 133 International (24 hours 7 days a week)

Website:
www.gamcare.org.uk

Email:
info@gamcare.org.uk


Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who have joined together to do something about their own gambling problem and to help other compulsive gamblers do the same.

Helpline
01 872 1133 from Ireland
08700 50 88 80 from the UK

Website:
www.gamblersanonymous.ie (Ireland)
www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk (UK)