KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Do you suspect you might have a problem?

If so, we suggest you take this questionnaire. If you answer “yes” to seven or more questions, according to Gamblers Anonymous it is possible that you are a compulsive gambler, and should seek help controlling your gambling habit.

1. Have you ever missed school or work because of gambling?
2. Has your home life been negatively affected by your gambling?
3. Has your reputation been affected by gambling?
4. Have you ever tried to solve financial problems or pay off debts by gambling?
5. When you lose, do you feel a strong urge to keep playing in order to win back your losses?
6. When you win, do you feel a strong urge to keep playing in order to win more?
7. Have you repeatedly gambled your money away (down to the last dollar)?
8. Have you ever financed your gambling by borrowing money?
9. Have you ever financed your gambling by selling something?
10. Have you ever stopped yourself from using "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
11. Have you ever gambled at the expense of your family's welfare?
12. Have you ever gambled for longer than planned?
13. Have you ever thought about/committed an illegal act to fund your gambling?
14. Have you had difficulty sleeping as a result of your gambling?
15. When frustrated, do you have an urge to gamble?
16. When you want to celebrate good fortune, does gambling sound like a good way to do so?
17. Have you ever felt regret after gambling?
18. Have you ever experienced a decrease in efficiency or ambition as a resulting of your gambling?
19. Have you ever gambled in an attempt to avoid everyday worries and/or troubles?
20. Has gambling ever caused you to consider suicide?

Staying in Control

While it’s not advisable to do so, you may go over your gambling budget every once in a while. It is not, however, acceptable to gamble beyond your means a regular basis.

In order to keep spending under control, we strongly advise that you set yourself an affordable, well-defined budget whenever you choose to gamble.

While gambling can be an entertaining experience, you should always be conscious of how much time and money you intend to spend before you begin.

Here are some basic tips to help you gamble responsibly:

Decide how much you’re willing to lose before you begin playing, and never go over that amount.
Do not borrow money to gamble.
Choose a time limit, and stick to it.
Take frequent breaks.
Engage in other activities for fun, besides gambling.
Never gamble when you're worried, stressed or depressed.
Only use money that you’ve set aside specifically for recreational purposes.

For more guidelines and tips, visit the Responsible Gaming Council or visit our Responsible Gaming page.