Dark Spiral

Responsible Gaming

A pastime, not a spiral you cannot escape

Important Notice

Gambling can turn compulsive quietly. The moment it begins dragging your life down, ask for help without delay. Round-the-clock support exists, and you never have to face it by yourself.

Signs of Problem Gambling

  • Wagering beyond what you can spare
  • Pushing aside work, family, or obligations
  • Betting harder to recover what you lost
  • Taking loans or selling goods to keep playing
  • Concealing the truth about your betting
  • Feeling on edge or low because of gambling
  • Wanting to stop yet being unable to

Tips for Safe Gambling

Set a Budget

Only ever bet money you can lose comfortably.

Set Time Limits

Fix a time limit and honour it.

Never Chase Losses

Treat losing as part of the deal.

Take Breaks

Break away often to keep your perspective clear.

Self-Assessment: Is Gambling Affecting You?

Be honest with yourself. These questions come from the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Answer “yes” to two or more, and it is worth contacting one of the organizations above.

1

Have you bet more than you could afford to lose in the past 12 months?

2

Have you needed to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?

3

Have you gone back another day to try to win back money you lost?

4

Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?

5

Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?

6

Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?

This is not a diagnosis. For a formal assessment, reach GamCare on 0808 8020 133 or the gambling helpline for your area.

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