Gambling is a rollercoaster ride. Even if you don’t have a gambling problem, it can be oh-so-tempting to place a bet when you know you shouldn’t. So we’re going to give you some tips on taking a break to avoid gambling when you need to.
Know thyself
You’ve got to understand your triggers. Is it the excitement? Is it the lure of easy money (spoiler alert, the house always wins)? Identify what pulls you in and then that’s half the battle won.
Set boundaries
Establish clear-cut limits before you even think about hitting the casino or logging into that online betting site. Decide on your gambling budget, set a time limit and stick to them like glue.
Stay busy
Idle hands are the devil’s workshop, or so they say. Keep yourself occupied with hobbies, sports or hanging out with friends. The less downtime you have, the less chance you’ll find yourself tempted to gamble.
Avoid temptation
Out of sight, out of mind, right? Stay away from places where gambling is prevalent. If you want to avoid gambling, don’t hang around casinos or loiter near betting shops. It also makes sense to make some online changes too, so you’re not reminded about betting 24/7.
Mindful money management
Like we said before, setting a gambling budget is key. But it’s not something that just applies to each individual session. It’s something that should apply to how you spend your money over a long period of time. Budget wisely, pay your bills first, make sure you have some set aside for savings and then allocate a sensible amount for leisure activities. Gambling should never ever be your primary form of entertainment.
Buddy system
It’s always easier to stick to something if you talk to someone about it first. Enlist a trusted friend or family member to be your accountability partner. Someone who’ll give you a stern talking to if you stray out of line.
Seek support
There’s no shame in asking for help if you’re struggling to resist the urge to gamble. Reach out to support groups, therapists, helplines or your local Gamblers Anonymous chapter. They’re all there to help folks like you stay on the straight and narrow.
Of course, if you think you might have a gambling problem or worry you’re at risk of developing one, the important thing is to avoid gambling for good. And getting support on this mission is absolutely key. The National Council of Problem Gambling can really help you out in this respect. They’ve got tons of resources and information about how to get help and find the support that might work for you.
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