Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in life. Anyone who gambles can develop gambling related problems.

There are many factors that affect an individual’s risk of developing a gambling problem. The risk varies from one person to the next. However, you can reduce your risk if you:

• Gamble for entertainment, not as a way to make money. The house always has the advantage.
• Don’t use gambling as a way to cope with problems.
• Limit how often and how long you gamble.
• Take frequent breaks to determine how much money and time you have spent gambling.
• Set acceptable limits for losses and stick to them.
• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
• Do not try to win back money you have lost. Do not borrow money to gamble.
• Keep a log of money and time spent gambling. This will help you decide if it’s something you wish to continue.
• Educate yourself on how the games that you play work.
• Maintain a balance in your life. Do not make gambling your only form of entertainment.