Safer Gambling Week is a cross-industry initiative to promote safer gambling.
Gambling is a form of entertainment that you pay for. This means that you are handing over money for something which should be fun, and which will last for a finite length of time – like buying a cinema ticket.
The difference between gambling and any other form of entertainment is that you are playing games of chance for money. Now this could mean that you walk away with more money than you started with, or some other kind of prize – which is great.
But if you start with that as a goal, you will likely be disappointed time and again. If you were assured of a prize every time, you wouldn’t be gambling, you’d simply be buying a product or service. Chance is what makes gambling fun, but it is also what makes it a risk.
When we talk about responsible gambling, we’re talking about being able to gamble without putting yourself or others at risk of harm. Part of gambling more safely and responsibly is understanding the odds of the game you are playing, what the rules are, and accepting that losing is just as much a part of gambling as winning.
To help you manage your gambling here are some safety tips and warning signs you should be aware of.
There is also information and help available to help you stay in control, or quit completely, if that is what you would prefer. If you would like information or need to talk through what’s on offer, you can contact the following organisations for free and confidential information, advice and support:
By visiting www.gamcare.org.uk
By calling the FREE National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
Or you can contact the National Gambling Treatment Service by visiting : www.BeGambleAware.org
Finally, for more information about Safer Gambling then visit the website www.safergamblinguk.org
