Responsible gambling tips & best practices
Last Updated: 17 December, 2025
Gambling can be a fun and exciting activity but, as here at Sporting Post we like to remind you on every page, it's important to do it responsibly. Responsible gambling is all about making informed decisions and setting limits to ensure that you don't spend more than you can afford to lose.
On this page, we will share with you a number of practical responsible gambling tips and best practices. Follow them, and you will be sure to enjoy gambling while keeping it safe and responsible.
Understanding Gambling
Gambling is an activity that involves betting on the outcome of a game, contest, or event with the hope of winning money or other prizes. It can take many different forms, including casino games, sports betting, online gaming, and more. Understanding the different types of gambling, the odds and chances of winning, the risks and harms involved, and the differences between online and offline gambling is essential for responsible gambling.
Types of Gambling
There are many different types of gambling, each with its own set of rules, odds, and risks. Some of the most common types of gambling include:
Casino games: such as slots, blackjack, and roulette
Sports betting: betting on the outcome of sporting events
Online gaming: such as online casinos and mobile gaming apps
Odds and Chances
Understanding the odds and chances of winning is crucial for responsible gambling. Every game has its own set of odds, which determine the likelihood of winning. It's important to remember that the odds are always in favor of the house, which means that over time, the house will always win.
Risks and Harms
Gambling can be a fun and exciting activity, but it also comes with risks and harms. It's important to be aware of these risks and to take steps to minimize them. Some of the risks and harms associated with gambling include:
Financial problems: gambling can lead to debt and financial hardship
Relationship problems: gambling can strain relationships with family and friends
Mental health problems: gambling can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues
Responsible Gambling Strategies
When it comes to gambling, it is important to have a responsible approach. Responsible gambling strategies can help you stay in control, avoid risks, and play safely. In this section, we will discuss some strategies you can use to gamble responsibly.
Setting Limits
Setting limits stands as a foundational pillar of responsible gambling, acting as a safeguard against potential pitfalls. Before diving into any gambling activity, it's essential to establish both monetary and time boundaries. By determining a specific money limit, you ensure that you never exceed your financial comfort zone, preventing unexpected financial strains.
Similarly, setting a time limit helps maintain a balance between gambling and other activities, ensuring it doesn't consume disproportionate amounts of your day. For those who engage in multiple gambling sessions, it's beneficial to have a spending cap for each session.
This approach not only provides a clearer picture of your expenditure patterns but also acts as a deterrent against the dangerous habit of chasing losses, which can escalate quickly and lead to significant financial and emotional distress.
Avoiding Risks
When diving into the world of sports betting and gambling, playing it safe can make all the difference. Going for a low-risk approach might mean betting on well-established teams rather than long shots, or choosing casino games you're familiar with over those with complex rules or high stakes.
Remember, it's always best to bet or play when you're clear-headed. If emotions from a big game are running high or if you've enjoyed a couple of drinks, maybe hold off on placing that bet. Instead, focus on well-informed wagers in sports or sticking to familiar games in the casino. By being strategic and thoughtful, you can relish the thrill of the game while keeping risks in check.
Taking Breaks
Taking regular breaks is an essential part of responsible gambling. Just like a basketball team regroups during halftime, it's a good idea for you to take breaks every hour. Maybe stand up, take a walk around the block, or grab a quick bite. These pauses not only refresh you but also keep you sharp, ensuring you're making well-thought-out bets rather than spur-of-the-moment decisions
Self-Assessment and Support
Self-assessment is an important step in responsible gambling. You should regularly assess your gambling habits and seek help if you think you have a problem. There are many resources available to help you, including self-assessment quizzes, treatment centers, and non-profit organizations like the Responsible Gambling Council and Gam-Anon.
To help you find the most effective ones and do a quick (anonymous) health check, we have prepared a page with the best self-assessment tools for recognizing problem gambling. Have a look at it to find all the key questions and behaviors that may indicate you need to change your approach to gambling.
Financial Management in Gambling
When it comes to gambling, financial management is crucial. Proper financial management can help you avoid debt, balance expenses, and engage in recreational spending without putting yourself at financial risk. Here are some tips for managing your finances when gambling.
Avoiding Debt: The first step to responsible gambling is to never borrow money or use money intended for necessities like rent or food. Gambling should be a form of entertainment and not a way to make money. If you find yourself in debt due to gambling, it is important to seek help immediately.
Balancing Expenses: To avoid financial risks, it is important to balance your expenses. If you only have a certain amount of money to gamble with, it would be poor financial management to put everything on the first game and potentially walk away empty-handed. Instead, spread your expenses out and only gamble with money that you can afford to lose.
Recreational Spending: When it comes to gambling, it is important to view it as a form of entertainment and recreational spending rather than a way to make money. Stick to your budget by leaving your credit and debit cards at home and only bringing the amount of cash you are willing to lose.
Avoiding Financial Risks: Gambling can be risky, but there are ways to minimize those risks. Avoid chasing losses or trying to win back what you've lost. If you find yourself in a situation where you need more money to gamble, consider quitting and walking away from the games instead of borrowing money or using credit cards.
Emotional Management in Gambling
When it comes to gambling, emotions play a significant role in the experience. It's essential to recognize emotional triggers and learn how to manage them to avoid making impulsive decisions that could lead to harmful gambling behavior. Here are some tips for managing emotions while gambling.
Recognizing Emotional Triggers: Gambling can be a way to cope with negative emotions such as feeling upset, angry, stressed, lonely, or depressed. However, it's important to recognize when gambling is being used as a way to regulate mood. If you find yourself gambling to escape negative emotions, it's time to take a break and seek support.
Avoiding Alcohol and Gambling: Alcohol and gambling often go hand in hand, but drinking can impair judgment and lead to riskier gambling behavior. It's best to avoid alcohol when gambling, or at least limit your intake to maintain a clear head and make responsible decisions.
Maintaining a Safer Gambling Environment: Creating a safer gambling environment is crucial to protect yourself from harm. Set limits on your gambling activity, such as time and money spent. Take regular breaks to avoid becoming too absorbed in the experience, and don't chase losses. Remember, responsible gambling is about playing safe and within your means.
Self-Exclusion and Other Tools
Self-exclusion is a powerful tool that you can use to support your commitment to stay away from gambling. It is a voluntary program that has been adopted by many regions in North America, Australia, Europe, South Africa, and Asia. Self-exclusion programs can vary in duration and can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Self-exclusion can be done in-person at Playsmart Centres (find the one closest to you) or online through various gambling websites. When you self-exclude, you are agreeing to not enter any gambling establishments or participate in any online gambling activities for a specific period of time.
It is important to note that self-exclusion is not a foolproof solution. It is up to you to commit to the self-exclusion program and take responsibility for your actions. You should also consider seeking additional support, such as counseling, to help you address the root causes of your gambling behavior.
Online Tools and Resources
There are many online tools and resources available to help you stop gambling and stay on track with your responsible gambling goals. These tools can help you monitor your gambling behavior, set limits on your spending and time spent gambling, and provide additional support when you need it.
Some popular online tools include:
Budget trackers: These tools can help you keep track of your spending and set limits on your gambling budget.
Time trackers: These tools can help you monitor how much time you spend gambling and set limits on your gambling time.
Self-assessment tests: These tests can help you evaluate your gambling behavior and identify areas where you may need additional support.
Support groups: Online support groups can provide a safe and supportive environment to discuss your gambling behavior and receive guidance from others who have gone through similar experiences.
In addition to these tools, many online gambling websites offer their own responsible gambling resources and support programs. These resources can include self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and time-out options.
To learn more about self-exclusion, online tools, and other responsible gambling resources, visit your local Playsmart Centre or check out the resources available on your favorite gambling website. Remember, responsible gambling is a shared responsibility, and it is up to you to take control of your gambling behavior and seek help when you need it.