Responsible Gambling

Playing responsibly doesn’t mean betting a little bit at a time. It means understanding why you’re betting and setting clear boundaries for yourself.
Here’s what this approach involves:

• Self-control. You don’t bet impulsively, you don’t give in to your emotions, and you don’t gamble if you’re not confident in your abilities;
• Awareness. You realize that betting can be won or lost – and you accept it calmly.
• Personal safety. Gaming doesn’t interfere with your sleep, work, family, relationships and other important matters;
• Financial sobriety. Betting should not affect money for food, housing, loans and other obligations.

If you notice that gambling becomes a way to escape from stress, routine, or problems, that’s a red flag.

To ensure that betting remains an enjoyable activity and does not turn into a source of problems, follow some simple guidelines:

• Bet in a clear mind. Avoid betting when you are upset, tired or under influence of any substance. Make them only when you are stable and sober;
• Enjoy the process. Do not evaluate a gambling session only by the amount of winnings. It is better to ask yourself the question, “Was I interested?”;
• Surround yourself with reasonable people. Socializing with those who also play without kinks helps to keep within the limits;
• Be prepared to lose. Betting is a risk. Never count on a guaranteed outcome or have illusions;
• Keep a balance. If work, leisure, family and interests are in place – then betting won’t take up too much space in your life;
• Avoid delusions. Don’t believe in “lucky streaks,” “assures wins,” or “magic strategies.” These are traps that often lead to a loss of control.

People who gamble consciously tend to behave according to the following principles:

• Betting for fun, not to make a living;
• Set limits on amount and time – and stick to them;
• Use only free money, without touching mandatory expenses;
• Take regular breaks from gambling, especially if they feel tired or irritated;
• Don’t blame anyone for losses and don’t see betting as a struggle;
• A responsible player knows how to stop in time – and continues to play only when it is really a pleasure.

To reinforce the habit of a healthy approach, it’s helpful to adhere to the following 10 rules:

• Don’t lose control. After a loss, don’t try to get your money back immediately. This only makes the situation worse;
• Set a budget in advance. Determine the amount you don’t mind losing – and don’t go beyond it;
• Write down your bets. This will help you track trends, adjust behavior and better understand how you play;
• Make decisions thoughtfully. Don’t rely on intuition – study statistics and the current form of the teams;
• Keep your emotions under control. Especially on difficult or stressful days – at such times it is better to take a break;
• Bet only on what you know. Do not spend money on events that you are not sure about;
• Talk to your loved ones. Openness is a defense. The people you share with can help in time;
• Pause. Even if things are going well – don’t play non-stop. Rest helps you maintain objectivity.