Self-help tips for problem gamblers

Do:

• manage your money; pay important bills on payday before you gamble, set a time limit and a budget

• spend more time with family and friends who do not gamble

• deal with your debts rather than ignoring them – visit the National Debtline for tips

• find a hobby; if you find yourself gambling to escape from something else, try focus your mind on other activities

Don't:

• view gambling as a way to make money – try to see it as entertainment instead

• bottle up your worries about your gambling – talk to someone

• take credit cards with you when you go gambling

• chase your losses

• gamble when depressed or upset; decision-making can be more difficult

• drink or use drugs when gambling; drugs and alcohol cloud judgment, and good judgment stands as your main line of defence against letting gambling get out of control

For more self-help tips, see the Royal College of Psychiatrists website.