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The majority of people do gamble responsibly. It may help you to keep your gambling under control by remembering the following:

  • You’re taking part for fun – not as a means of investing your money
  • Before participating, set strict limits on how much time and money you’re going to spend
  • Quit while you’re ahead
  • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
  • Don’t spend more money on gambling, hoping to win back money you’ve lost
  • Keep up other interests and hobbies – don’t let gambling take over your life
  • Don’t gamble in order to escape from stress or boredom
  • Gambling in moderation is okay

For some people, gambling can become a problem. If you are concerned about the amount you are gambling and feel it is taking over your life - or you are concerned for a friend or relative - then the following questions may help you to give you some guidance.

  • Have others ever criticised your gambling?
  • Have you lied to cover up the amount you have gambled or time you have spent doing it?
  • Do arguments, frustrations or disappointments make you want to gamble?
  • Do you gamble alone for long periods?
  • Do you stay away from work or college to gamble?
  • Do you gamble to escape from a boring or unhappy life?
  • Are you reluctant to spend 'gambling money' on anything else?
  • Have you lost interest in your family, friends or pastimes due to gambling?
  • After losing, do you feel you must try to win back your losses as soon as possible?
  • When gambling and you run out of money, do you feel lost and in despair, and need to gamble again as soon as possible?
  • Do you gamble until your last penny is gone?
  • Have you lied, stolen or borrowed just to get money to gamble or to pay gambling debts?
  • Do you feel depressed or even suicidal because of your gambling?

If you are answering ‘yes’ to some of these questions, then it is likely a gambling problem exists.

Sometimes just telling someone about your problem can be a relief and it is the first step towards dealing with your problem.

WDC is committed to ensuring our raffle activity is operated in a fair and socially responsible way.

You can seek advice and support from BeGambleAware or from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.