What is Safer Gambling?
Gambling safely is all about being in control, having fun and staying within your budget and finances. Most responsible landlords and club operators want all their customers to understand that playing fruit machines or gambling of any description should be regarded as an enjoyable hobby or pastime. It should never be seen as a means of making a full time income, or a way to quickly get money. Here at Silverplay we believe it’s important that all customers of any establishment understand the risks associated with fruit machines, pull tab machines or any form of recreational gaming.We can’t emphasise enough how important it is for anyone to stay within their limits and to seek help if it’s felt you are spending too much time or too much money on gambling.
How can you tell you may have a problem ?
There are a few questions you can ask yourself. If you are honest with yourself you’ll know when it is starting to become an issue and it may be time to ask for help.
- Do you stay away from work to gamble?
- Do you gamble as an escape from a an unhappy home life ?
- Do you gamble until you have spent all your money?
- Do you ever lie to friends or family about the amount of money you have gambled?
- Are other people starting to mention the amount of time you spend gambling?
- Have you lied, stolen or borrowed to get money to gamble?
- After losing, do you feel you must try to chase your losses and gamble more in an attempt to win back your money?
If you are concerned about the amount of money you are gambling, or are concerned that you may have a gambling problem, there are options out there for help.
Follow these rules:
- Never gamble more than you can afford to lose – set a budget for entertainment and stick to it.
- Never try to get recoup losses back by betting more more money in the hope you’ll win big.
- Set a time limit on how much time you spend there and stick to it.
- Remind yourself that gambling is fun and not a way of making money or extra income.
- Never gamble if you are angry, upset or depressed.
- Don’t drink or take drugs when gambling. It will affect your decision making process.
If you realise you are breaking any of these rules then please seek help and advice.
GamCare, a registered charity, is the leading authority on the provision of information, advice and practical help in addressing the social impact of gambling in the UK.
GamCare takes a non-judgmental approach on gambling. GamCare does not wish to restrict the choices or opportunities for anyone to operate or engage in gambling opportunities that are available legally and operated responsibly.
They strive to develop strategies that will:
- Improve the understanding of the social impact of gambling
- Promote a responsible approach to gambling
- Address the needs of those adversely affected by a gambling dependency
Gambling advice and counseling
GamCare offers a variety of options and counseling services for those who are being affected by problem gambling. Individuals can receive advice, support or information, their National Helpline, WhatsApp, counseling service, or email service.
National Telephone Helpline – 0808 802 0133 (UK only – Available 24/7)
This is a completely confidential service, open to anyone experiencing gambling issues. It’s also open to any relative, friend, employer, etc., who wants information, support or counseling over the phone.
You can get more information and online resources by visitig their website here:
They even have a live web based chat service here you can use :