Tips for employees on gambling responsibility ahead of the Euros

With the Euros just around the corner, we’ve asked health experts at Delamere to share their top tips to help you and your team members gamble safely and take precautions against the risks associated with online betting.

Gambling is a popular source of entertainment around the world, but it can also become an issue for many adults because of its addictive nature. It is estimated that around 350,000 people experience gambling addiction in the UK alone.

With this in mind, we’ve asked a team of specialist health experts from Delamere Health Cheshire to share several tips, which, if followed, will help players to gamble safely and minimize the risk of becoming addicted. Pass these on to your team ahead of any planned activities around the Euros.

1. When the fun stops you stop

Gambling should be a fun form of entertainment for users, much like going to a football match or for a game of golf. The purpose is to provide you with a short period of entertainment, but when the fun stops and it becomes more of a compulsion, stop.

When and if gambling becomes your only source of entertainment, it can quickly take the fun out of it, and that’s when addictive behaviour creeps in. Introduce other activities into your day to keep your time and mind occupied. This could be a board game or video game, heading out on a walk, watching a movie or sitting down with your friends and family for a meal.

2. Set limits on time and money

It can become hard to keep track of money and time when gambling online. That’s why it’s important to set a gambling budget and time limit in advance. Giving yourself a strict money limit for gambling is crucial to prevent yourself from overspending. If you stick to your budget, this will minimize the risk of addiction.

Time seems to run away when you’re gambling and you often lose track of how long you have been betting for. The best way to manage your time is by setting an alarm on your phone or clock. When it starts buzzing, it’s time to stop.

3. Avoid drinking while gambling

Gambling should be fun and exciting, best when you’re feeling positive and in control of your emotions. That’s why we don’t recommend betting when you have been drinking alcohol. When you’re under the influence of alcohol it becomes hard for you to think clearly and make good decisions.

This also applies when you’re feeling depressed or low. When you’re feeling upset, your decision making is heavily influenced and gambling requires you to remain focused and logical.

4. Take frequent breaks

Gambling can absorb individuals and can leave you feeling overwhelmed. We recommend taking breaks frequently to give yourself time to reboot and refresh your mind.

If you find yourself gambling for an extended period, switch the app off and head outside for a walk or find another activity to occupy your mind and clear your head.

5. Don’t break the bank

When your time and spending limit is up, don’t try to amplify your betting to recoup prior losses, or in better-recognised terms chase your losses. Sometimes you will win and sometimes you will lose, but it’s important to avoid excessive betting in the hope of making back lost money.

Only gamble with the money you have available. Don’t ask friends and family to borrow money and most importantly don’t pick up your credit card or head into your overdraft. To limit the possibility of addiction, only bet what you can afford to lose.