How to avoid problems and where to fix them

Question: How can you keep your gambling at a responsible level?

Asked by: Ideally, everyone that gambles on slot machines.

The Reel Story: Most experts agree that problem gambling is more connected to slot machines than any other type of gambling. However, slot machine gambling can be kept at a reasonably harmless and responsible level if some easy guidelines are kept.

• Know how the game works and what the odds are before you play.
• Use your pocket money to gamble with, not the budget for necessities.
• Set a budget and stick with this budget.
• Be aware that the risk of making poor decisions increase when you are not happy.
• Do not borrow money to play.
• Do not gamble to chase and win back losses.
• Don’t get caught up in the game, stick to these guidelines for breaks and time limits.

If you suspect you might be having problems, ask yourself these 20 questions provided by Gamblers Anonymous, which is one of the organizations that help problem gamblers.

Several organizations offer help in this way, and should you want to talk to someone we recommend that you first (Step 1) look up the names of several treatment centers in the phone book or online or get referrals from your physician or therapist.

Step 2 is to call each of the centers you find and schedule an appointment with them. Step 3 is to visit each center and decide where is best for you.

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