Trackside Tips firmly believe that gambling should be an entertaining and enjoyable part of the overall sports experience. They are committed to promoting responsible gambling and minimizing the potential harm associated with it.

Here are some top tips from GambleAware® to help you gamble more safely:

1. Don’t view gambling as a way to make money.
2. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
3. Set a money limit in advance.
4. Set a time limit in advance.
5. Avoid chasing your losses.
6. Don’t gamble when you’re feeling depressed or upset.
7. Balance gambling with other activities.
8. Take regular breaks.
9. Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs while gambling.

Additionally, many bookmakers offer tools designed to assist punters in maintaining control and preventing gambling-related harm:

• Deposit Limits: These allow you to cap the amount you can deposit over a specific time period. Any increases to your deposit limits take 24 hours to apply, providing an extra layer of security against impulsive gambling.
• Reality Checks: Set up alerts after a predefined time period to track how long you’ve been logged in to your account. This helps you stay aware of your gambling duration.
• Account History: View your betting history, including deposits and withdrawals, to monitor your betting activity over time.
• Cool-off Period: Block access to your account for a specified duration (usually between 1 to 30 days).
• Self-Exclusion: Take a longer break from gambling, such as six months or more. All gambling operators are legally required to offer self-exclusion options.

We strongly recommend that all punters, regardless of whether they have a gambling issue, proactively utilize the first three tools to maintain enjoyable and responsible gambling practices.

Recognizing the boundary between responsible gambling and problematic behavior can be challenging. How do you know when that line has been crossed? Below are signs to watch out for, which may indicate that a person has a gambling problem. If you’re uncertain about whether your gambling is problematic, consider taking the quiz on the GambleAware website for further insights.

1. Spending more money and time on gambling than you can afford.
2. Finding it difficult to manage or stop your gambling.
3. Engaging in arguments with family or friends about money and gambling.
4. Losing interest in usual activities or hobbies, such as spending time with loved ones or going out with friends.
5. Constantly thinking or talking about gambling.
6. Being dishonest about your gambling or hiding it from others.
7. Chasing losses or gambling to escape financial difficulties.
8. Continuing to gamble until all your money is depleted.
9. Borrowing money, selling possessions, or neglecting bills to fund gambling.
10. Needing to wager larger amounts or for longer durations to experience the same excitement.
11. Neglecting work, school, personal needs, or household responsibilities due to gambling.
12. Feeling anxious, worried, guilty, depressed, or irritable.

Seeking Help: If you find yourself breaking any of these rules, it’s crucial to seek assistance. Start by contacting the following organizations:

• Gamcare (Great Britain): You can reach them online or by phone at 0808 8020 133.
• Dunlewey (Ireland): Contact them by phone at 08000 886 725 (NI) or 1800 936 725 (ROI).