Bingosupermarket recognises that gambling can casue problems and has provided information and advice to assist. Some of us enjoy risk taking, and seek it out. That is quite normal. Gambling offers a particular style of risk taking that is exciting and should be fun. For most of us who enjoy gambling at bingo, the risks are part of the entertainment experience. We can control them and usually know when we should stop.

For some of us the temptation to push our luck or re-experience the elation of an early win can be compelling and sometimes irresistible. You may feel that each time you win you have to spend your winnings on more gambling, and if you lose you may feel forced, even desperate to continue, believing that a 'big win' is just around the corner. Once you begin to gamble in this intense way you may become absorbed in the activity of gambling without considering its consequences. This is why, for some people who lose control, gambling can be a habit forming.

Losing control of your gambling means that it takes over your life and dominates your thoughts. You cannot stop until you have run out of money, your gambling effects your relationships, causes you to lose friends and even perhaps your job, as well as putting your home and your possessions at risk.

Some people find it impossible ever to gamble without losing control, whilst other, with help and advice, can return to controlled, and enjoyable gambling. If you feel you are in danger of losing or have lost control of your gambling ask yourself the following questions.

Do You Have A Gambling Problem?

1. Have you put at risk significant relationships, educational studies, a job or your career becasuse of gambling?
2. Do you chase losses by continuing or quickly returning to gamble when on a losing streak?
3. When you do win do you have a strong desire to return and win more?
4. Do you ever gamble until you have completely run out of money?
5. Have you lied, stolen or borrowed to get money for gambling?
6. Are you reluctant to spend gambling money on anything else?
7. Do you gamble for longer than you had planned?
8. Do you ever gamble to escape worry, trouble, disappointment or frustration?
9. Do you feel depressed or suicidal because of gambling?
10. Are you in debt because of gambling?
11. Have you ever sold your own or your family's possessions to get money to gamble or to pay gambling debts?

If you have answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may have a problem. Help is at hand.

Talk About It

• Firstly, take responsiblity for yourself, don't run away from your problem. That never solves anything.
• Be honest, firstly with yourself and then with others.
• Talk about it with someone you trust; your family friend, a counsellor or call the GamCare Helpline.
• Talk to the manager at your local bingo club. Their experience in the industry gives them an awareness of the issues involved. Bingo clubs and online bingo sites can also do things to help you:

1. Organise for a period of self-suspension. This will be confirmed to you in writing and can be reviewed.
2. Allow you to play only with cash or limit the amount of money that can be withdrawn / deposited using cheque / cards.
3. Accept your resignation from the club or online site and prevent you from gambling in the future.

Practical Steps

• Stop all gambling while breaking the habit.
• Look for patterns in your behaviour: Do you gamble when you are bored, stressed or under a lot of pressure?
• Use a calender and mark each day you do not gamble, so you can see the progress you make.
• Ask someone you trust to handle your money for an agreed amount of time (e.g. 3 months)
• Don't use your cash point cards
• Reward yourself after a period free from gambling by spending some of the money you have saved on yourself.
• Remember - take one day at a time.

Who Can Help?

GAMCARE HELPLINE

0845 6000 133

www.gamcare.org.uk

Provides informaiton, advice and counselling to individuals and their families and friends who have concerns about problem gambling.

GAM-ANON

www.gamanon.org.uk

Gam-Anon provides support to anyone affected by another persons gambling problem

GAMAID

www.gamaid.com

GamAid offers access to help where you live, live help with a qualified advisor, confidential email advice and access to forums to ask for help from others.

NATIONAL DEBTLINE

Tel: 0808 808 4000

www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Offers advice and support to enable callers to deal with their debts in a pro-active and infomred way. Self-help information packs are sent free to individuals with debt problems.

Details taken from 'Gambling Are You In Control' A self help guide published by Seldis Cooper.