All gambling carries a risk of harm.  However, some behaviour patterns are lower risk than others.

If someone decides to gamble you can suggest they reduce their risk in the following ways: 

1

Set time and spending limits and stick to them

2

Consider any losses the cost of playing

3

Never try to win back lost money

4

Do not gamble if you are feeling angry, upset or lonely

5

Make it a rule not to gamble with credit

6

Know the warning signs of gambling harms

7

Learn more about how the gambling industry works

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Avoid regularly gambling on more than 2 types of products

These tips might not be appropriate if the person is already experiencing harm.  If someone is finding it difficult to stick to these then they could consider reaching out for support. 

This information is downloadable or printable from the Harm Reduction handout here. 

High risk gambling is not always linked to criminality or high money stakes. High risk gambling harm is relative to each person. What is not much money for one person could be a weeks spend for another. When thinking about the people you support consider what that spend means to them.

For more information on how to support someone experiencing gambling harm, please refer to The Homelessness and Gambling Harm Toolkit.