Your guide to safer gambling: a conversation for everyone

Betting on football can provide entertainment, excitement and, for the lucky few, a modest profit.

But it also carries obvious downsides.

The noise surrounding problem gambling isn't always helpful, with some claiming the risks of betting are exaggerated while, at the other extreme, some insinuate that any sort of gambling is the start of a slippery slope to addiction.

The truth is that most people can dip in and out of gambling as easily as most people can have an occasional glass of wine without encountering problems. But just because the majority are not affected by addiction, that doesn't mean anyone is immune. And for those who do lose control, the consequences can be severe.

So, even if you feel completely in control, the conversation around safer gambling is one that every bettor needs to be involved in.

Problem gambling has lost the stigma

There is far less stigma and far more awareness around problem gambling than there was a decade ago.

Widespread understanding has seen a huge increase in the amount of assistance available and has helped people more easily recognise that they may have a problem to address.

Nor is it any longer the case that concerns might be dismissed or trivialised, so those in need of help can seek it without the fear of being ostracised or blamed.

It does, of course, still require a leap to ask family members, friends or professionals for help – it remains a big moment for many people.

But with the outside world far better educated about the subject, that giant leap need now feel little more than a small and sensible step.

Talking is great but there's an even easier solution

It’s often hard to identify your own situation – we are all very good at convincing ourselves that everything is okay and we’re in control.

But just because you’re telling yourself you're in control, it doesn’t mean that is the case.

Getting a second opinion is crucial. Speaking to those around you can be a help – ask if they have spotted a change in your mood when you gamble, if they think you gamble to often or focus too much on the subject. Simply chatting is a great way to keep yourself grounded and aware of any issues.

However, talking to someone you know can feel awkward, so taking an anonymous test such as Gamble Aware's Self-Assessment Tool is a great way of taking stock. This simple test helps you work out if you’re in control and provides loads of resources as to how you can get help from a range of different sources.

If you’re a regular gambler, it would be wise to make competing this quiz (or similar) a regular event – think of it as a regular health check just to make sure you’re doing okay.

Gambling assistance from the professionals

If you’ve identified that you might have a problem, you need to address it. There is so much help available and such open-mindedness towards the subject that it’s now a far less arduous road to take, but it is you who must make those first steps.

Often, we are tempted to ignore the smaller signs or put off seeking assistance until a later date. But waiting for things to get out of hand before confronting them only makes the route to recovery harder.

Sometimes we can feel that we’re making a fuss out of nothing, but those who deal with gambling addiction will always tell you that it’s always far better to check and be fine than not check and let a problem grow.

So make that step and contact one of the many institutions who are set up and waiting to assist you. The NHS National Gambling Clinic, Gamcar, Gamble Aware and responsible betting sites themselves are all good starting points in getting help.

There will be no judgement, only assistance.

Be selective with your bookies

It is no secret that the bookmakers want to beat you just as much as you want to beat them – that’s their business and that is what gambling is all about. But it should be a fair and respectful relationship.

Some companies are more responsible than others and it is important to bet with a company that treats customers properly, putting systems in place to make sure they don’t fall into dangerous habits.

My preferred bookie, Parimatch, has just that. Whoever you bet with, make sure they have safer gambling tools easily accessible; check for deposit limits, time restrictions and easily accessible profit and loss records. Ensure they make the withdrawal process straightforward and non-confrontational. And they should have plenty of their own safer gambling advice with links to outside assistance.

If your preferred company does not have all of these elements, then treat this a red flag – they are more interested in your money than your wellbeing.