Tips for Online Gamblers-Wagering for Entertainment

For Non-Compulsive Gamblers--How to Set Reasonable Limits

Pearl Grace
Is there such a thing as safe online gambling? Experts believe gamblers should set up a plan for online gambling to keep it at a controllable, healthy level. According to the New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling and some common sense, here's how:

1-Decide how much money you are willing to lose during the online betting episode. Let's say you decided on $100.

2-Establish a time limit. Allow yourself 2 hours to gamble with your $100.

3-Before you start the online gambling episode, list games you would like to play. Allot an amount to spend on each game.

4-Pace yourself. Spread your spending over the total amount of time you chose to gamble online. Using the example, don't spend more than $25 per 30 minutes on online betting.

5-If you get tired while wagering, stop. Sometimes when one is tired, he rushes through what he is doing. During online gambling, getting in a hurry could devastate your bank account. Make it a rule to cease online gambling as soon as you feel fatigued.

6-Consciously decide that when: a-money is gone before the time limit has lapsed, or b-the time limit is up, you will stop the online wagering. This is the most important tip of all. Vow to respect the limits you set.

7-If you find you are unable to stick to your established limits, you may have a gambling problem. If so, check this link for assistance in your state.

Debt and Online Wagering

Frankly, if you are in debt, online gambling might not be a healthy activity for you to have on your list of hobbies. It doesn't make sense to frivolously spend money betting/wagering if you have unpaid bills. It is wise to consider online gambling only if you are in excellent shape financially. Then, set and respect your own limits.

Online Gambling For Fun

Online gambling should be a fun, enjoyable activity. Regard online betting as you do other entertainment. When you go to the movies, you usually have a good idea how much money you are going to spend.

So, if you plan on having an online wagering session, establish an amount of money you are willing to give up. Don't plan on winning. Consider online gambling similar to seeing a movie-it's entertainment. You pay for the entertainment and enjoy it. The money is spent, then, it's over.

Sources

Chaney, Rita (pen name-Pearl Grace). November 27, 2007. How to Recognize and Help Someone With an Online Gambling Problem. Helium website (Original version of this article).

New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling website.

Published by Pearl Grace - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness

My writing career began in graduate school. I completed a thesis for my masters' in Clinical Psychology. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with individuals, children and families. I am publish...  View profile

  • For many, gambling is an entertaining, enjoyable activity.
  • Before starting an online gambling session, decide how much you want to spend.
  • If you get tired while engaging in online gambling, stop.
Even though it isn't legal in the U.S. to gamble online, one can still make wagers on sports, play the lottery, and gamble in casinos (New Jersey Council on Compulsive Gambling website).

4 Comments

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  • Linda M. McCloud4/27/2010

    Thanks for the tips.

  • TRESA PATTERSON4/25/2010

    not into this myself, but good info for those out there who are...

  • Pauline Dolinski4/24/2010

    I enjoy gambling sometimes in Vegas or somewhere fun, but haven't seen the fun in doing it by myself at the computer.

  • Lois Lunsford4/24/2010

    I've never done this, but know people who do. They say it's just to pass the time, but a whole day is a waste of time.

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