Many of us enjoy a flutter, whether it is on a football match or other sport, on an online or traditional casino or other games such as bingo and poker. Most of us have experienced the extra spice and different dimension that is added to a game when there is some cash at stake and also the opportunity to win significantly more than you have wagered. It’s fun but like most good things gambling has to be enjoyed in moderation. What moderation is can be quite different and is not a black and white level. It depends both on your financial situation and also what you personally are willing to pay, and lose, to enjoy a game that involves gambling. The online world means that nowadays we are able to gamble on pretty much anything and from anywhere. Being able to gamble with the click of a button on your computer, laptop or mobile device means that individuals who have the propensity to overindulge have to take extra care to stay within reasonable limits they have set themselves. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that your gambling habits remain fun and do not slip over the line into compulsive or reckless behaviour.

Firstly be very clear that when you are gambling it is for fun and you do not view it as a way to make money. Companies offering gambling games are businesses and must make money so they will always take in more money than they pay out. To do so the odds must be in their favour so the chances are you will lose more than you will win unless you get very lucky and that is not something to bank on. Also, for winnings to be attractive plenty of other players have to lose their stake to pay the winners and provide a profit for the company running the game so statistically you will far more often be within the group of those who have lost their stake, rather than amongst the winners. Always consider your bet the equivalent of a ticket and as a cost for taking part. Start out with the default acceptance you will lose that money and when you do win that is great but when you lose, which will almost certainly be more often, you will still have fun.

Set aside the amount you are willing to spend and never exceed that. Betting more in an attempt to recuperate losses you are unwilling to take is the slippery slope towards compulsive and harmful gambling.

And finally, keep the balance and mix gambling with other leisure activities you enjoy. As with everything in life keeping things in perspective and in moderation is key to taking sustainable enjoyment from them.