Be Smart Bet Smart

For many people betting on the horses is exciting and entertaining. They make thoughtful decisions about spending time and money. Here’s how to wager responsibly:

  • Balance playing the horses with other leisure activities.
  • Play the horses for entertainment. Not as a way to make money.
  • Do not “chase” losses. Accept them as the cost of entertainment
  • Use extra income, not money needed for everyday expenses.
  • Set a time limit.

Responsible betting is probably what most people do on a daily basis. However, for some people, wagering or gambling becomes a serious problem, which they are unable to control. This lack of control leads to a state of compulsive or pathological gambling. Pathological gamblers cannot resist the temptation to gamble; they cannot stop regardless of their jobs, families or anything else.

How can you tell if you or someone you know has a gambling problem? Gambling becomes a problem when a person:

  • Loses time from work, school or family life in order to gamble
  • Gambles until all the money is gone
  • Gambles to win back money lost through gambling
  • Lies to hide gambling activity
  • Boasts about winnings, vague about losing
  • Fails time after time to reduce or stop gambling

Help is available 24 hours a day. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

National Council on Problem Gambling