Responsible gambling tips for students

Almost everyone enjoys gambling at some point in their lives, whether it’s a once a year ‘flutter’ on the Grand National, Epsom Derby, or the University Boat Race, or on something more regular, such as bingo, poker or online slots. For the vast majority, gambling is an enjoyable and entirely harmless hobby.

New technology

Thanks to smartphone and tablet apps, it has never been easier to gamble; you might spend a few minutes trying your luck on online slots between lectures, or a couple of hours in the evening playing poker, or betting which of your favourite team’s players will score first in the weekend’s football games. Whatever type of gaming you prefer, there is sure to be a gambling website to meet your individual tastes. Every day it seems a new game is launched online featuring ever more exciting graphics and sound effects. What’s more, competition is so fierce the betting sites UK companies operate are constantly vying for your business by offering a whole raft of special deals and introductory bonuses.

Managing your hobby

Confronted by all this choice, it is inevitable you may be tempted to risk more than you can afford and spend time gambling when you should be studying. Fortunately, there are some simple tips you can employ to ensure your hobby remains just that without spoiling the excitement and thrills it generates.

As a student, the amount of money you have available is likely to be tight, but this doesn’t mean you can’t have fun; it’s just a case of betting responsibly. Here are just a few suggestions for you to think about: 

• Quickly calculate how much money you can actually afford to spend/lose each week on gambling. Be honest with yourself. Once you have a figure, never be tempted to bet more.

• When playing your favourite games, calculate how much it costs per hour. This will vary, depending on whether you are on a winning or losing streak, so try to average it out over a few days. The result will give you a good idea of how long you can play and remain within budget.

• As a rule of thumb, when you get lucky, only gamble with 50% of your winnings. If you hit a losing streak, stop when it has gone. That way, you will always make a profit.

• Never see gambling as a way of making money. Treat it as a fun hobby, and a great form of entertainment, rather than as a way to resolve your financial problems.

• Before starting a game, check what the odds are, and your chances of winning.

• If you’re losing heavily, don’t be tempted to ask for loans from friends and family.

• Gambling online can be so much fun you lose track of time. Limit yourself to a set number of hours each day, and be sure to make time for socialising with friends.

Gambling is an incredibly exciting form of entertainment that is so accessible it can be enjoyed 24/7, no matter where you are. As a result, it may be easy to spend more on gaming than you would on socialising, taking in a movie, or attending a sporting event. Set aside a specific amount each week and you’ll be just fine.

Tags: responsible entertainment

Category: Entertainment