Take a Lower Risk approach to gambling 
If you choose to gamble, there are ways to reduce the risk of experiencing gambling-related harm. While no form of gambling is risk-free, setting limits and making informed decisions can help you keep gambling in balance.
Before You Gamble
Planning ahead can help you stay in control:
- Set a spending limit and stick to it.
- Decide how much time you will spend gambling before you start.
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Avoid using money intended for bills, rent, groceries, or other necessities.
- Leave bank cards and extra cash at home if possible.
While You Gamble
Keeping gambling as just one form of entertainment can help reduce risk:
- Take regular breaks.
- Avoid chasing losses by trying to win back money you have lost.
- Do not gamble when feeling stressed, upset, lonely, or while using alcohol or drugs.
- Balance gambling with other hobbies, activities, and social connections.
- Remember that gambling outcomes are based on chance and there is no guaranteed way to win.
Know the Signs
It may be time to take a closer look at your gambling if:
- You are spending more money or time gambling than planned.
- Gambling is causing stress in your relationships, finances, work, or school.
- You feel preoccupied with gambling.
- You are borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
- You find it difficult to stop or cut back.
The Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines
Gambling involves playing a game of chance for money. If you gamble, the new Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines developed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction show you how to lower the risks and harms associated with gambling. There are only three guidelines, but you should follow all three.
The Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines Scientific Working Group used the most current scientific evidence available when developing the Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines. They are for people of legal gambling age who want to make more informed choices about their gambling. Learn more
