The blurred links between gambling and gaming
Gambling can take many forms, everything from buying a raffle ticket or a scratchcard to multiple sophisticated bets on major sports events.
They all share the same characteristic – that you risk money because there’s the chance you might win more.
Like many things in life, it’s fine if you do it in moderation and under control. But it can very easily become addictive.
Remember gambling companies are businesses like any other - that means they exist to make money. When you think about it, that’s why most punters end up losing money.
It can be very easy to start gambling
Many popular games get players used to the concept of collecting jewels or coins from a very young age. Others simulate real casinos, with the only difference being you’re not playing for real money.
And as you get older…
The lottery
Once you're 16, you can call into any corner shop and buy a lottery ticket or a scratchcard. They’re not expensive either, with scratchcards still being sold for as little as £1.
It's a bit of fun, but remember in the UK the odds of winning the top prize on even these least expensive scratchcards are only 1 in 10,000.
Sports betting
You can bet with licensed bookmakers when you turn 18. The major ones are often prominent sponsors at major sports events and are on every high street.
Online, they want you to keep gambling so they'll offer you incentives like free bets. Even when you win money, it stays as a credit in your account because they want you to spend it on another bet!
Online poker
Online poker comes in many forms. Not only are there sophisticated players out there that could outfox you, there are also hackers that specifically target players' online accounts.
Online bingo
Unlike poker, bingo is purely a game of chance that can be enjoyable when played in moderation, and can even keep your senses sharp as you search for your numbers. But it can be easy to find yourself getting carried away.
The warning signs
As the gambling industry itself says, 'When the fun stops, stop'.
If you think that your own behaviour has changed as a result of gaming or gambling, or you’re worried about a friend or family member, ask yourself:
- Are this person's friendships or relationships being affected?
- How much time are they spending gaming or gambling? Is it too much?
- Has there been an impact on their school, college or uni work or is their performance in work being affected?
- Is this person borrowing or even stealing money, or have they sold things to raise funds?
- Do they feel or seem anxious or irritable when they can’t game or gamble?
- If the honest answer to any of these is yes, the person affected may want to take a break or speak to someone to get help. Do they feel anxious or irritable when they can’t game or gamble?
If the honest answer to any of these is yes, the person affected may want to take a break or speak to someone to get help.
How to stay safe
If you choose to gamble or game:
- set limits on what you spend
- know what you can afford
- have other hobbies to keep you busy
- set a time limit on gaming or gambling
- understand the game and your actual probability of succeeding.
Remember you can play most games without needing to reach for your wallet.
Where to get help
Your Danske card comes with a gambling block that stops it being used at licensed gambling outlets. If you want to gamble, you can ask us to remove this block or apply a gambling limit. These take 72 hours to lift.
GamCare 
offer free information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling.
Dunlewey Addiction Services offers experienced, professional and confidential assistance for anyone aged 18 and over impacted by gambling in Northern Ireland.
Gamban is an online gambling blocking app which blocks over 55,000 gambling websites and apps.
GAMSTOP helps you control your online gambling with any licensed UK merchant for a period of your choice.
Phone the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 if you or someone you know needs help.
