Wager Responsibly
Be Smart, Playing the Horses - Wager Responsibly
For many people, playing the horses is exciting and entertaining. They make thoughtful decisions about spending time and money.
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Here are some tips to follow in order to wager responsibly:
- Do not "chase" losses. Accept them as the cost of entertainment.
- Use extra income to wager, not money needed for everyday expenses.
- Set a time limit.
- Balance playing the horses with other leisure activities.
- Play the horses for entertainment, not as a way to make money.
Responsible wagering is what most people practice on a daily basis. For some, however, wagering or gambling becomes a serious problem that they are unable to control. This can lead 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 playing the horses?
- Have you often gambled longer than you had planned?
- Have you often gambled until your last dollar was gone?
- Have thoughts of gambling caused you to lose sleep?
- Have you used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?
- Have you made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling?
- Have you broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance your gambling?
- Have you borrowed money to finance your gambling?
- Have you felt depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses?
- Have you been remorseful after gambling?
- Have you gambled to get money to meet your financial obligations?
If you or someone you know answered yes to any of these questions and needs help for a gambling problem, call today.
1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) Help is available 24 hours a day....every day.
New York residents:
Click here for New York State’s voluntary self- exclusion program.
Iowa residents:
Click here for the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s Self-Exclusion Program
Click here for the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion Enrollment Form
Click one of the following links or call 1-800-BETS OFF for the Iowa Department of Public Health Gambling Treatment Program
Find Help Near You https://yourlifeiowa.org/facility-locator
Treatment and Recovery Support Services https://idph.iowa.gov/igtp/treatment