How do I minimize the risk of the negative consequences of gambling?

Prevention is better than a cure. This also applies to the problems you may experience from gambling. The best advice is to take action while you still have control over your gambling behavior. By taking preventive action, such as setting (money) limits. Taking preventive action is like wearing a seatbelt: you know you probably won't need it, but it can save your life in the unlikely event that you do.

When gambling problems get worse it can be difficult to stop. In fact, if your gambling problems escalate, more gambling can sometimes seem like the only way out. For example, if you get into financial trouble because of gambling, the only solution you may see is to win back the money you lost by gambling. Unfortunately, this only makes the situation get more out of hand.

Setting limits

All legal providers in the Netherlands have different ways of setting limits. Usually there is the possibility to set deposit limits on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. You can also set limits on how much time you spend and how much money you can wager at a time. Setting a limit is good for everyone, and is the same as making a monthly budget. A budget makes it easy to keep track and helps you stick to the decisions you've made regarding your gambling, even if you do accidentally slip up once in a while. If you gamble at several providers, you will have to put a little more work into setting the limits. Set lower limits on all websites or keep track of your spending by using a programe.

Set a budget

How much money you spend on gambling to actually create problems varies from person to person. A good strategy is to set a budget. How much money do you want to spend on gambling? The best way to determine this budget is to compare your income and expenses. Of what you have left in income after expenses, you can use part of it to gamble. Do you need help setting a budget? Click here to go to the site of Nibud, which can help you. Keep a critical eye on your budget, something may change in your life and you will have to adjust the budget.

Take a break

Do you find it difficult to stick to the limits? Maybe it is better to take a break. One way to do this is to enroll in CRUKS. If you are registered there, you cannot join any legal Dutch provider. A registration with CRUKS is for a minimum of six months. You can test yourself to see how your gambling behavior really is and how much risk you take.

Gambling should never get you into trouble. Do you notice any problems? Contact Loket kansspel. Loket kansspel is available day and night to help you look at your gambling behavior and how you can reduce the risk of addiction.The decision to protect yourself from the risks of gambling can prevent worse problems.

Freely translated from: Mindway AL ApS. (2022). How do I limit my risk of experiencing negative consequences due to gambling?. https://mindway.ai/. (PDF)