Plan Before You Play
Planning ahead helps you stay in control and enjoy gambling in a safer, more structured way.
Gambling is random. Your plan shouldn’t be
Gambling outcomes are based on chance, which means you can’t predict or control results. However, you can control how much time, money, and energy you put into it. Having a clear plan before you play helps reduce impulsive decisions and keeps gambling within healthy limits.
Set clear limits before you start
- Decide how much money you are willing to spend and stick to it
- Set a time limit for how long you will play
- Accept that losses are part of the experience and plan accordingly
Keep your expectations realistic
- Understand that winning is not guaranteed
- Avoid believing in “winning streaks” or patterns
- Treat gambling as entertainment, not income
Separate emotions from decisions
- Don’t gamble when you are stressed or upset
- Avoid trying to win back losses emotionally
- Take breaks if you feel frustrated or overwhelmed
Don’t Let Random Get the Better of You. Make A Game Plan.
A simple game plan can help you stay in control and avoid common gambling pitfalls. It’s not about predicting outcomes—it’s about managing your behaviour.
Smart play starts with smart limits
- Decide your budget before you begin playing
- Use tools like deposit or loss limits when available
- Stop playing once you reach your limit, no exceptions
While playing in-venue or online
- Take regular breaks to stay aware of your spending and time
- Avoid increasing bets impulsively after wins or losses
- Stay focused on your plan, not emotions or excitement
Know the Signs
- Spending more money or time than you originally planned
- Feeling unable to stop once you start playing
- Chasing losses after a losing session
- Gambling feels stressful instead of fun
- Ignoring your limits or breaking your own rules repeatedly