Online roulette can be addictive. This in itself is not necessarily a problem but general is. Answer the questions below as honestly as possible

  • Does gambling prevent you from attending work or college?
  • Do you gamble to pass time or to escape boredom?
  • Do you gamble alone for long periods of time?
  • Have others ever criticised you for your gambling?
  • Have you lost interest in family, friends or hobbies due to gambling?
  • Have you ever lied to cover up the amount of money or time you spend gambling?
  • Have you lied, stolen or borrowed in order to maintain betting habits?
  • Are you reluctant to spend ‘gambling money’ on anything else?
  • Do you gamble until you lose all your money?
  • After losing, do you feel that you have to try and win back the losses as soon as possible?
  • If you run out of money when gambling, do you feel lost and in despair and feel the need to gamble again as soon as possible?
  • Do arguments, frustrations or disappointments make you want to gamble?
  • Does gambling make you depressed or even suicidal?

Answering ‘yes’ to a few of these questions could indicate you have a problem. If you answer to more than half, you do have a gambling problem and should seek help.

These general rules will put you in good stead.

  • Try establishing limits to what you are willing to lose before you start playing.
  • Think about the amount of time you are going to spend gambling, do not go over it. Remember, the longer you play, the more likely you are to lose.
  • Don’t gamble if it interferes with your daily responsibilities.
  • Don’t gamble if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Don’t chase your losses. It can work work but eventually it will end in tears.

See our advice on keeping records, blocking gambling sites and self exclusion.

Also contact GamCare to get more help.