Tips for Responsible Gambling During the Christmas Season

Gambling can be a fun and festive activity at Christmas, whether it's a friendly card game with family or placing bets on sports. However, it’s essential to approach gambling responsibly to avoid financial or emotional stress during the holiday season as Christmas can also be a period of stress and a peak time for harmful gambling.

We explore the reasons behind the increase in gambling during the festive season, ways to find support for oneself or others, and strategies to promote responsible online gambling during Christmas.

Responsible gambling or gambling harm?

At Christmas there may be more opportunity for gambling with longer time off work and additional bank holidays. There's also a lot of pressure during this time to look after others, spend money on presents and have a good time.

Paydays tend to be irregular in December, with individuals often receiving their wages earlier, resulting in a longer period until the January payday to manage finances.

The pressure to purchase expensive gifts for others can also contribute to stress in December. Furthermore, loneliness should not be overlooked. For many, Christmas is a time of solitude, which can amplify the urge to gamble, and the holiday break provides additional time that may be used for gambling. For some, gambling serves as a way to pass the time and responsible gambling is a challenge.

Supporting yourself or others

🎅Set a Budget

• Decide on a limit: Allocate an amount of money that you’re comfortable losing without impacting your Christmas finances.

🎅Know your priorities

• Focus on sensitivities: Ensure that gambling doesn’t take priority over quality time with family, friends, or other holiday traditions.
• Allocate time: Limit the amount of time spent gambling and stick to your schedule to ensure responsible gambling.
• Set loss amounts: If you set a loss amount you can be blocked for a set time period when you reach it.
• Self-exclusion: This allows you to be excluded from the casino for a set period of time. When you’re considering your gambling over Christmas, think about which online casinos will help you to set such limits.

🎅Avoid chasing losses

• Accept losses: Remember that gambling is based on chance, and losses are a part of the game. Don’t try to win back lost money by gambling more.

🎅Be mindful of alcohol and emotions

• Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking can impair your judgment and lead to risky decisions.
• Avoid gambling when upset: Emotional gambling can lead to irrational behavior and poor choices.

🎅Play for fun, not profit

• View gambling as entertainment: Treat it as a way to enjoy yourself rather than a means to make money.
• Share the fun: Engage in games that include everyone and foster a sense of community.

🎅Be informed

• Know the odds: Understand the rules of the games you’re playing and the odds involved.
• Choose reputable venues: If gambling online or in casinos, use trusted and licensed operators.

🎅Know when to stop

• Recognise warning signs: If gambling starts to feel like a problem, step away and take a break.
• Seek support: If you or someone you know struggles with gambling, consider reaching out to organisations like Gamblers Anonymous for help.

By sticking to these guidelines, you can enjoy the excitement of gambling and practice responsible gambling during the festive season without letting it overshadow the joy and spirit of Christmas.

GamCare and other support

GamCare provides a variety of support options for gambling. Their helpline advisers are accessible for one-to-one conversations via phone or live chat 24/7, every day of the year, including Christmas Day and the festive season, at 0808 8020 133.

They also offer WhatsApp services, allowing you to reach out to them without needing to talk on the phone, which can be especially convenient when you're with family or friends.

Additionally, the National Gambling Support Network offers free one-to-one support sessions, allowing you to meet with a professional in your area weekly.

Furthermore, consider these additional support options to promote responsible gambling:

GamFam

NHS

GamCare

GambleAware

GamAnon

GamStop

Engaging in online slots or a game of bingo can be fine during the holidays, provided that you practice responsible gambling and have measures in place to ensure your safety.

For further information about responsible gambling you can read our guides or call GamCare on 0808 8020 133.