How to spot the signs early

But with any risk-taking activity, the fact you can lose is also part of the game. Problems can occur when winning or losing leads to losing control. The temptation to keep chasing a win when you’re on a losing streak – or to spend all your winnings on more bets – can be strong. For some, gambling can even take over their lives and damage relationships and careers. When things get to that stage, the fun stops, and it’s time to get help.

There are plenty of signs that gambling might be an issue for you. Start by asking yourself the following questions honestly.

• Have you ever jeopardised a relationship or job by gambling?
• Do you use gambling as a way of escaping problems?
• Do you find yourself thinking about previous gambling experiences?
• Have you ever lied about winning?
• Do you hide your gambling from others?
• Do you feel despair when you run out of money to gamble with?
• Have you ever gambled all your money, leaving nothing for food or the journey home?
• Have you lied, stolen or borrowed money specifically to gamble?
• Do you chase gambling losses or keep gambling when on a losing streak?
• Do you avoid spending money on normal things?
• Has gambling got you into debt?

The help you need is here.

At Victoria Gate Casino we want every customer to enjoy our unique gaming and entertainment experience. But if gambling is having a negative impact on your life, we can help.

You can always talk in confidence to the casino team. They’re well-trained and familiar with what you’re feeling, and can support you in ‘self-excluding’ yourself from the casino while you get further help.

We closely follow the Licence Conditions and Code of Practice (LCCP). As part of our commitment to this, if you wish to self-exclude, we make it possible to do so without having to visit us. You must register yourself to SENSE – the Self-Enrolment National Self-Exclusion tool – as we can’t accept applications from anyone on your behalf. You can do this by emailing us at selfexclusion@victoriagatecasino.co.uk, by calling us on 0113 4688049 or by writing to us.

Other things you can do include talking to a friend or family member you trust, and even getting them to take care of your money for you, to remove the temptation to gamble.

Then there are the following charities, which are available 24/7 to offer you the advice and support you need.

GamCare Helpline: 0808 8020133 GamCare provide information, advice and counselling to individuals, their families and friends who have concerns about problem gambling: www.gamcare.org.uk

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) – For regional contact numbers please check their website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk

A self-help group of men and women who meet weekly across the country to share their experiences to help solve their common problem, and help others do the same. There’s also a sister organisation, Gam Anon (GA), who support the partners and families of compulsive gamblers: 0845 6000 133.