Gambling may begin innocently. Not more than a couple of bucks here and there, a way to kill time, or a little excitement. However, it may not always remain the same. Before long, you may find yourself overspending, feeling stressed over losses, or being unable to quit. And this is where boundaries are helpful.

Many people assume that having betting boundaries ruins the fun of it. However, it is a way of safeguarding yourself against going the wrong direction that might result in actual complications. Here is how to set healthy boundaries when betting.

Decide early what you can afford to lose

It is more difficult to think coherently when you are in the thick of gambling. This is why it is beneficial to make predetermined final restrictions, such as how much money you can afford to lose and how much of your time you can afford to invest.

Be truthful with yourself. When you start dipping into money intended to pay bills, save money, or even just get you through the day, that is not additional spending. It indicates that something is amiss. When gambling, limit the time frame and leave after exhausting your limits.

Never place wagers on a bad day

Boredom, stress, and stuff that you do not want to think about are easy reasons to indulge in betting. But such are the times in which you lose control most easily.

Ask yourself, ‘’What is making me place the bet at this time?’’ When the answer is to feel better, then it is a good time to back up, not continue.

Do not chase losses

Trying to win back money that you have already lost is one of the reasons why people get in trouble with gambling. Such thinking is what perpetuates the spiral.

Develop a specific set of rules: when you reach a certain point, you quit. And never try to convince yourself to bend that rule even once. Otherwise, that is how your losses will accumulate quickly.

Tell someone you trust about your boundaries

It is harder to back out on something when somebody is aware of it. Putting your boundaries into words, whether it is to a friend, partner, or even to yourself, makes it real.

And if you think somebody might judge you as well, then that might indicate that you have much more to hide than you intend to. When you talk about it, it does not necessarily indicate that something is wrong. But when it is, it is better not to face it alone.

When the limits fail, seek help

When you continue to lay boundaries and you still find yourself going beyond them, then you have a betting addiction. It is time that you seek professional help. Some established facilities offer science-driven gambling addiction treatment. It helps you understand your betting habits and urges. This way, you can develop proven strategies to overcome them in the long run.

The takeaway

Setting boundaries is one of the best ways to keep betting under control. However, when you find yourself in the same old cycle, that is not something that you need to figure out on your own. Help is out there, and one step could make all the difference.

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