Play for fun, not to make money.

If you gamble, the result is never certain and losing is always a possibility. So look at gambling as entertainment, like having a nice dinner out or going to a movie, not as a source of income.

Know how the games work and what the odds are before playing.

The more you know about the games, the better equipped you are to make informed decisions while you play. Learn more about how gambling works.

Set a budget and stick to it.

Keeping it fun means playing within your means. When you set and stick to a budget, you spend only money you can afford to lose, not next month’s car payment or rent.

Set a time limit before you play.

When you make a plan for how much time you can afford to spend gambling (and stick to it), you are more likely to stay within your set budget and not overspend.

Take frequent breaks.

Every once in a while, it’s a good idea to walk away from the game you’re playing. Taking a break helps you to make smarter decisions, so gambling stays what it should be – a fun activity.

Don’t chase losses. Accept them as the cost of entertainment.

Ever wonder if you can win back losses by continuing to play? It's possible, but not likely. Chances are the more you play, the more money you'll lose. "Chasing losses" almost always leads to bigger losses.

Balance gambling with other types of leisure activities.

Finding other types of entertainment to enjoy will help make sure that gambling doesn't become your primary activity or too big a part of your life.