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Responsible Gambling Versus Problem Gambling

Four out of five Americans gamble at least once every year, but not everyone develops a gambling problem. Here are just a few ways to tell the difference between a responsible gambler and a problem gambler.

A Responsible Gambler:A Problem Gambler:
Gambles for entertainmentGambles as a way to make money
Balances gambling with other activitiesIs preoccupied with gambling to the exclusion of all other activities
Gambles with family and friendsGambles alone
Accepts losses as a part of the experienceChases losses with more gambling
Gambles only with discretionary incomeGambles with money set aside for everyday expenses
Never borrows money for gamblingBorrows money from friends, family, and cash machines for gambling
Sets a budget and a time limit for gambling and sticks to itSets no budget or time limit

Minnesota Department of Human Services. (Updated 2012, October 26). Responsible gambling versus problem gambling. Retrieved April 28, 2015, from http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/

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