Top tips for responsible gambling this spring

The longer daylight hours, the warmer weather, and a packed social calendar all mean one thing – spring is finally here, and there is so much to look forward to.

For some people, the spring races are one of those things. It means fun times with friends, getting dressed up, and having a flutter on the horses.

However, according to the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, gambling on horse racing accounts for the second highest source of problem gambling, especially with the rise of online betting.

Here are some tips to stay on top of your gambling this spring:

• Don’t put pressure on yourself to win – the races are a social event and betting on the horses is just for entertainment
• Plan how much time and money you want to spend – don’t try to win your money back
• Remember that the odds are constantly changing and they are not always in your favour
• If you find yourself spending too much time and money at the track, get involved in other social activities that don’t involve betting.

If you feel that your gambling habit, or that of a loved one, is becoming a problem, Latrobe Community Health Service can help. Phone us on 1800 242 696.