What Is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling means keeping gambling within limits that do not interfere with essential spending, relationships, work, study, sleep or everyday responsibilities.
A practical approach is to decide your limits before playing rather than making decisions after a win or loss.
Useful limits include a spending limit, time limit, frequency limit and predetermined stopping point.
Set a Gambling Budget
Decide how much you are comfortable spending before you begin. The budget should come from money that is not needed for rent, food, utilities, transport, loans, family expenses, education, medical costs or emergency savings.
Once the predetermined budget is used, stop rather than adding more money to continue playing.
Set a Time Limit
Before playing, decide when you will start, how long you will play and when you will stop. Take regular breaks and consider using an alarm or reminder.
Never Chase Losses
A loss does not create an obligation to win the money back. Increasing stakes or continuing to play specifically to recover losses can lead to longer sessions and larger losses. If you notice this pattern, stop and take a break.
Do Not Gamble With Essential Money
Never put gambling ahead of rent, bills, food, education, medical expenses, debt repayments, household expenses or emergency savings.
Take Regular Breaks
Step away from the game, put the device down, exercise, eat, drink water or speak with someone. Breaks are especially useful after a significant win or loss.
Recognise Warning Signs
Possible warning signs include:
- Spending more than planned
- Gambling longer than intended
- Repeatedly trying to recover losses
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Hiding gambling activity
- Feeling anxious or upset about gambling
- Missing work, study or family commitments
- Increasing spending to achieve the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying to stop but returning
- Gambling mainly to escape stress or difficult emotions
Ask Yourself These Questions
- Do I spend more than planned?
- Have I tried to win back money after losing?
- Have I borrowed money or used money intended for other expenses?
- Do I hide how much I gamble?
- Has gambling affected my relationships?
- Has gambling affected work or study?
- Do I feel stressed when I cannot gamble?
- Have I tried to reduce or stop?
- Do I repeatedly return after deciding to stop?
- Do I gamble mainly to escape problems or difficult emotions?
If several answers concern you, consider talking with someone you trust or a professional support organisation.
What To Do If Gambling Is Becoming Difficult To Control
Take a Break
Stop gambling for a period and create distance from gambling-related apps, websites and notifications.
Tell Someone You Trust
Speaking with a partner, family member or close friend can provide support and accountability.
Review Your Finances
Identify gambling-related spending and separate essential expenses from discretionary spending.
Seek Professional Support
A counsellor or mental health professional can help you understand patterns and develop strategies for change.
Use Peer Support
Gamblers Anonymous provides meetings and peer support for people who want to stop gambling.
Talian HEAL 15555
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health operates Talian HEAL 15555 for mental health crisis support.
Phone:
15555
Check the official source for current operating details.
Befrienders Kuala Lumpur
Befrienders KL provides emotional support by telephone.
24-hour emotional support:
+603-7627 2929
MENTARI Malaysia
MENTARI is a Ministry of Health Malaysia community mental health initiative.
MENTARI Klang
MENTARI Klang
Kompleks Kesihatan Anika
Jalan Tengku Kelana 2
41000 Klang, Selangor
Email:
mentariklang2020@gmail.com
For the current telephone number, use the official MENTARI contact page above.
MENTARI Selayang
MENTARI Selayang (HQ)
Selayang Capitol Complex, Lebuhraya Selayang-Kepong
Phone:
+603-6127 0946
For the full address, use the official MENTARI contact page above.
Gambling Therapy
Gambling Therapy provides online support and resources for people affected by gambling problems, including text-based live support.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous provides meetings and peer support for people who want to stop gambling.
If You Need Immediate Help
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. In Malaysia, you can call 999.
For emotional support in Malaysia, you can contact Talian HEAL 15555, Befrienders KL, MENTARI Malaysia, Gambling Therapy or Gamblers Anonymous.
Responsible Gambling FAQs
What is responsible gambling?
Keeping gambling within personal financial and time limits and ensuring it does not interfere with essential responsibilities or wellbeing.
How can I control gambling spending?
Set a fixed budget before playing and never use money needed for essential expenses.
What should I do after a gambling loss?
Do not immediately increase stakes to recover the loss. Stop, take a break and review your original limit.
Where can I get help with gambling problems in Malaysia?
Consider Talian HEAL 15555, Befrienders KL, MENTARI Malaysia, Gambling Therapy or Gamblers Anonymous.
Is it a problem if I cannot stop gambling?
Repeated difficulty stopping, increasing spending or continuing despite negative consequences can be warning signs. Consider professional support.
Can I talk to someone confidentially?
Several support organisations provide confidential support. Check each organisation's current official information.