Chasing losses

If you’ve lost several hands in a row, you might start to feel like the next play is sure to pay off, right? Wrong. Chasing losses is a vicious cycle that often leads to riskier bets, more and more plays, and dipping into money you don’t want to part with. You think if you can just get one big win, all the pressure will fade away. But it won’t—the chase usually leads to more losses.

Ignoring how much you play

Maybe you’re not truthful about how much you play, or you avoid telling new friends that you gamble, or conveniently don’t mention to your partner, friends or parents that you played last night. If any of these sound familiar, something’s off. Time for a reality check.

Using gambling to combat stress or as an escape

Maybe you’re feeling some kind of void or gnawing feeling, which gambling helps to wipe away. When you’re playing, you forget about other troubles, relationships, stress at work. But it’s temporary. After the game is done, the feelings come back. And it can be even worse if you’ve lost.

Anger, regret or anxiety around gambling

Feeling regret for making a bet or anxiety when heading to the casino or playing online is a major red flag. Emotions like these can lead you to override your game plan. And slight deviations from your plan can have big consequences, leading you to chase losses and feel even more regret, frustration and anger at yourself.

While it's easy to get caught up in the chase, the following tools and strategies can help.

While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game, or feel peer pressure to keep playing, there are several things that can help you regain control. Here are some key strategies you need to put into practice before you gamble again.

If you relate to some of the examples on this page, and you’re finding the strategies to take back control aren’t enough, it’s time to reach out. Start here:

• Speak with a GameSense Advisor by calling 1-866-815-0222 or using the live chat function on GameSense.com. GameSense Advisors can help you access any support you need. They are trained specialists who educate players about gambling, including strategies to make sure it stays fun, how to set time and budget limits, and how games work. Many players feel better equipped to make decisions about their gambling after connecting with a GameSense Advisor.
• Take our online self-assessment to find out how much of an impact gambling is having on your life.
  
• Call the Gambling Support BC Line at 1-888-795-6111. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with free information and resources to support informed choices and healthy behaviour related to gambling.

Resources for friends or family

If you think a close friend or family member is having trouble controlling their gambling, there are ways you can help. Visit our Resources for Families page to find out more.