Pickswise supports Responsible Gaming Education Month

As football season gets underway, it is important to also recognize that September is Responsible Gaming Education Month. Led by the American Gaming Association (AGA), this annual campaign aims to educate and empower bettors with the knowledge and tools needed to engage in responsible ways. 

Nowadays, many young people dive into sports betting without first taking the time to learn how to bet in a sustainable manner. Therefore, Responsible Gaming Education Month is an important time to highlight recommended approaches to sustainable play. If you bet, please take a moment to review the reminders below from our partner Birches Health.

Responsible Gaming tips and best practices

Set limits

Sportsbooks nowadays offer Responsible Gaming tools that allow users to set limits that help them bet responsibly. These can act as guardrails that ALL bettors should use to help keep their play in check. These include Deposit Limits, Bet Limits, Loss Limits and Time Limits (per day). 

Never chase losses

The most common at-risk behavior seen in gambling recovery clients at Birches Health is “chasing” losses, which involves betting more (additional bets and at times larger amounts) in an attempt to win back what was lost. You are never “due” for a win. Accept losses as the cost of entertainment and move on. 

Bet for entertainment, not profit

Betting and fantasy should be seen as forms of entertainment, not a reliable way to turn a profit long term. Sports betting in particular can help increase your engagement with a game by providing extra rooting interests, but your financial health should never be impacted by it. The outcome of your bets should not affect your ability to pay bills or afford basic life expenses. Only use extra discretionary funds that can be lost fully without any impact on your finances. 

Only bet with a clear mind

If you find yourself in a highly emotional state or are under the influence, you should not be betting. Your decision-making skills and risk-assessment abilities are critically important when making picks, so it’s paramount to only bet with a clear mind.

No such thing as a sure thing

No matter what some others may claim, there’s no such thing as a “lock” or “guarantee” when betting. In sports betting in particular, an incredibly high number of variables can impact outcomes, making it difficult to predict their outcomes correctly. Massive upsets happen all the time, so no bet is ever guaranteed to win.

Never borrow to bet

If you don’t have the funds needed to bet, you should not be betting in the first place. Using borrowed money or credit to wager is extremely risky and can result in debts that you can’t afford to pay. 

Take breaks

Be sure to maintain balance between betting and all other parts of life. If making picks or researching bets is taking up too much of your day, take some time away to focus on another activity.

Know where to turn

If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, Birches Health offers specialized, insurance-covered virtual treatment for problem gambling across the United States. To connect confidentially with the Birches Health care team, you can:

• Visit BirchesHealth.com
• Call 833-483-3838
• Email help@bircheshealth.com