You can start a conversation with the aid of these conversation starters

It can be hard to know what to say if you’re worried about your own gambling. As a first step, consider speaking with a dependable friend or family member. Additionally, you can have a private conversation with someone by calling the National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133. Helpline advisors are on hand around-the-clock to provide guidance, knowledge, and emotional support.

Express your worry for the other person when you speak with them about their gambling because you genuinely care about them. This will enable you to create and work out a strategy together and can give them the confidence to talk freely.

You can use or modify the following words to start a discussion about your concerns around gambling.

Speak with someone about your own gambling.

• “I’m embarrassed and afraid to tell anyone about my experiences.”
• “I feel like there’s no other way to get more money, and I have bills to pay.”
• “It pulled me in when I started playing. It was my only means of getting away.
• “Since I started playing this game, it’s very simple to become distracted by other things.” Do you ever comprehend that?
• “I feel like these games are always following me; I get notifications and ads all the time.” What should I do about that, in your opinion?
• “How would I even be able to tell if I’m over-gambling?”
• “Recently, I don’t feel like myself.”
• “Right now, I’m having trouble coping.”
• “I think I might be losing control over how often I gamble.”

Discuss gambling with someone:

• “I see that you’re not feeling well right now. Do you have any topics you would like to discuss?
• “Are you alright, you don’t seem like yourself right now?”
• “I’m starting to worry because I’ve noticed you’ve been gambling a lot recently.”
• “Do you think that your gambling may be turning into something less fun?”
• “Would you like to discuss your feelings regarding your gambling?”

Potential replies (should they not appear concerned about their gambling) include:

• I’ve noticed you’ve been gambling a lot lately; is everything OK?
• Is there anything I can do to help?
• I’ve noticed you gamble a fair bit; how do you feel when you can’t?
• I can imagine it feels quite lonely;
• This must be really difficult for you; are there other friends that you might feel more comfortable talking about this with?
• Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone you don’t know about things that are bothering you

Potential answers (should they have expressed concern about their gambling)

• “I appreciate your honesty and not hiding this from me.”
• “How may I help you?”
• “Thank you so much for sharing this with me; I know it must have been really difficult. I want you to know that you are not alone.
• It’s a great accomplishment to talk about it; there are methods to seek support.

Potential fixes:

• “I’ve heard the helpline is really helpful. It serves many purposes than only problems.
• “Are you considering going to GambleAware.ng? I can look at some of the tools and advice on their website with you if you think it would be helpful.
• “That seems like a challenging task; I’m glad to assist you in determining your options.”

Although it can be challenging, there are ways to maintain self-imposed limits. For example, most gambling websites and applications allow you to establish limits on your account. If not, you can put it in writing, transfer the money to a different pot or account, or disclose your limit to a reliable person.