3 tips to practice responsible gambling to lessen risk of loss or addiction

(BPT) – A majority of Minnesotans gambled last year and most lost money, underscoring the need-to-know tips for lower-risk and responsible gamblingFor many Minnesotans, a trip to the casino has become a rite of passage for those coming of age. Meanwhile, pull-tabs are found at virtually every other bar, online gaming is surging, and big lottery jackpots continue to capture mass media attention. And while gambling can promise excitement and the possibility of big winnings, it also inherently holds high risks, and can quickly form into a serious addiction with severe consequences if it’s not approached with caution.Emphasizing the issue, a new survey from the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG) says 65 percent of Minnesotans gambled in some form in the past year and more than half lost money. The findings, according to MNAPG, are a cautionary reminder to stick to a limit when gambling and to understand the signs if gambling is becoming an addiction.“For many, making a friendly wager adds excitement to a game, but gambling can also take on a life of its own, especially given the ease of betting on smartphones,” says Susan Sheridan Tucker, Executive Director of MNAPG, a gambling-neutral nonprofit organization. “Many Minnesotans enjoy gambling — whether it’s fantasy sports, pull-tabs, or trips to the casino — so therefore it’s critical people understand how to practice low-risk gambling to avoid serious, life-altering consequences.”Three Tips for Safe and Responsible GamblingGiven the high risk of addictive behavior tied to gambling, it’s important to practice these low-risk tips to protect yourself and be responsible.Have a plan: Whether you’re going to a casino or opening a gambling app on your phone, set your time limits and keep to it.Have a budget: Don’t wager more than you can afford to lose.Monitor: Make sure to monitor spending to keep to your limit.“Similar to more well-known substance addictions, gambling is an official behavioral addiction,” says Sheridan Tucker. “Behavioral addictions form in the brain in much the same way as alcohol or drug addiction, resulting in a person making riskier decisions to feed their brain’s reward hub. The signs can be harder to see, but you might notice the person becoming more withdrawn and evasive about questions related to money.”To further educate Minnesotans about gambling addiction, and to emphasize that help is free in Minnesota, MNAPG partnered with Minneapolis advertising agency Preston Spire who created and produced a gripping public service announcement called “Just As Real” that MNAPG is encouraging people to view and share to help spread the message.For anyone suffering or for those concerned about a loved one’s gambling habits, MNAPG stresses that addiction treatment is free in Minnesota, both for those who need help and their loved ones. People seeking help can call the Minnesota Helpline at 1-800-333-4673.