Missouri Gaming Commission

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Keeping it a game !

Rules of responsible gambling for persons who are of legal age to participate in gambling activities.

1. Treat the money you lose as a cost of entertainment; Treat any winnings as a bonus.
2. Plan ahead.
3. Set a dollar limit and stick to it.
• Decide before you go not only what you can "afford" to lose, but how much you want to spend. Do not change your mind at the casino after losing.
• Leave the ATM and credit/debit cards at home or in the car.


4. Set a time limit and stick to it.
• Decide how much of your time you want to allow for gambling, leave when you reach the time limit whether you are winning or losing.


5. Expect to lose.
• Gambling is a business and the odds are that you will lose. Accept loss as part of the game and the cost of the recreation. (After all, do you expect to come out with more money than you take in with you when you go to see a movie or go to a theme park?)
• Make it a private rule not to gamble on credit.
• Do not borrow to gamble.
• Leave the credit cards at home.


6. Create balance in your life.



7. Gambling should not interfere with or substitute for friends, family, work or other worthwhile activities.



8. Avoid "chasing" lost money.
   
   
9. Don’t gamble as a way to cope with emotional or physical pain.



10. Become educated about the warning signs of compulsive gambling.


If you can’t follow these suggestions you may need to seek help.

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