Most people play games of chance for recreation. There are, however, some people who have a serious gambling problem that impacts negatively on their lives and the lives of their friends and family. A person who plays excessively or obsessively may neglect a spouse, children, and friends. They might begin to perform poorly at work or school, get into debt or play with borrowed money. Problem gambling is not restricted to a particular social status, ethnic group, gender or age.

birminghamlottery.com recognizes that while most people gamble for entertainment, a small number of people can become obsessed with playing games of chance. Even though studies suggest that only a very small percentage of the adult population encounters compulsive gambling problems, we take this matter seriously and have accordingly implemented a number of measures to address this issue:

1. birminghamlottery.com's training program incorporates methods and techniques that assist our employees in recognizing and taking appropriate actions when they identify compulsive or underage gambling.
2. We have implemented an easy to use self-exclusion program for those who may need our assistance. Upon your request, we will cancel your membership and will prevent you from entering our casino or poker room.
3. We let you set your own maximum allowed deposit amount.
4. Upon your request, we will remove your name from our email list.

Remember!

• Gambling is a form of entertainment. It is not a way to get rich quickly and pay off debts.
• Gambling is a game of chance. There are no formulas that guarantee winnings.
• Make sure that the decision to gamble is your choice.
• Never try to chase your losses.
• Set a money limit according to how much you can afford to play and regularly check the amounts you spend at the Cashier.

Like many things in life, activities that are enjoyable in moderation can become disastrous in excess.

Tips for gambling safely
Recreational gambling is fun. Obsessive gambling is not!

Remember!

• Gambling is a form of entertainment. It is not a way to get rich quickly and pay off your debts.
• Gambling is a game of chance. There are no formulas that guarantee winnings.
• Make sure that the decision to gamble is your choice and that you are not pushed or convinced to gamble.
• Decide how much money you can lose before you play. When that amount is lost-stop playing. Regularly check the amounts you spend at the Cashier.
• Before beginning to play, decide how much time you can afford to spend. Stop playing when that time is over.
• Make sure you know the rules of the games you play.
• Never chase your losses – never try to get back money you lost. This mostly leads to bigger losses.
• Make sure gambling does not exclude you from enjoying other activities in your life. Balance gambling with other forms of recreation. Do not let it interfere with work and family.
• Never gamble when you are emotionally down – it is hard to make rational decisions when you are upset or depressed.
• Never borrow money to gamble.

A recently published study estimates that 39% of compulsive gamblers are able to solve their gambling problem by themselves. (Hodgins, D.C., Wynne, H., & Makarcuk, K. (1999) "Pathways to recovery from gambling problems." Journal of Gambling Studies, 15, 93-104)

Recreational gambling is up to you.
Please, play responsibly!