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Gambling
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You might think that gambling is just about placing bets or playing cards but scratchcards, fruit machines and lottery tickets are also forms of gambling.
The thing about gambling is that it can become very addictive. You nearly always end up losing more than you win but the desire to win can take over your life and when it does, it can lead to debt and sometimes even stealing.
If you find yourself gambling a lot or even find that you think about it all the time, get some help before you get yourself into a mess you can't get out of. Gamcare have a helpline - 0845 6000 133 - and a website with more info and advice www.gamcare.org.uk
Gambling and the law
You have to be 16 to:
- buy a National Lottery ticket
- buy a scratchcard
- play the football pools
You have to be 18:
- place a bet in a betting shop
- play bingo
- place a bet at a horse racing or greyhound racing event
- play in a casino
- play cash fruit machines
- do any type of gambling on the Internet
Useful links:
