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MATES LOOK AFTER MATES

Knowing when someone’s got a problem

Mates. Sometimes, they really know how to push your buttons, but most of the time… they’re alright, eh?

A lot of our customers enjoy having a punt with their mates. Winning money’s not bad, but nothing beats telling your mate you’ve backed a winner just as it comes in.

So if you bet with your mates, you might be the best person to spot if they’ve got a problem. It might only be a little change in their behavior, but because you know them best, you’re the best one to spot it.

SPOTTING THE SIGNS

Knowing what to look out for

Here, we’ve got some tips on how you can spot the signs that one of your mates might be at risk of gambling to the point that they’re doing themselves harm. Have a look, and just keep them in mind when you’re next having a punt with pals.

  • Pre-occupation: We all like to relive our wins, but if it’s all the time, it’s not healthy.
  • Tolerance: Increasing the stake that’s bet, to get the same kick out of it.
  • Missing work, college or uni: are they away from where they should be, and in the bookies?
  • Unable to stop: Have they tried gambling before and not been able to?
  • Irritability: Are they moody when they can’t get a bet on.
  • Escape from reality: Do they use betting to get away from it all, if they’re having trouble at home, or in work?
  • Chasing losses: Do they try to win back money if they’ve lost a bit.
  • Concealing: Do they have their phone under the table constantly putting bets on?
  • Borrowing money: Have they ever asked you or any of your other mates for money, so they could put a bet on?
  • Lying about gambling: Nobody likes to admit to losing a bet but hiding it can be a sign of a deeper problem.

THINK YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE MAY HAVE ISSUES?

What to do

If you notice a few of these signs in one of your mates, you might want to mention it to them. Having a quiet word will do. A simple “Sorry chief, I noticed you’re betting a lot lately. Just wanted to check if you’re doing all right?” is a good place to start.

Worst case scenario, they tell you to sod off. But they might also tell you they don’t know what to do.

Support is the key here. A problem shared is a problem halved. Click on ‘WHERE TO GO’ to see where to point them.

PROTECTING MINORS

We don’t want your kids gambling either. Or any other kids, for that matter.

We use age verification checks on every single account, to confirm that our customers are 18 or older, and legally old enough to gamble.

If we are unable to confirm a customer’s age through electronic checks, we suspend the account and request a proof of age documentation.

However, we know kids can often use their parents phones, tablets and laptops, and that you might still be logged in to a and as a result, gaming companies and parents must work together to protect children from underage gaming.

Tips for Protecting Minors:

  • Keep your username, password and deposit details out of reach. Like, not written down on a post-it stuck to your laptop.
  • Don’t save passwords or use auto-fill on your computer.
  • If there are kids around, always log out of your Paddy Power account.
  • Install website blocking software, such as NetNanny, which allows you to control and block access to gambling websites both on PC and mobile.
  • Educate your kids about the legality and potential damage of underage gambling.
  • Limit the amount of time your children spend online.
  • Familiarise yourself with the build in parental tools on your Mobile/Tablet/PC/TV devices

If you feel you may have an issue with underage gambling or you just want to learn more. BigDeal, run by GamCare, is an organisation aimed at young people that offers education and support about gambling.