Avoid being taken for a ride this Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup – commonly know as the ‘race that stops a nation’ – is one of the most loved fixtures on the Australian events calendar.

But while there is fun to be had in a flutter, it is important to keep in mind a few tips to avoid the empty wallet and low mood that can result in a gambling hangover the morning after the Cup.

Mission Australia’s Nowra Gambling Counsellor, Greg Isles, is encouraging people to keep a cool head when gambling on this year’s Cup and says:

“It can be easy to lose track of how much we bet and easier still to be tempted to keep the party going by playing the pokies after the race. That’s a quick path to a gambling hangover. The number one rule is to only bet what you can afford to lose."

“Pre-selecting your bets and filling betting slips out at home before heading to the venue is a sensible way to manage the temptation to over-spend. Similarly, not taking ATM or credit cards with you to the event is another way to safeguard yourself.

“Don’t bet on every race and only take the cash you need to pay for the day’s entertainment including: drinks and lunch, transport and the pre-determined amount you have chosen to wager.”

Mr Isles also says that mixing drinking and gambling can be risky, as it lowers inhibitions, so punters should set themselves an alcohol limit.

Mr Isles goes on to say that ultimately, it is about remembering that when gambling, you should be viewing it as entertainment – meaning that an occasional win is an added bonus but you should not be relying on the winnings.

“Most people can gamble responsibly and enjoy events such as the Melbourne Cup without any problem. However, our gambling counselling services often see an increase in gambling among clients at this time of the year.”

“We ask people at this time of year to keep an eye out for friends and family who might be showing the warning signs of having a gambling problem. The earlier someone gets help, the better the outcome.

“A preoccupation with gambling is an obvious sign that an individual is getting in to the danger zone, in addition to spending more money than planned on the day.

“Becoming anxious or zoned out while gambling is another warning sign, as is showing symptoms of a gambling hangover: feeling sick, depressed and regretful.

“When people start chasing their losses it is clear that gambling has become an issue and this is when people need to seek help – if not sooner.”

Help if you need it:

For help with gambling problems in Nowra call your local Mission Australia RGF-Funded (Responsible Gambling Fund) Counselling Service for free counselling on (02) 4422 0455.

Mission Australia now runs gambling counselling services in the ACT. We also offer gambling support in Campbelltown, Wollongong, Campsie, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Griffith, Campsie, Moss Vale, Newcastle and Wagga Wagga.

If you or someone you know needs support to overcome a gambling addiction you can also visit our Triple R Services website.

Melbourne Cup 2010 – the facts:

• Tabcorp customers wagered $110 million on the 150th running of the Emirates Melbourne Cup.
• NSW TAB punters wagered $58.0 million on the Melbourne Cup ($56.0 million in 2009) through the tote and $73.5 million on the entire Flemington 10-race meeting ($72.1 million in 2009).
• Victorian TAB tote customers wagered $40.2 million on the Melbourne Cup ($40.1 million in 2009) and $70 million on the entire Flemington 10-race meeting ($70.8 million in 2009).
• The community also spent almost $12 million on fixed odds Melbourne Cup betting through TAB Fixed Odds (up 58 per cent on previous year) and online betting.