What safer gambling means to me: Tim

I would describe myself as a responsible gambler by setting myself a monthly 'betting' budget, and never bet what I can't afford to lose – just like how I make spending decisions when running my business. I consider myself a bit of a mathematician and I’m happy to manage my gambling spending just as I manage the rest of my accounts. After all, we used to call bookmakers - Turf Accountants!

Sometimes I’ll have a good month and be up on my bets. This then goes straight into the pot for the next month. Equally, like other 'punters', I lose from time to time. But this is all part of the plan and is budgeted into the activity.

I strongly believe that it should be my right and responsibility to manage my own spending on gambling, not the government's. I’ve heard terrible rumours about them setting the maximum amounts you can spend per month. This is a totally inappropriate encroachment on my freedom and responsibility to self-regulate. And I bet you that I can manage my betting accounts better than any government official!