Why the bookmaker always profits
Every set of odds is calculated to include the operator's margin, so when you place many bets the result leans, on average, towards the bookmaker. People who sell a 'sure prediction', a 'fixed match' or an 'unbeatable system' want to mislead you. Treat the money you spend on betting as an entertainment expense, not as an investment.
Three simple limits
- Money limit. Decide in advance, in birr, the amount you can afford to lose each month; when that money runs out, stop until the month ends.
- Time limit. Decide how many hours you will spend on betting; do not bet during work or study hours.
- Emotional limit. Do not bet when you are angry, anxious, tired or have been drinking.
If the operator offers a deposit limit, a time-out or a self-exclusion option, use it. Betting to 'win back' lost money is the most common start of a problem.
When you should stop
If even one of the following is true for you, it is time to take a break and ask for support:
- You have fallen into debt or borrowed money because of betting
- You hide from your family how much you bet
- You cannot stop thinking about betting
- You increase your stake to win back what you have lost
- Betting is harming your sleep, your work or your relationships
Age and the position in Ethiopia
Ethiopia's 2021 betting regulation sets the minimum betting age at 21; in many other countries it is 18. Since 15 December 2025 there has been no licensed sports betting operator in Ethiopia; the National Lottery Administration has warned people not to send money to betting websites and 'agents'.
How family and friends can help
If you notice that someone you love is struggling because of betting, talk to them calmly and listen without judging. Stay with them as they seek support rather than paying off their debts, and protect your own money too. You can also seek support for yourself.
Free support
- Gambling Therapy: offers free online advice and live chat
- Gamblers Anonymous: self-help meetings and self-assessment questions
- GambleAware: information about the risks of betting and self-check tools
- A nearby health centre, a doctor or someone you trust: a good place for a first conversation
Links to these organisations are in the footer of every page. Bestbet does not accept bets; we never ask for money, ID or passwords.
Frequently asked questions
No. Because the odds include the bookmaker's margin, most people who bet over the long term lose money. Treat betting as paid entertainment.
Stop betting for that day, do not try to win back what you lost, and talk to someone you trust about the situation. If it happens repeatedly, ask for free support from Gambling Therapy or Gamblers Anonymous.
Under the 2021 regulation, 21 years old; in many other countries it is 18.