When race season swings around, everyone saddles up for a day out and a flutter on the gallops.

But how do you make sure a social day out at the races and a couple of bucks on your favoured horse doesn't turn into a financial burden?

Sure, it's possible to win money gambling, but it's unlikely that you'll come out ahead in the long run. The odds are always stacked against you, whether you're at the horses, a casino or with friends.

So play for fun, not to make money.

These tips can help make sure that you have a great time gambling:

Remember gambling is entertainment.

Play for the fun, not to make money.

Don't think of money you spent gambling as money you lost. Just accept it as the cost of entertainment.To put it in perspective, you probably wouldn't spend $500 to see a movie, would you?

Bring friends! They make everything more fun and you can help keep each other from going overboard.

Remain realistic. Don't gamble with money you need for everyday expenses. If you gamble thinking you'll "make it back'' you have a high chance of heading for problems when bill time rolls around.

Stay away from ATMs! And debit cards. And credit cards. It's too easy to use them and they can quickly turn a day at the horses into a major financial setback.

Know your limits. Before you go gambling, put the amount of money you're willing to spend on an outing's entertainment in your wallet in cash. When it's gone, stop.

Don't borrow it. This one is simple: Never borrow to gamble. If you don't have the money, you can't afford to gamble with it. And, it's likely you'll leave even more behind.

Take 5. Remember to take breaks often. Taking a breather from the action helps make your allotted cash last longer. You don't need to bet on every race for the day.

There really is no such thing as a sure thing. Gambling after all is wagering money on an event with an uncertain outcome. The primary intent is to win, but there's always the chance you'll lose!

*Sara Morrison is business development manager at South West Credit.