Responsible Gambling

What is a Gambling Addiction?

Every day, millions of enthusiasts all around the world engage in the thrilling form of entertainment known as gambling. Although responsible gambling is practised by most people, there are some who struggle with gambling addiction.

Addiction to gambling is an illness, not a money problem. Gambling addiction is categorized as a mental health condition, just like addictions to drugs, alcohol, and other substances. The addiction to gambling does not develop after one gambling session in a pathological gambler, often known as a gambling addict. Before it turns into an addiction, a gambler goes through numerous phases. The line between problematic behaviour and compulsive gambling gets increasingly hazy when playing a game of chance for amusement and entertainment.

Gambling Addiction Progression

Gambling is first seen to be fun, and any winnings serve to heighten the appeal and provide positive emotions. The gamer often raises bets and gaming time because they think their skill, not luck, is what brings them wins. The stakes rise along with the length and frequency of wagering sessions.

Even if they are aware of the impact their gambling is having on their relationships, employment, and financial condition, they eventually reach a point where they are unable to quit. Gambling has now developed into an addiction. Like other addictions, it causes emotions of guilt and remorse as well as suicidal thoughts.

Effects of Gambling Addiction Complications

As we’ve already mentioned, pathological gambling may have significant and lasting effects on your life, including;

• Relationship problems
• Financial problems, including bankruptcy.
• Legal problems.
• Performing poorly at work or losing your job
• Poor general health is brought on by stress and depression.
• Suicide, suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts

Signs That You’re Losing Control

Now that we have a clearer understanding of what gambling addiction is, we can illustrate some of the warning signs that someone has lost control over their gaming..

1. Inability to Stop Thinking About Gambling
2. Increased Risk-Taking
3. Anger Towards Anyone Claiming There Is a Problem
4. Chasing Losses to Get Even
5. Gambling to Cope with Distress or as a Reward
6. Lying To Cover Up

A gambler’s addiction is typically diagnosed based on these six points. Nevertheless, the list is not exhaustive, and there are several additional signs that a person’s interest in gambling for fun has developed into a problem.

How to Regain Control and Stop Gambling

You must get help if you suspect a problem or feel like you’re creating unwanted behaviour.

The truth is that most individuals struggle to stop gambling on their own. It is exceedingly challenging for former problem gamblers to participate in leisure gaming once more, due to the desire to place a bet.

To have a full and healthy life, most problem gamblers—if not all—need a treatment strategy focused on abstinence. An effective recovery program must be in place to avoid relapse in order to sustain abstinence.

Responsible Gambling | Self-exclusion

If you can stop by yourself, you should. Here are eight things that can help you with your journey.

1. Self-exclude at all the casinos you have an account with.
2. Find something to fill the time you would have spent gambling.
3. Treat every day as a new opportunity.
4. Try doing something new to stimulate your brain, or revive an old interest.
5. Be aware of your triggers
6. Look for ways to lower your stress.

Responsible Gambling Limits and Self-exclusion

Some gamblers believe that placing self-imposed limitations enables them to keep up a respectable level of online gaming behaviour. Most online casinos today allow you to establish gaming restrictions and even prohibit your access to specific websites. These are seen as positive responsible gambling steps;

Deposit Limit

• Spending Limit
• Betting Limit
• Daily Time-based Limit
• Temporary Suspension

It would be wiser to ask for a permanent limitation if your gambling is too out of hand. This means that the casino won’t let you play there once again.

Responsible Gambling Support

You will most likely need support and help from others and there is nothing wrong with that. With that said, the first rule of fighting any addiction is to admit that you have an addiction, which is often the hardest part.

Gamblers Anonymous: Gamblers Anonymous is a great place to start. You will also find other online support, specific to the country or area you live in. BeGambleAware promotes responsible gambling and provides information to help people make better decisions about gambling.

Online Casino Customer Support: The responsible gambling section of the online casino you play at may have links to support services.

Support Groups: Here, you may find others in a similar situation to your own and work together to solve problems.