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Responsible Gambling

Responsible Gambling

Date Published

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Staff Writer

For most people, online gambling can be exciting and offer some healthy escapism. It is also a form of entertainment with the possibility of financial gain. It offers more convenience than land-based casinos too; no driving anywhere, no distracting noises, and a lower house-edge to name but a few. While these factors benefit players in many ways, for some those appealing factors can be the start of a gambling problem. The easy accessibility of online casinos and escape from day-to-day distractions and troubles can become all-consuming. Therefore, it requires awareness of these potential pitfalls, plus ongoing vigilance and discipline, if players wish to avoid serious gambling problems.

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How Gambling Becomes a Problem or an AddictionSigns and symptoms of a problem:Support

How Gambling Becomes a Problem or an Addiction

Anyone could potentially become addicted to gambling. Being sensible with money or understanding the odds does not mean you couldn't develop a gambling problem. If you are going through a tough time or a life crisis such losing your job, a relationship breakup or have suffered a bereavement It is possible to become dependent on the high online gambling provides to temporarily lift a low mood. Some people who are feeling stressed, depressed or anxious find they become dependent on online gambling as focusing on gambling helps them to feel calm. But, as every experienced gambler knows, you don’t always win. If you are using gambling to get thehigh or to calm yourself down then losing money can make you feel a lot lower and more stressed than before. You can end up simply chasing wins and the good feeling that go with them, whilst digging yourself deeper into debt and making yourself feel worse than when you started.

Once you become controlled by gambling and cravings for the perceived high or calming feeling this overrides all rational thought and it impacts your entire life. Losing too much money to gambling can lead to financial ruin. Losing too much time to gambling can lead to damaged relationships, careers and general well-being. All of these devastating consequences make any mental health issues much worse. For some, this can then lead to a further downward spiral towards other addictions in an attempt to self-medicate.

Signs and symptoms of a problem:

  1. 1. You are spending more money than you can afford or intend to spend gambling
  2. 2. You are spending more time than you can afford or intend to spend gambling
  3. 3. When not gambling you feel agitated and cannot stop thinking about gambling
  4. 4. You have cancelled arrangements with family and friends because you want to gamble instead
  5. 5. You have cancelled social arrangements or not paid bills because you have spent too much money on gambling
  6. 6. You feel your mood depends on whether you are winning or losing at gambling
  7. 7. You keep your gambling secret from others
  8. 8. Arguments have centred around your gambling

If you recognize any of these signs and symptoms yourself then don't lose heart. It is entirely possible to get back on track. You have already taken the first step as you are aware you have a problem.

The next step is taking steps to limit, taking time out, or excluding yourself from your gambling accounts.

We recommend playing at casinos that adhere to self-exclusion policies.

The next step is to seek support.

Support

There is a lot of support available to you if you are worried about your pattern of gambling. It is always wise to address any behaviour you are concerned about before it leads to worse financial, personal and mental health problems. Remember, it is entirely possible to stop problematic gambling patterns and start living a healthier and more rewarding life. It is always much easier to do so with help and support. Most people say they feel relieved once they start to talk about their problems. There is no better day than today to reach out and make a start.

Support options include: