Gambling is an enjoyable and exciting form of entertainment for many people worldwide. The vast majority gamble in a safe, responsible way and exercise self-control over their gambling activities and habits. A small minority, however, adopt addictive practices that can be harmful to themselves and the people around them. This page has been created to explain gambling additions, how to identify if you may have an issue and the things you can do to prevent current and future problems.
How to Identify a Gambling problem
Gambling can be an exhilarating experience. But for some, it can also be addictive irrespective of financial status, age or gender etc. People with a gambling problem feel the urge to bet continuously and have the uncontrollable impulse to continue despite the consequences. Here are some of the warning signs that someone who feels they may have a problem should consider:
Spending more time and money you can afford on gambling
Constantly thinking and talking about gambling
Unable to quit when you’re ahead
Chasing losses to get out of financial trouble
Failing to pay rent, bills and debts
Borrowing more money from others to feed your addiction
Loss of interest in anything other than gambling
Neglecting work and other essential responsibilities
Being defensive about your gambling habits and arguing with others
Becoming secretive and feeling anxious, nervous and depressed.
Things you can do to prevent a gambling problem
Should you feel you have the potential to lose control of your gambling habits, there are several things you can do to stay safe and keep gambling fun and enjoyable.
Set Limits
Respectable online casinos subscribe to responsible gambling policies. Many, therefore, allow players to set daily, weekly or monthly deposit limits on their casino account. These limits cannot be removed and can be reduced over time. If you want to exceed your limit at any time, there will normally be a 24 hr delay to give you time to think about what you are doing.
Self Exclusion
Many gambling platforms are members of organisations such as Gamstop and Gamcare that help gamblers exclude themselves from gambling sites. This is managed via a central database to help restrict the opportunity to gamble in all places.
Restrict Gambling Transaction from Bank
It is now possible to block or restrict all transactions used for gambling in many banks and financial institutions worldwide. Contact your bank in person if you want to eliminate the possibility of making gambling payments through credit cards, debit cards, or bank transfers.
Take Time out Periodically
If things start to get out of hand, contact customer services at the site(s) you are using and ask to suspend your account for an agreed amount of time.
Responsible gambling
Moving forward, there are plenty of things you can do to maintain control. Here are just a few:
Only ever bet money you can afford to lose.
Always set limits. For example, if you are going to the races, set a limit on the amount you can afford to wager.
Keep to your budget, win or lose, and never chase losses.
Don’t gamble when you are drunk, depressed or angry. It will affect your decision making.
Take regular breaks while gambling, and be prepared to walk away if you lose.
Stay balanced, have other hobbies, friends and keep to your other responsibilities.
Remember that it is only entertainment, not a source of income.
Help and Support
Always seek help if you feel you are starting to develop a gambling problem. Reach out to free resources and organisations such as:
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