For many players, gambling is just a social activity and/or a hobby to have fun. As simple as this sounds, however, it is very easy for players to overdo it unintentionally. Becoming a gambling addict does not happen overnight, it is mostly a result of actions over time. Monitoring your gambling behavior now can help you determine if you are already a gambling addict or perhaps in the beginning stages of a gambling problem. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to exercise responsible gambling and stay safe, so stick around.
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Responsible Gambling vs. Problematic Behavior
Simply put, responsible gambling is a prevention strategy to avoid becoming addicted to casino games or sports betting. On the other hand, problematic behaviors are the symptoms of the actual issue – gambling addiction.
Responsible gambling is a set of strategies, initiatives, and policies that you and all other participants in the gambling industry can employ. Of course, the purpose is to prevent problematic behaviors from occurring in the first place. Responsible gambling initiatives ensure that online gaming is shielded from those vulnerable to harms associated with gambling like addictions.
On the other hand, problematic gambling practices are the disruptive behavior patterns that gambling individuals exhibit. Typically, these behavior patterns are a result of a gradually increasing gambling habit. But they become problematic when they spill into other aspects of the individual’s life. Actually, it’s not uncommon to see addicts exhibit a lack of control over their finances, career problems, social withdrawal, etc.
Myths About Gambling
Sometimes gambling problems are fueled by common myths and superstitions that have been passed around amongst players. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Staking more money will pay off in the long run.
- A gaming strategy can guarantee me a win.
- If I play many machines, I will eventually win.
- Using my loyalty card to play will make me lose.
- I know how to win because I have experience.
Signs You Might Have a Problem
The most beneficial thing you can do if you are a gambler is to monitor for the warning signs of addiction. If you find yourself doing any of the following things, you should seek help.
Spending Beyond Budget
It is always a great idea to have a set budget just for gambling. This can be either a time budget, a money budget, or better yet – both. While some set their limits on a monthly basis, for others a daily budget limit works better. But whatever your case is, once you have decided on a budget you should not exceed it. Of course, if you don’t have a budget just yet, you should take care of that first.
Once you find yourself going above your budget, things become complicated and you should be very careful. Going over every once in a while is no big deal but if you start overspending on the regular, you may have an issue. Finding it hard to control yourself is an indicator that you are developing a gambling problem. If you are hiding details about your gambling from others around you, perhaps things are worse than you may realize.
Chasing Losses
Every gambler knows that it is all about chance. Although you might be lucky enough to win at times you might also lose. But you should take your losses in the same stride as when you win. Wagering more in hopes to make up for the losses or in other words chasing losses indicates you may have a problem. Especially if you are spending progressively more despite a streak of losses – you need help. Unfortunately, some players will even go into debt in the debts of their addiction.
Mood Swings
When your gambling activities start to affect your mood, then there is a problem. For some, it is that you want to keep feeling the excitement you have when playing at any cost. So, you do anything it takes to get you more time on the game. But then you start to feel gloomy when you can’t gamble. In the long run, if left untreated, a gambling problem will affect your life outside the casino, too.
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The First Step to Responsible Gambling
A major step towards solving any problem is first accepting that there is, in fact, a problem. Of course, this applies to gambling issues as well. In many cases, gambling addicts remain in denial until it’s too late and they’ve lost too much. So do yourself a favor and be honest with yourself about your online gaming habits. This is the only way towards freedom from the habit.
How to Gain Control Back
The first step towards addressing your gambling addiction is recognizing that you have one in the first place. Next, it’s time to accept that you need help and you cannot fight alone. The use of gambling blocking software to limit visits to a gambling site is also a great idea. But most certainly, if you have a gambling problem, you should talk to someone.
Helpful Tips for Responsible Gambling
- Don’t treat gambling as an escape route from your challenges; this is a lead cause of addiction.
- See gambling as a strictly fun activity and not a money-making venture.
- Expect to lose some money and take it in good faith; do not chase your losses.
- Have a gambling budget both for time and money and do not exceed it.
- Stay away from gambling when you are upset.
Further Resources
There are a number of bodies in place to help people with gambling addictions. Resources such as Gamblers Anonymous (GA), GambleAware, GamCare, and Gambling Therapy are always available to help players struggling with possible addiction. The top online casinos in Canada take your safety very seriously and preventing addiction is a major part of that. Hence good casinos always ensure that these resources are available on their websites for players in need.
Gambling Responsibly
Gambling addictions can be very destructive. From financial losses, legal issues, and even fatal mental illness, the list of the possible dangers is endless. In the process of enjoying your gaming, it is very important that you do not find yourself showing problematic behaviors. It is therefore very important that you take precautions and monitor your habit closely. If you think you may have a problem, reach out for help. It’s closer than you think – most real money online casinos make help available right on their platforms.
FAQ
Responsible gambling is a set of strategies to prevent addiction and other problematic behavior patterns.
Blocking software can be used to deny your devices access to gaming websites and apps. They are secure, effective, and not expensive. If you think you might have a problem, such software can be very useful.
Resources such as Gamblers Anonymous (GA), GambleAware, GamCare, and Gambling Therapy are always available to help players struggling with possible addiction.
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