Assistance with Gambling Addiction
If you can gamble at a casino and still be in control, then it can be called fun and responsible gambling. But the moment the game begins to control you, it is time to take action.
Websites like Gambler.Fan can help you recognize when it is time to quit and provide guidance on responsible gambling.
In this post, we'll be talking about the subject of gambling addiction, outlining the warning signs you can't ignore and offering advice on how to gamble responsibly—either in land-based casinos or online websites.
But first things first: let's outline what gambling addiction is.
What Is Gambling Addiction?
Gambling disorder is a condition that is caused by a compulsive need to gamble. This "compulsive urge" is an uncontrollable, obsessive need to bet and win. This activity often leads to excess, frustration, and even pathology.
Prior to playing at any casino, it's a good idea to understand the risks of gambling and learn the basics of responsible play. And if you're already an experienced player who's already feeling vulnerable, it's crucial to understand how to stop before things get out of hand.
How to Know If You Have a Gambling Problem
If at some point you find yourself drifting away from what’s commonly known as responsible gaming, that may be the first warning sign. Admitting that you have a gambling problem can be incredibly difficult—especially because gambling addiction, unlike drug or alcohol dependency, has no obvious physical signs. That’s why it’s often called a “hidden addiction.”
We're here to help. If you catch yourself doing any of the following, it's time to take your gambling more seriously. Your goal should always be to enjoy the game again responsibly.
Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction
- You gamble for longer than you initially planned
- You lose track of time playing and end up wagering all your winnings
- You are unable to quit gambling even when you're winning, driven by the urge to keep going for higher stakes
- You get irritated if anyone interrupts you during a game
- You don't take losing and are unable to set time or dollar limits for yourself
- You are devoting more and more time to thinking about or actually gambling
- You need larger amounts of money to get the same thrill
- You are convinced big wins are on the way
- When you lose, you fault yourself for not playing more cleverly
- You spend more money than you disclose to your friends
- You lie to your loved ones
- Gambling becomes more important than family, friends, or job
How to Return to Responsible Gambling
Admittedly, it's not simple to beat gambling addiction. But there is a path forward to regain control and have healthy, responsible gaming. Here are steps to take:
Recognize the Problem
This is the most important first step. If you're in denial, you'll never overcome it. Addiction isn't something you choose—and it's not something you can wish away. If it were that easy, it wouldn't be a problem in the first place.
Call a Gambling Helpline
Today, there's more awareness of gambling risks, and rightly so. Most nations now have gambling support helplines. A simple call could be the turning point you need.
Seek Help
Keep in mind: you are not alone. Gambling problems are as old as gambling. Individuals have been struggling with it for centuries. Do not hesitate to learn from others and ask for help.
Set Deposit Limits
If you do not want to quit gambling altogether, consider setting a limit on how much you can deposit. Most casinos allow you to set limits by contacting customer support and requesting a maximum deposit limit.
Self-Exclude from Casinos
If you are ready for more extreme action, you can ask to have your casino account blocked for a chosen period of time. The majority of sites enable you to set responsible gaming limits or general budgets by utilizing self-exclusion tools.
Seek Professional Help
If you've tried all of the above measures and still struggle to break the cycle, consult a professional—a psychiatrist or therapist, for instance. After listening to your background, they'll be in a position to make a proper diagnosis and guide you along the right path of treatment.