Online casinos provide an incredible form of entertainment we can enjoy right from the comfort of our homes. While betting can be fun, players can develop a problem gambling habit if not careful. The easiest way to prevent this issue is to learn about what causes gambling addiction. Next, we can learn the tools to help handle it. This article will cover some important tactics to keep betting in check. In just three minutes you will learn how to play online casino games responsibly.
What Is Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling, is an uncontrollable urge to keep betting, despite its negative impact. It can cause monetary struggles, broken relationships, and an overall decline in your well-being. Luckily, more and more people are openly talking about problem gambling. Even the best online casino sites will feature tools to ensure you don’t run into a pitfall during play sessions.
Why Is Gambling Addictive?
It has been proven that online gambling can trigger a part of your brain responsible for your reward system. It gives you a rush of dopamine, known as the ”feel-good” hormone, in charge of your pleasure centre, satisfaction and motivation. Online gambling sites can have an addictive nature for the following reasons:
Accessibility
Online betting sites allow you to play casino games worldwide, as long as you have an internet connection. While that can be a great perk, it can be tempting for people who have discovered an addiction and find it hard to resist.
Disconnection
While you must submit some documents online and prove your identity, online gambling provides a sense of anonymity. You can feel more brave or impulsive behind a screen. Moreover, online gaming can make you feel concealed and enable you to engage in risky online casino gambling.
On the contrary, this is less likely at brick-and-mortar casinos. You will likely feel more social pressure in a land-based casino. That can be a big problem. You should feel responsible for your actions and losses, whether offline or online.
Rewards
Real money online casinos will offer excellent welcome bonuses, loyalty programmes, promos and ad campaigns using persuasive techniques. These can tempt people to bet further, even when they shouldn’t. They create a sense of urgency and tap into your reward centre, making it harder to resist temptation.
Gambling Products
Online casinos offer many betting opportunities, from exciting slots like Fishin Frenzy to incredible table game variations like Lightning Roulette. While this can be a great plus for players, it can create the desire to try all games available, which can prolong gambling sessions.
Escapism
Betting online can provide a form of escape for gamers and a potential distraction from day-to-day struggles. This feeling can evolve into a reliance on gambling as a coping mechanism. People with gambling problems may use it as a means of seeking pleasure or relieving mental pain over time. However, it does not help them in the long-term and can lead to bigger issues.
Behavioural Changes
Online betting can cause distorted thinking and irrational thoughts and actions. Players might feel like they have control over the outcomes of the game. In reality, this isn’t possible, as online casino games use RNG. Alternatively, they could develop a condition called “gambler’s fallacy,” thinking their past losses affect future outcomes.
Tell-Tale Signs of Problem Gambling
Noticing the signs of problem gambling early on can help stop the addiction and nip it in the bud. If you are worried that you or a member of your family has a problem, check if the following signs are present:
- Constantly thinking about gambling and reliving betting sessions.
- Betting more and more in an attempt to recoup your losses.
- Inability to quit gambling online, despite your desire to do so.
- Losing passion for your hobbies, work and social life due to gambling.
- Borrowing money to continue your online betting.
- Trying to hide gambling activities.
- Creating relationship problems due to gambling habits.
Having several of these signs can point to a problem with gambling. In order to be sure, you can contact a healthcare professional or take a self-assessment test. Most online casinos include such tests in their responsible gaming section.
Most Effective Preventive Methods
With all this in mind, what can you do to prevent such issues? Even the best online casino sites nowadays provide responsible gaming tools. You can turn them on from the moment you register or at any point of your membership. All these tools are available for sports betting enthusiasts, too. The below advice and tactics can be active when you play casino games:
Method #1 – Set a Budget
Whether you are visiting an online casino site to spend twenty dollars or less, setting a budget is essential. Just like you would set a sum of money aside for a trip, you should do the same with the cash you spend on bets. In fact, even the top online casinos offer budgeting limits.
If you want to activate a budget limit, you can do so from your casino account. Simply look for the responsible gambling tools. Next, type your desired limit, and the casino will notify you once you have reached it!
Activating this limit is one of the best preventive methods because it won’t let you spend compulsively. Remember, never spend more than you can afford on a single gaming session.
You can also set a deposit limit. That way, the casino won’t allow you to add funds to your account above a specific sum.
Method #2 – Employ Time-Management Techniques
Another way to stop a potential gambling problem is setting a cool-off period. You can easily take a break from gambling online by adding a timer to your sessions. You can turn it on at your preferred online casino. Alternatively, you can set an alarm on your phone. If you decide to take a break, you can typically choose between 24 hours, a week, a month, or six months. Keep in mind your account may be restricted during this time.
Method #3 – Restrict Access
Speaking of account restrictions, you can choose a third option called self-exclusion. It’s great for those who believe they have a compulsive gambling problem. You can speak to a customer support member and ask for self-exclusion. Your casino account will be suspended once they have your written or spoken permission.
There are many options for self-exclusion. You can take a break for one to six months or permanently. The main difference between a cool-off period and self-exclusion is that the casino will prevent you from opening other accounts on their platform.
In addition, if you choose to exclude yourself permanently, your account will be blocked. The deposited money in your account will be refunded.
Method #4 – Reality Check
Some online casinos offer a reality check. They can notify you and let you know how long you have been playing online casino games on their site. It is similar to screen time on your phone. This function can help you keep a realistic view of your gambling habits.
Method #5 – Contact a Mental Health Expert
The best way to get help if you are worried about your problem with betting is to contact an expert. While some casino staff are trained to spot problematic behaviour, seeking help from a therapist is important. Luckily, most gambling addiction services are free, and you can seek help anonymously too. Check the following links for various mental health professionals that can aid with problem gambling behaviour.
- Gamstop.uk – This website will restrict your access to online casinos in the UK.
- begambleaware – A charity offering treatment for people with a gambling addiction.
- Gamblers Anonymous – A fellowship of people working on resolving their problem gambling online.
- Gambling Therapy Helpline – A global service with free advice and support for people with a compulsive gambling problem.
Keep in mind the list above is limited. Each country has its individual set of resources and to assist people in handling gambling addiction. Do look up more institutions that can help based on your location. In addition, you can watch this video to help keep you on the right track.
Method #6 – Never Drink Alcohol and Play Casino Games
While this is not exactly a prevention method, it’s important to mention that you shouldn’t gamble online and drink alcohol. In fact, you shouldn’t take any substances that may impair your judgement while playing at a gambling site. Aside from boosting our nervous system, alcohol can also lead us to make rash decisions. It can prevent us from having a realistic viewpoint.
In Conclusion
The best way to ensure you don’t develop a gambling addiction is to enforce several restrictions on yourself. These include setting a budget and time limits for your gaming sessions. Don’t forget to take breaks from gaming as often as possible. In addition, you shouldn’t chase losses or spend more than you can lose.
Finally, never drink alcohol and bet, as drinking can cloud your judgement. It can lead you to make rash and impulsive decisions, which can impact you financially. Employing the above methods can help you maintain a healthy relationship with casino gaming. Moreover, they can and enable you to enjoy it for what it is – a way to have fun!
