Why is Gambling Addiction Such a Serious Problem?
“In the casino, the cardinal rule is to keep them gambling and coming back,” says Ace Rothstein, played by Robert De Niro in the 1995 film Casino. They lose more the longer they play, and in the end, we get it all.”
You should only wager with money you can afford to lose when placing bets. Because every casino game (excluding poker rooms) has a house edge that favours the casino, you are theoretically sure to lose your money if you play long enough. Check out our list of casino games with low house edges. This is why you should only bet with money if you know you’re going to lose. Players can use techniques to increase their chances of winning and/or go on long hot streaks, but knowing when to walk away with your winnings or when to stop after losing can mean the difference between having fun and regret.
What is the definition of gambling addiction?
Addiction to gambling is similar to any other type of addiction. It might be a big symptom of gambling addiction if a player craves the thrill of placing a wager and gravitates toward playing on a near subconscious level. Placing bets at a casino should be done with money set aside for entertainment and fun. It’s a serious issue if you start spending money that, if lost, will have a negative impact on your financial condition. A player should never rely on winning to pay bills or build a savings account. You should always look at gambling as entertainment.
What can I do to avoid it?
Set a budget, and when you’ve blown it, walk away. Immediately increasing your bankroll after losing it all is a red flag that you could have a problem. When you’re on a winning streak, you’ll eventually lose some money. Stop playing and cash out once you’ve done so. Setting a timer is another useful option. Do not bet for long periods of time because you will become tired and make poor decisions, such as increasing your bankroll or placing greater bets.
How can I tell if I’m having a problem?
The most telling sign that you have a gambling issue is if you are having financial difficulties as a result of your gambling. You want to avoid thinking to yourself, “I could have avoided this problem if I hadn’t spent money at the casino.”
You most likely have a gambling issue if it has caused you to miss work or school, have a miserable home life, feel remorseful, feel compelled to play more to make up for losses, borrow money from other people or resources, sell possessions, or feel suicidal. With 20 crucial questions that players can answer at Gamblers Anonymous, the most reputable resource in gambling addiction help, we’re only scratching the surface here as well. When you’ve completed the quiz, you’ll be able to tell if you should get treatment.
What resources are available to you?
Gamblers Anonymous, as previously indicated, offers live assistance available to talk about difficulties at any time, and there are many chapters throughout Australia. This website has a calendar of local meetings, as well as testimonies, literature, recovery programmes, and other resources that have been proven to help. If a player requests it, the most reputable online casinos and software firms will allow them to be temporarily or permanently prohibited from accessing their casino. This means that if they try to access the casino, they will be blocked for months or forever, depending on their preference. You will also be directed to useful information by the online casino. Most people can find help by simply reaching out to their friends and family, yet gambling addiction can also lead to bridges being burned, making Gamblers Anonymous and related resources crucial for kicking the habit.
Is it true that online gambling is more addictive than traditional gambling?
It’s not as addictive as gambling in a brick-and-mortar casino, but it’s more difficult to catch. For one thing, gamers can play in the privacy of their own homes or on their mobile devices, so loved ones will be less likely to notice than if they went to the casino on a regular basis. Due to the restricted number of players in their lobby, land-based casinos are better able to detect someone who has been there for an extended period of time than internet casinos, which can have hundreds of thousands of people playing at the same time.
Gambling is just that: gambling. The thrill of placing bets in the hopes of winning money can be addicting and dangerous in any form, whether you go to a local bookie, host poker nights, play the lottery, travel to a land-based casino, or play online. The best way to avoid developing a gambling addiction is to practise responsible gaming and recognise the early warning signs as detailed here, on the questionnaire, and in other resources. If you’re worried about being hooked because you have a compulsive nature, internet gaming and gambling, in general, are generally not the best places to start.
Stop if you’re not having a good time. That is exactly what gambling should be about.
