Responsible Gambling
As much as we recommend the best casinos and betting sites, we always advocate for moderation in gambling. Responsible gambling is like trying to control your pizza consumption – it’s hard but totally worth it in the end. You don’t want to end up like a sad and lonely slice of cold pizza, all alone in the fridge, do you? Of course not! So, set a budget, take regular breaks and never chase your losses. And remember, just like pizza, gambling should be enjoyed in moderation. So gamble responsibly, my friends.
Compulsive Gambling Disorder
Compulsive gambling is like a really sick relationship – it starts off all fun and games, but before you know it, you’re in way too deep. You’re constantly thinking about it, planning your next move, and making excuses to do it more. The more you do it, the more you want to do it. It’s like a never-ending cycle of “just one more spin” or “just one more hand” until you realize you’ve spent all your money and your life is a mess. The causes of this psychological problem usually differ from one player to another. In most cases, greed causes Compulsive Gambling Disorder. This is because a player wishes to win more or have a continuous winning streak, which is impossible.
Read on to gauge if you have a compulsive gambling disorder. You may want to do something about it soon. The following are the most notable causes of problem gambling.
- Financial issues: in case you are having problems making ends meet, you may have thought about gambling because of the big wins advertised. This may prompt you to stake the little amount you have in a bid to double it and alleviate your money problems. But if you do not win, you’ll keep coming back, hoping you will eventually win. Suddenly, you realize that you’re in a vicious cycle of gambling that you cannot control.
- Running away from reality: Every stressed-out person finds a way to deal with their issues. For gambling enthusiasts, online and brick & mortar casinos are where they visit to blow off some steam. Over time, this may end up causing Compulsive Gambling Disorder.
- Seeking excitement: Casino games are usually a way of enjoying your free time. Gambling aficionados stake large sums of money while keeping their fingers crossed not to lose a bet. This is usually thrilling since you can always win to recover any lost bets. However, if you keep losing but can’t stop staking, you certainly suffer from compulsive gambling disorder.
How do I handle gambling addiction?
Just like breaking up with a bad partner, you can break up with compulsive gambling. If you suspect you suffer from a compulsive gambling disorder, reach out to organizations dedicated to gambling addicts. There are plenty of them as it is. It’s time to put the “fun” back in “gambling” and get your life back on track.
With that said, the other option to pursue is self-exclusion. Most online gambling sites have this program to help you out. But we have a few tips to get you out of this rabbit hole.
You must do something…
All interventions won’t work if you don’t take action. Without determination to deal with the addiction, you’re likely to experience relapse more often. Here are simple tips you can embrace to promote responsible gambling:
Admit it
The first step to dealing with gambling addiction is to accept that you are addicted. When reviewing the gambling disorder symptoms, be sincere with yourself. Stop ignoring them and start acknowledging how gambling affects your life negatively.
Avoid temptations
There will be times when you’ll feel a powerful urge to gamble. It’s therefore important to identify and stay away from potential triggers. For instance, you may exclude yourself from gambling groups and delete all gambling apps on your phone.
Find distractions
If you feel the need to gamble, look for something to distract you. The best way to do this is to engage in social interactions. You can use that time to:
- Travel
- Volunteer at a nearby hospital
- Explore new hobbies
- Physical activities
- Hang out with friends
- Spend time with your family