Gambling at an online casino has a certain risk for everybody who chooses to do this. Just as with many other enjoyable things in life, such as eating, shopping, or drinking alcohol, gambling is a pastime that can become an addiction. Many people have sufficient self-knowledge to know whether or not they are susceptible to addictions. When you are someone who can easily become addicted to something, then you have to extra careful when you want to gamble online. There is no such thing as a reliable method to gamble responsibly, but you need to be aware of what gambling does to your brain. Try to detect the signs of a gambling addiction in time, so you can take a break or stop with online gambling altogether.
When has your gambling behaviour become a problem?
There are a number of behavioural patterns that suggest a gambling addiction. Check the list below and see if these behaviours apply to you. Be honest with yourself and try not to trivialise or downplay the problems. Signs and behaviours that are typical for a gambling addiction include:
- You spend more money on gambling than you initially planned
- You become emotional when you lose money while gambling
- You try to make up for losses by gambling even more
- You increase your stake, spending more money to feel the same buzz
- You spend money on gambling which you actually cannot miss
- You don’t stop gambling when you have made a profit, but you always continue until you have lost your money
- You have borrowed money to gamble
- You lie about your gambling behaviour to family, friends, or other people you know
When one or more the above-mentioned signs apply to you, you are a risk-player or you already have a gambling addiction. An addiction develops gradually and unconsciously. Denial is half of the problem. Only when you admit that you have a problem, you can find the strength to deal with your gambling addiction. Try not to deny that you have a problem and take action. Talk about your gambling behaviour with a family member, a friend, or someone else you know and contact a support institution.
Finding help when you have a gambling addiction
There are several institutions that can help you when you realise that you have a problem when it comes to gambling. If you want to talk to someone, you can call Be Gamble Aware 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The phone number of Be Gamble Aware is: 0808 8020133. You can also contact them via the live chat if you prefer not to call.
You can also visit the Be Gamble Aware website at: begambleaware.org.