For a small minority of people around the world, gambling can become a problem that can lead to many difficulties, both personal and social. Problem gambling is behavior associated with any form of legal or illegal gambling activity that can cause harm to both the gambler and those around them, including friends, family members and co-workers.
Fortunately, there are ways to determine if you or someone you are concerned about has a gambling problem, and the good news is that there are many ways to help. Here, I’ll look at some of the main signs that may indicate you have a gambling problem, and I’ll also talk about some of the best-known organizations that offer free and unbiased counseling and support for gambling problems.
What to do if you or someone you know might have a gambling problem
Today’s best online casinos are required to actively promote responsible gambling, which usually means that the casino should provide helpful links to the main accredited problem gambling organizations, with secure external links to their websites and possibly phone numbers. Some of the best known organizations that deal with problem gambling by offering free advice and support, as well as trying to combat the problem gambling in various other ways include Gamblers Anonymous, GamCare and Gamble Aware.
It’s best to visit the website of one of these reputable organizations, where you can find helpful tips on how to keep your cool. These sites usually have forums where you can read the stories of other problem gamblers, share your own personal stories, and find many other helpful articles regarding problem gambling. You can also learn about how gambling works and get access to free, professionally trained counselors who are used to working with problem gamblers. These sites also have one or two other useful tools for dealing with gambling problems, which some of you will find extremely helpful.
You don’t have to give your name if you don’t want to, and some of today’s gambling problem organizations also have clinics where you can have individual or group sessions with friendly counselors. Before you approach anyone about your problems, try to answer as many of these questions as you can. Hopefully, the answers you give will show whether or not it is time for you to contact a responsible gambling organization.
Questions and answers about problem gambling
If you think you (or someone you know) may have an addictive personality, or if you have had problems with addictions in the past, it may be a good idea to refrain from gambling altogether. On the other hand, if you’re not overly concerned, but still fear that you might have a problem one day, try to follow these simple tips:
Always set as many limits (such as spending limits, deposit limits, and session time limits) as possible when registering at an online casino. Don’t forget to reduce your bet size according to your bankroll and never chase your losses. Don’t forget that you can also “self-exclude” from the casino for a certain period (such as six months or six years), and during that time you will not be able to deposit or play in the casino. This self-exclusion setting is an ideal tool in case things get really bad.