Gambling, whether online or offline, is fun and exciting, but it can lead to significant problems if people get addicted. Especially with the growth of online gambling, it is now easier for players to gamble whenever and however they want. Hence, it’s crucial that online casinos and players implement responsible gambling or responsible gaming.

How Big Is the Gambling Problem Globally?

Unfortunately, many people suffer from gambling problems and addiction. According to the Gambling Industry News, one in 400 adults, or 0.23 percent of all adults worldwide, has asked for help for a gaming problem. Between 0.1% and 5.8% of adults worldwide have a serious gaming problem.

More and more countries see gambling as a significant threat to public health, and many now offer help for people who have problems with gambling, such as professional treatment, non-professional help, and self-help. Online casinos are also providing responsible gambling tools to help players control themselves.

About Responsible Gambling/Gaming

What Does “Responsible Gambling” Mean?

Generally, responsible gaming or responsible gambling is a set of rules and habits that are meant to lessen the harmful effects of gambling. Each player is responsible for their safety, and gaming companies are committed to ensuring their customers are safe. Some of the most important parts of responsible gambling are:

• Making Smart Decisions: 

Players should be able to find complete and accurate information about the online casino games they play. This means knowing the rules, the odds, and the possible results.

• Know How to Set Limits: 

Setting boundaries on your money and time before you start gambling is an essential part of being a responsible gambler. Setting limits helps keep you from losing too much and keeps your game experience fair.

• Being Self-Aware: 

It’s essential to be aware of how you gamble. Responsible players pay attention to their feelings and habits and catch any early signs of bad behavior. Responsible gamblers should set limits and know when to stop.

• Looking for Help: 

It’s a strength, not a weakness, to know when you need help. When you need help, you should get it from friends, family, or professional tools if you are gambling responsibly.

• Setting up a Helpful Environment: 

Operators of gaming sites are essential for encouraging responsible gambling. They should take steps like self-exclusion programs, responsible advertising, and giving players tools to keep track of the games they play.

About Problem Gambling

“Problem gambling is defined as gambling that is disruptive or damaging to you or your family or interferes with your daily life,” said NHS Inform. 

The need to gamble is something that people who are addicted to gambling are unable to suppress. People with a gambling addiction don’t care and can’t stop themselves even if they are losing a significant amount of money. 

They are prepared to put something of value at risk, expecting the subsequent payoff to be of greater value. Gambling addiction can have a significant impact on many aspects of one’s life and their loved ones.

An Overview of the Gambling Behavior Spectrum

One can find a range of gambling behavior, ranging from gambling for pleasure purposes to gambling that becomes a problem. To provide early intervention and assistance, it is essential to identify where an individual stands on this spectrum initially.

• Playing Gambling Games for Fun: 

The majority of players who participate in gambling activities for the sake of entertainment and do not experience any adverse effects are represented by this group.

• Gambling Involving Risk: 

People who fall into this category may exhibit symptoms that indicate the presence of potential problems, such as spending more time and money on gaming than they had initially intended to consume.

• Gambling Problem: 

At this level, the repercussions are more severe, including a burden on one’s finances, damaged relationships, and a lessened focus on other elements of life as a result of gambling activities.

• Pathological Gambling: 

This type of problem gambling is the most severe form of gambling addiction, and it is defined by an inability to regulate gambling impulses and a negative influence on day-to-day life.

It’s important to note that sometimes, people who have severe addiction cannot control their impulses. Rather than mocking or judging them, we should provide them with the best help and support they can get.

Help for Problem Gamblers: Gambling Addiction Help and Treatment

For the ones suffering from a gambling addiction, we’re here with you. You may feel like you can’t stop gambling, but there are many things you can do to get over it, fix your funds and relationships, and take back control of your life. Here are the first steps you can take if you feel like you have a gambling addiction:

1. The Process of Introspection and Acceptance

Recognizing the existence of a gambling issue is an essential first step in developing a solution. They must conduct self-reflections and acceptance. They must think about the influence that gambling has on various elements of one’s life and well-being.

2. Find Support from Loved Ones

It is essential for people with a gambling addiction looking for help to establish a setting that promotes open communication. People who are battling with gambling addiction should have the feeling that they are supported when they share their struggles with friends, family, or experts in the field of counseling.

3. Receive Help from Professionals

We recommend people with gambling problems to seek  professional evaluation by a mental health professional or an addiction specialist. Sometimes, people gamble due to an underlying mental illness like depression or anxiety. 

Hence, going to a mental health professional can help acquire a thorough grasp of the severity of the gambling problem. The professionals in this field can offer insights into the nature of the addiction and make recommendations for suitable treatment choices.

4. Find Healthier Alternatives

Are you someone who gambles when you are bored, upset, or lonely? For some people, gambling can be a means to self-soothe unpleasant feelings, relax, or interact with other people. However, there are plenty of ways to relax without gambling. 

You can try spending time with people who do not gamble, learning new hobbies, and many more. There are so many articles online that can provide you with relaxation tools to help you overcome your gambling addiction.

Conclusion

Recognizing and dealing with gambling addiction is a brave step toward regaining control, improving health, and living a better life. People who are addicted to gambling can start to heal by reflecting on their problems, getting professional help, and using responsible gambling support services.

Each person’s path is different, and there is no one way to beat gaming addiction that works for everyone. People who are addicted to gambling can face the difficulties of recovery and move toward a future of strength, growth, and improved health. They just have to be determined to get help, find suitable treatment options, and build a support network.

Hotlines and Support Groups to Help with Problem Gambling

• The National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline: confidential, 24-hour helpline for problem gamblers or their family members at (1-800-522-4700).
• Gamcare:  (0808 8020 133).
• Gambling Help Online: 24-hour helpline at (1800 858 8580.
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: (1-866-531-2600).
• Gamblers Anonymous: 12-step support meetings for people with a gambling problem, while Gam-Anon offers support for the problem gambler’s family members.
• Gambler’s Help Youthline: (1800 262 376) 24-hour telephone counselling service for people under 25.