Gambling addiction has long been recognized as a significant problem that has been growing in recent years. As more players have become accustomed to online slots and table games, the observation of compulsive gaming behavior has become more common.
Online gambling addiction is a real challenge for online casinos, governments, and individuals, and we are here to shed more light on the matter. In this article, we offer approaches on how to avoid addiction, recognize the first signs of compulsive gaming behavior, and find ways to overcome it.
What Is Responsible Gaming?
Responsible gaming is a set of practices and policies that aim to minimize the negative consequences of gambling while promoting its positive aspects. It involves taking a balanced approach to gambling, where players can enjoy the experience while keeping their finances, mental health, and social relationships in check. Responsible gaming involves several key principles, including:
- Gambling is for entertainment purposes only.
- Not chasing losses or trying to win back money that has been lost.
- Setting and sticking to limits on time and money spent on gambling.
- Understanding the odds and probabilities of different games.
- Avoiding gambling when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Seeking help if gambling becomes a problem.
Why Is Responsible Gaming Important?
The importance of responsible gaming cannot be overstated. Gambling can be a fun activity, but it can also lead to addiction and other negative consequences if not managed responsibly. Responsible gaming ensures that players are protected and that the industry is regulated, which helps to promote a safe and fair gambling environment.
The Impact Of Responsible Gaming On The Gambling Industry
Responsible gaming has had a significant impact on the gambling industry. It has led to the development of new technologies and tools to help operators identify and assist players who may be at risk of developing gambling-related problems. It has also helped to create a more transparent and accountable industry, which has helped to build trust and confidence among players.
How To Avoid Addiction?
It’s essential to understand that gambling addiction is not a financial problem but an emotional one. While this emotional problem can have serious economic consequences, the best way to avoid addiction is to ensure that your emotional well-being around gambling is stable. Here are some beneficial approaches that have helped thousands of people abstain from a gambling addiction:
- Reality checks
By limiting the time you spend in online casinos, sooner or later, you will understand that your obsession with games becomes less pronounced. - Limit on deposits
By setting strict limits on your deposits, you will never fall into the compulsive behavior that is commonly associated with a full-blown addiction. - Track your history
If you play in an Canadian online casino, examining your history and deposits on your account is a smart idea. This usually gives a clear picture of your spending, winnings, and other cash-related transfers. - Taking a break
It’s always a good idea to take a break from online gambling for an extended period to allow you to reassess what online gambling means to you. It can take anywhere from a day to half a year, a crucial time frame for your future. - Self-exclusion
We often refer to the case of the UK Gambling Commission, which has a self-exclusion system called GamStop. By turning it on, UK players cannot access licensed online casinos or be banned from playing, depositing, and registering a new account. - Autoplay
Sometimes, setting an exclusive limit on your autoplay is a bright idea to reduce the potential losses players are prone to have after hitting the jackpot or a huge regular win.
Signs You May Be Addicted
The best way to deal with any problem or compulsive behavior is to recognize the first signs or symptoms immediately. This understanding allows you to move forward by acknowledging the problem and finding the best approaches to overcome this psychological trap. The following signs best describe online gambling addiction:
- Any gambler with an online addiction usually prefers gambling to a personal computer for long hours, preferably away from their daily routine, work, or family.
- Most players with an online gambling addiction or compulsive gambling behavior report that they had to increase their bets more and more to fulfill their excitement about the game. Some respondents also emphasized that even big wins cannot satisfy the enthusiasm for more games.
- People who have problems with online gambling are very prone to mood swings when they are cut off from online casinos. This sign also causes irritability, anger, and agitation that lasts for long periods.
- One of the most significant signs that a person has a severe gambling problem occurs when the player thinks of online casinos as a way to escape problems or responsibilities in real life. Most people with an online gambling addiction tend to latch on to this specific sign, which also seems to be the most popular among players.
- Only after the above signs become apparent do aspects of money and finance become visible. When someone steals, borrows, or takes the last of their cash to put into an online casino, it’s evident that an online gambling addiction already exists.
- Another notable sign that lets you realize if you are suffering from online gambling addiction is the comeback factor to recover your losses. People with compulsive behaviors tend to borrow money to return to online gambling with the sole intention of recovering their losses.
- What makes Internet gambling addiction such a problem is its hidden nature. Most players who have an online gambling addiction hide their gambling interests and activities from their families, loved ones, or close friends.
- If you have broken your promises at least once, especially to online casinos, you are probably addicted to gambling. By setting priorities that lean in the direction of gambling, the player finds himself locked in a psychological trap. In that case, online casinos suddenly become a top priority target.
While there are dozens of other signs and symptoms that can detect online gambling addiction before it’s too late, the above actions are the best indication that an individual has compulsive gambling behavior. If two or more of these symptoms occur, it is essential to intervene by closely monitoring the next actions of the gambling addict. When you are unsure whether you may be considered to have an online gambling addiction, it is strongly recommended that you contact specialist organizations to help you understand your diagnosis of gambling addiction and disorder.
Where To Get Help?
When you realize that you or someone close to you has all the common signs of online gambling addiction, you should remember that there are many organizations around the world willing to lend a helping hand. As online and offline organizations do their best to provide therapy groups and unique treatment regimens, reviewing the most prominent representatives might be a good idea. Check them out:
- Gamblers Anonymous
Canada Gamblers Anonymous stands as a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with gambling addictions, having offered unwavering support since its establishment in 1957. With a wide-reaching presence, including in Canada, it extends a supportive hand to those eager to navigate the challenges of gambling addiction. Through its twelve-step rehab therapy methodology, Gamblers Anonymous in Canada organizes numerous meetings, offers hotline assistance, and provides resources specifically designed to tackle gambling addictions with efficacy. - Problem Gambling CA
In Canada, the spectrum of online gambling addiction spans from slots and table games to sports betting, affecting a considerable number of individuals. Problem Gambling CA delivers essential support for those ready to address their gambling addiction, offering confidential, free counseling, and support around the clock. This includes a comprehensive twelve-step recovery program, embodying the anonymous and supportive spirit seen in similar organizations. - BeGambleAware
Although BeGambleAware’s primary operations are based in the UK, its principles and resources hold significant value worldwide, including in Canada. This organization is dedicated to reducing gambling-related harm by providing tools and support that aid individuals in managing their gambling behaviors, regaining control, and enhancing emotional well-being. - Canadian Gaming Association (CGA)
Parallel to the UK Gambling Commission, the CGA oversees online gambling in Canada, ensuring operators comply with the stringent Canadian standards for fairness, transparency, and player protection. The CGA also plays a vital role in curbing illegal online gambling activities and advocating for responsible gambling practices. - Canada’s National Gambling Helpline
The National Gambling Helpline in Canada offers a crucial service for individuals impacted by gambling issues. Accessible 24/7, this free and confidential helpline provides guidance, support, and referrals to local services and self-exclusion programs, similar to the UK’s National Gambling Helpline. - Gordon Moody Association Model
While primarily based in the UK, the Gordon Moody Association’s approach to offering residential treatment and all-encompassing support services for gambling addiction finds its parallels in Canadian organizations that provide similar programs. These initiatives are aimed at assisting individuals in recovering from severe gambling issues. - Gambling Support Services
Reflecting the aims of the UK’s GamCare, Canada is home to a variety of gambling support services across its provinces and territories. These services offer counseling, support groups, and resources for individuals and families affected by problem gambling, collaborating with the gambling industry to encourage responsible gambling and minimize gambling harm. - Self-Exclusion Programs
Canada is advancing towards the implementation of a national self-exclusion registry akin to the UK’s Gamstop. This initiative will enable Canadians to self-exclude from online gambling platforms nationwide, offering a cohesive tool to assist individuals in managing their gambling behaviors.
Except for these mentioned initiatives and institutions, the United Kingdom is a top case of thousands of small initiatives and non-governmental organizations that raise awareness of gambling addictions, as well as ways to mitigate them among vulnerable groups of the population.
Final Thoughts
Responsible gaming is a crucial aspect of the online gambling industry in Canada. With the help of organizations like Gamblers Anonymous Canada, the National Gambling Helpline, and BeGambleAware, individuals can receive the support and resources they need to ensure that their gambling habits remain safe and enjoyable. Through self-exclusion programs, payment blocking, and spending limits, individuals can take control of their gambling activity and make informed decisions about their gaming habits. By promoting responsible gaming practices, we can help ensure that gambling remains a fun and safe activity.
The problem of online gambling addiction exists and has harmful consequences for a person’s mental, social, and financial well-being. We urge our readers not to panic, as there are several ways to assess whether you have any signs of compulsive gaming behavior. With a wide variety of online and offline organizations willing to lend a helping hand, early detection of compulsive gaming behavior is essential to help players get their life back as soon as possible. Therefore, our article, among thousands of others, aims to raise awareness about online gambling addiction. Have a good time!
