Problem Gambling
Everything in good measure. This should be one of your mottos when you start gambling online. You need to know when to play and when to say “no” and not go further. While online gambling can be great fun and even bring you some extra money, it’s very important to remember that it has its risks and that you should not go in too deep.
Rules to gambling
Know when to stop
When it stops being fun it’s time to take a break
Set money and time limits
Remember that you are here to have fun, not make money
Don’t gamble if you are not in the right state of mind
Don’t gamble if you are drunk or have taken any drugs
Get help
Most common signs that you might have a gambling problem
Never gamble more money than you can afford to lose
– the money that you bet needs to be the sum you’ve allocated for this sole purpose, for having fun, like you would have done with money for going out, to the movies or to see a play. Don’t exceed this sum and never use the money that you need to pay your rent, your bills or food with.
Know when to stop
– if you see that you are losing don’t try to get your money back by continuing to bet even after you’ve gone over your limit. Chances are that if you keep it up you will lose even more money.
When it stops being fun it’s time to take a break
– fun is the whole purpose of playing online. If it’s not fun for you anymore, you need to stop. You might not find the same games fun anymore or you might be upset that you are losing. Take a break and when you are calm, relaxed and ready to have fun you can start again.
Set money and time limits
– you need to decide how much money you can lose so that you know that if you reach that limit you need to stop. The same goes with time because time is as valuable as money so if you’ve been playing for an unreasonable amount of time you need to re-access your priorities and make sure you are not missing out on other things.
Remember that you are here to have fun, not make money
– this is a form of entertainment which can bring you money, but this shouldn’t just be a means of getting money because most casino games are based solely on luck so you will be left disappointed and out of money if you only focus on getting rich overnight.
Don’t gamble if you are not in the right state of mind
– being angry, depressed or any other state of mind that’s not positive won’t help you when you are playing online. You need to be calm and collected to be able to make good decisions.
Don’t gamble if you are drunk or have taken any drugs
– you shouldn’t be under any influence when you’re betting online because this might affect your judgement and you will regret your decisions.
Get help
– if you feel like you might have a problem with gambling and you have done things stated above that you shouldn’t have then you should seek help. There are many people that can help you deal with this issue.
Most common signs that you might have a gambling problem:
- You spend more money and time than you can afford to lose
- You gamble more in order to cut your losses
- You lie about the amount of money and time you spend gambling
- You stopped hanging out with your friends and family and spend all your time gambling
- You can only think about gambling
- You gamble all your money away until you run out completely
- You only get excited about playing online when you up the stake
- You borrow money from friends, family and even loan sharks in order to use it to gamble
- You lie, steal, cheat or commit any sort of fraud in order to get money and spend it on casino games
- When you think about it you get anxious, worried, depressed or guilty about your habits.
Think you need professional help? You don’t need to go through this alone. There are many professional websites that can help you, through chat, e-mail or phone, to get a grip on the situation and resolve your problems.
BeGambleAware wants to promote responsibility in gambling and to help people realise they have a problem. After that they aim to give you all the support you need.
Gambling Therapy is a free service that offers advice and emotional support to those that have a gambling problem and reside outside Great Britain.
GamCare is a charity that offers telephonic support to those that have gambling problems.
These people have been trained to help you cope with your issues and help you resolve them in the best way possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for their help because they have the sole purpose of giving you a hand.
If you think we can be of any assistance to you, please feel free to contact us and let us know and we will try our best to help you.
Practice responsible gambling!