Problem Gambling Support

If gambling is not as fun as it used to be and it is affecting your day-to-day decision-making, it is time to reevaluate your gambling habits and see whether this activity is good for you. Luckily, all the research and help organisations have done their work, and free, professional help is often just a click away.

However, how do you know that you’re becoming addicted? The thing about addiction is that the moment you’re wondering whether you have it, it is more than likely that you already do. The first step would be to evaluate the extent of the issue, and then you can act accordingly.

There are many myths and superstitions about gambling. Games of skill and games of chance involve various risks, and sadly, luck is not always on the player’s side.

The house always wins

And this is true. Whatever your odds are, and as thrilling as it might be to win, it is important to understand that some losing may be involved in your gaming sessions.

The outcome of most games of chance, particularly slots or lotteries, is completely random. It is not useful to strategise and wager bets based on these strategies.

Your luck has very little to do with actual winning

There is science behind gambling, and if you’re feeling lucky, it might add to your mood, but it will do nothing to increase your chances of actually winning. Quite the opposite, it might provide false confidence and determination to continue playing past the point when it is advisable to stop.

There are harmful outcomes from excessive gambling. The addiction is well-recognised and treatable, so if you’re concerned about the consequences of excessive gambling affecting your life and the lives of your loved ones, there are some warning signs to look out for, such as:

Any of these issues may be red flags that something is wrong. Stay on top of your mental health, and don’t let your gaming habits negatively affect you or those around you.

You don’t have to tackle gambling addiction alone. There are several effective ways to seek support:

1. Talk to Someone You Trust

Confiding in close friends or family members can provide immediate emotional support. Open communication about gambling habits is crucial, especially if you’re concerned about someone else’s behaviour

2. Use Responsible Gambling Tools

Most online casinos and betting platforms offer responsible gambling tools, such as:

While helpful, these tools are most effective alongside professional support and counselling.

Helplines and counselling are free and accessible in many countries worldwide. Organizations like Gamblers Anonymous (http://gamblersanonymous.org/ga/) offer support for gambling addictions in over 50 countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. You can quickly locate the closest centre or use the local GA helpline to talk to someone right away.

Depending on your country of residence, you can get in touch with local licensing bodies and various agencies, as well as non-profit organisations and programs, offering anonymous and professional support to all who suffer from excessive gambling. It is important to understand that help is just around the corner. Here are some options for you:

USA – NCPG (National Council on Problem Gambling) can be contacted in many ways, including by phone at tel:18004262537 or Chat.

UK – GamCare ensures UK residents have access to whatever support they need. You can contact them via helpline 0808 8020 133 or find various programs on the website.

Germany— Germany has strict regulations for all gambling activities. Consequently, there are plenty of programs that help those at risk overcome online gambling addiction.

You can learn more about the issue on the organisation’s website and speak to someone anytime through one of the many helplines. Also, see here for more information on available options.

Canada—The Responsible Gambling Council is an excellent resource for recognizing and treating gambling addiction if you’re a resident of Canada.

You can get in touch with one of the local centres by calling the helpline.

New Zealand – In New Zealand, the Ministry of Health funds and supports many organizations specializing in safer gambling programs. Feel free to call the helpline at tel: 0800654655 or search for local help services.

Forewarned is forearmed. Keeping informed about problem gambling, its risks, and simple statistics can often be a reminder in itself that gambling activities are risky and you should be careful. Comprehensive information on problem gambling prevention and addiction treatment is available worldwide.

Additionally, free counselling services might shine more light on this issue and help determine whether you’re likely to develop a gaming addiction early on.

Gambling is supposed to be fun. It is a recreational activity, and the industry is packed with exciting, safe, and user-friendly sites for thrill-seeking gamblers. However, gambling addiction is a serious issue that takes much of the entertainment out of online gambling and turns it into a harmful habit.

Recovery from gambling addiction is something thousands of people face daily, and there is no reason to delay getting help if you feel you may need it. The important part is staying healthy, understanding the pastime you’ve chosen, and clearing up the myths and superstitions that come from a genuine wish to win, however harmless. Stay healthy and have fun on your terms!