'Gambling Addiction' is when compulsive gaming has negative effects on an individual's life and is defined as"the inability to stop gambling when losses begin to take a toll on relationships, finances, and career".
'Responsible Gaming' is what will prevent gambling addiction. It includes bankroll and time management as well as the operator's responsibility to exclude underage players.
This article will look at the issue of healthy gaming both from the individual and the operators' perspective, but most importantly, let you know when and where to get help in time!
Many people think that gambling addiction is unavoidable once you enter the door of a casino. The truth is that you can easily avoid betting at games over and over by using the built-in functions that are found in casino games online: in fact, some of the best online casinos feature a responsible gambling policy which automatically stops the gambler’s betting activity at a specific point: for example, if the gambler has overcome the casino’s fixed amount of money per each bet or if the daily maximum amount of real money betting hasn’t been respected. Fortunately, not everyone becomes addicted to gambling.
To maintain a healthy level of online gambling make sure to follow these policies;
If you suspect you are sliding into addiction you should reach out immediately to the support team at the casino. They are trained and equipped to help get you back from the edge, and/or to stop you from gambling altogether.
How do you know that you are at risk of getting addicted, though? There’s a fine line between escapism and outright addiction, and the boundaries are often merged to the point where we can’t tell the one from the other.
If any of the above instances are familiar to you, then it might be time to take the first step and get yourself help. This can be difficult, as only a small percentage of gamblers' problems seek help due to embarrassment and stigma. There's nothing to be ashamed of! It can be easy to get carried away while gambling because it is fun. There are many ways to get help. Discreet measures can be pursued if don’t want your family or friends to be aware of the problem. Online casinos are always ready to help if you reach out to them, they take this matter very seriously.
Compulsive gaming is considered an addictive disorder.
Pathological Gambling is recognized as a mental disorder and classified as such by the DSM-IV and Gambling Addiction by DSM-5 and the ICD-10. Both the DSM and the ICD are Diagnostic Manuals used by professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
Most professionals do not distinguish between "pathological gambling" and "gambling addiction" but if an individual has committed illegal acts to finance his gambling then he fulfills the criteria for pathological gambling disorder.
According to the DSM-5 you suffer from gambling addiction if you recognize at least four of the diagnostic criteria for gambling addiction and the DSM-IV for Pathological Gambling if five conditions are met. The most common of the diagnostic criteria to be aware of are;
1. Preoccupation with gambling (constantly thinking of how to get a chance to gamble or how to finance his gambling) resulting in loss of relationships or jeopardizing his/her career/education.
2. Often gambles when feeling distressed, common emotions can be anxious, depressed, helpless and guilty.
3. A pattern of chasing losses.
4. Lies to family and friends to cover up his gambling.
5. Increased anxiety and/or irritation when trying to cut down/stop gambling.
(Full list can be found here)
Here are some things you can do in the event you find yourself in a situation which is, or is about to get, out of control:
There are many ways to get the help you need, locally or online, including anonymous groups and organizations such as:
Gambling addiction is as serious as substance addiction and difficult to tackle once the addiction is a fact. Early detection is therefore essential!
The above-mentioned support groups and hot-lines are open to you as well. Use them!
Don't be afraid to ask your friend/patient questions but at the same time remember that this is an addiction and he/she is most likely in denial.
Your initial goal should be to show support, to gain trust in order to understand his/her relationship to gambling. Be honest with your concern, let your friend know you are concerned that his gaming might be out of control.
'Responsible Gaming' is the terminology gaming operators are obligated to fulfill in order to meet the conditions of a gaming license. It is a broader term and not only a matter of tackling gambling addiction. Online casinos need to consider the following issues as well, within the realm of their Responsible Gaming awareness campaigns:
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