Gambling that disrupts or harms you, your family, or interferes with your everyday life is referred to as problem gambling. In the last year, the majority of individuals in the UK engaged in gambling or lottery play; weekly lottery participation is not detrimental. Unfortunately, for about 9 out of every 1000 individuals, gambling develops into a problem or an addiction.
Problem gambling symptoms
Help is available if you suspect you might have a gambling issue.
Answer “yes” or “no” to the following 10 questions to get started:
Do you often find yourself considering gambling?
Are you increasing your gaming expenditures over time?
Have you ever attempted to limit your gambling, stop gambling altogether, or otherwise regulate your gambling but failed?
If you try to reduce your gambling, do you become agitated or restless?
Do you gamble to distract yourself from your problems or to make yourself feel better?
Do you continue playing after losing money in an effort to recover it—a practice known as “chasing losses”?
If you choose “Yes,” then:
- In response to the first question, you should probably get treatment if you think you might have a problem.
- In response to questions 3 and 4, you should get counseling if you feel that gambling is a problem.
- If you answered “yes” to 5 or more questions, gambling is probably something you believe has an impact on every aspect of your life. As soon as you can, get assistance.
Problems with gambling
Although while problem gambling doesn’t have any physical symptoms, it can nonetheless have detrimental impacts on a variety of aspects of life. They consist of:
Physical ailments brought on by spending more time gambling and less time exercising, as well as maybe consuming more alcohol, might result from having a lower quality of life, having less money or free time, or issues with your social life, such as avoiding visiting friends or going out.
Financial issues, include debt accumulation and a lack of funds for necessities.
Home disputes and relationship issues may involve disagreements with family and friends or your partner about financial challenges.
Criminal activity: Problem gambling doesn’t make you a criminal, but some gamblers turn to crime to support their addiction. Unemployment or work problems: If you gamble at work or miss work because of gambling, this can cause problems at work and perhaps result in unemployment.
Even if you haven’t yet dealt with any of these problems, it’s conceivable that they will develop down the road if your gambling is getting out of control. You should be aware of the potential effects that gambling may have on you or your family.
How gambling addiction develops
It appears that certain persons are more likely than others to develop a gambling problem.
While women typically bet less than males, men are more likely to develop a gambling addiction than women.
Although a gambling issue can begin at any age, it is more likely to develop in young adults or teens. Even 7-year-olds may find it difficult to manage how much time they spend playing video and mobile games, many of which require in-app purchases. Aging adults who experience loneliness or boredom may also be drawn to gaming.
Employees in casinos, bookmakers, or arcades may be more prone to gambling addiction.
Certain forms of gambling may have a higher risk of developing a problem than others:
- Mobile or internet gambling includes games like video poker, roulette, dice, the stock market, and betting or bingo websites and applications.
- Although participating in these activities does not imply that you have a gambling issue, it is crucial to understand that these games are extremely addicting.
Factors that might increase the likelihood of problem gambling
A person may be more susceptible to having a gambling issue due to a number of circumstances. They consist of:
Possessing a mental illness
- having a drinking or drug use issue
- being incarcerated
- having a family member, especially a father, who is addicted to gambling
- an early-onset gambling habit – Even if you don’t gamble very often, you may have difficulties managing your
- gambling from the time you first did it. Some people begin gambling as young as 7 or 8.
This doesn’t necessarily imply that everyone in these situations will get addicted, but if you gamble, you should be conscious of the danger.
Managing your gambling habits responsibly involves limiting the amount of money you spend on it. To ensure that you don’t overspend or get into financial difficulties, it is important to pay all your essential bills, such as rent/mortgage, utilities, council tax, food, and childcare costs, as soon as you get paid.
Set a weekly limit on the amount you are willing to spend on gambling and make sure to stick to it. If you are going out to gamble, leave your debit and credit cards at home and only take cash to prevent overspending. On gambling websites and apps, set a limit on your account to avoid overspending.
Speak to your bank about blocking specific websites or locations, such as betting websites or casinos. Additionally, use GAMSTOP to block yourself from accessing online gambling sites and apps. While GAMSTOP does not cover every site or app in the UK, you can contact those that are not registered to block your access.
Shorten your gaming sessions
Decide how frequently you’ll wager each week. Name the days and be explicit, such as “I will only gamble on Tuesdays and Fridays.”
Avoid the temptation to use gambling websites or applications for a “quick go” or to place a single wager; you may find it difficult to limit yourself to one.
To be reminded when it’s time to log off of the website or app and cease gambling for the day, set alarms or notifications on your phone, watch, or computer.
Avoid seeing gambling as a means of making money
- Remind yourself often that gambling is enjoyment and not a method to gain money. You’re not making money by gambling, and it’s not an investment.
- Never bet until you’re ready to lose. Remind yourself that winning is a matter of chance and does not occur more frequently than losing.
- Never use savings or investment funds for gaming.
- If you ask for a loan, tell your family and friends no.
Spend more time doing other things
- Spend more time with your loved ones.
- Spend less time with friends or acquaintances who often engage in gambling.
- Join social groups or clubs that don’t include gambling; this can be a good time to start a new pastime or pick up one you’ve put on hold for a while.
- Instead of “bottling up” your sentiments, discuss your circumstances and your worries with friends and family.
Information taken from the website – facebook.com
