How To Gamble Responsibly
Gambling can be a highly enjoyable way to win some money, but what happens when it goes beyond being fun? If you’re struggling with a gambling habit, we have some tips to help you deal with it
Gambling is a fun and popular pastime around the world and has been for centuries. When it comes to playing at online casinos, however, it’s important to remember the implications and risks that surround such activities as well. Here atPlanet 7, player safety and welfare are our highest priorities, and we take pride in being able to offer services and advice to those who may need a bit of extra support.
This is why we’re giving you an in-depth overview of the risks involved with gambling, what happens when you go too far, what prevention measures are in place, and what you can do if you or someone you know could be suffering from agambling disorder.
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - If there's one thing we know about Super Bowl Sunday, it's that you can bet on just about anything.How long the national anthem is, who wins the game.you name it. As an Individual, you have to take responsibility for your own actions, so if you’re thinking about gambling you should take the following advice. Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose. You should treat Gambling as entertainment that you are paying for. Don’t expect to. Quitting your job or favorite hobbies to gamble. Being physically unable to take breaks from gambling. Spending less time with your family just to gamble more. If one or more of the items on the above list applies to you, then there is a high chance that you have a gambling problem.
How to Gamble Safely and Responsibly
Know When to Stop
Medical experts define a gambling addiction (sometimes also referred to as a gambling disorder, compulsive gambling, or pathological gambling) as an impulse-control disorder. Gambling disorders affect about 2.6% of American adults and sitin line with mental health conditions like pyromania and kleptomania.
Problem gambling does not just apply to those playing in a land-based casino either – it can affect people of all ages and come from playing online games too, like video poker, slots, roulette, blackjack, scratch cards and anything else involving monetary transactions. People who partake in online console games have been known to suffer from compulsive behavior in recent years as well, particularly in places like the UK – where the illegal trading of virtual goods is now posing a major problem for the country’s Gambling Commission.
In terms of severity, a person with a gambling problem can vary from having quite a mild habit to exhibiting a complete lack of control. Though any indication of problem should be a cause for concern, there are signs to pay close attentionto if you suspect you or anyone you know may be suffering from a gambling disorder.
How to Recognize a Gambling Problem
Many online casinos implement smart protocols that can recognize unusual player behavior online; however, this is not always enough to stop it completely. According to the American Psychiatric Association, those at risk may typically showsigns of:
All of these things can have serious repercussions on a person’s finances, as well as a negative impact on relationships with friends and family; even spur on other gambling issues that can develop later on in life. If any of the above seems familiar to you or could apply to someone you know, it is worth undergoing a psychological evaluation in order to determine whether there could be an actual underlying issue. This can also help rule out any other disorders or mental health conditions the person may not know about.
The Causes
The causes of problem gambling are not very well defined, and research suggests that practically anyone can develop a problem. However, it is thought that a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors can all play a partin whether a person could be at risk. To gain a better understanding of how a person could be affected, take a look at what experts consider the key contributors:
People under 35 years are at a higher risk than older demographics, particularly in the modern age of smart phone technology and online sites, which makes it easy for people to access casino games. According to research conducted by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), approximately 40% of adults with a gambling problem started before they were 17, with young people three times more likely to develop a problem than adults. But more interestingly, research indicates that the elderly may also be at risk.
Age
Studies have shown that males are more likely than females to develop a gambling problem. However, further research indicates that women, particularly those who play slots, may be at greater risk of developing a gambling problem much quicker than their counterparts; usually within a year from when they first started to gamble. Men, on the other hand, take an average of four years to develop an problem – which is common in males who frequently play games like poker or partake in sports betting.
Gender
People who are susceptible to gambling problems are also at much greater risk of developing or possessing traits that could be linked to other psychiatric disorders. These include bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety-related conditions, and depression. Of course, this isn’t the case for every compulsive gambler, but research shows that a person suffering with manic depression tends to have a much more vulnerable mind state, and therefore can easily become addicted to the feeling of jubilation and excitement that gambling can provide.
Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Many mental health disorders can be directly linked back to a person’s genetics. Studies have concluded that conditions such as depression and anxiety are hereditary in some patients. One particular study found that identical twins can both be susceptible to gambling problem, if one already suffers. Additionally, the kind of environmental setting a person has grown up in can also influence behavioral patterns as they progress through to adulthood. Analysts found that teenagers who were used to receiving scratch cards as gifts in their youth are more likely to show symptoms of an problem later on in life.
Family & Environment
Certain medications have been known to trigger impulsive behavior and problems – primarily drugs which contain dopamine receptor agonists. These medications are used to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease and conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Medications
What to Do if You Have a Problem and How to Get Treatment
Like most problems, there are ways to treat a gambling disorder. You’ll find helpful resources online and numerous places you can turn to should you suspect someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem. These include things like support groups, psychological therapy, important lifestyle changes, and revising your finances. In some instances, medication can also relieve some of the symptoms and urges associated with problem.
In addition to the above, you’ll also find independent organizations that provide support to people with gambling problems. These include www.gamblersanonymous.org and www.ncpgambling.org, both of which offer round-the-clock assistance, completely free of charge.
How You Can Help Others
Although there is no scientific or proven way to stop someone from developing a gambling problem, you can play your part by making sure the person in question is receiving all the necessary support. Don’t be afraid to talk to aprofessional or get treatment. Get a handle on the issue, then encourage others to do the same.
If you recognize the signs early on, you might just be able to prevent further problems down the line.
Planet 7 Casino (“the Operator”) and its related sites (“the Website”) offer you online gambling entertainment through our online gaming platform.
While most of our players gamble for entertainment purposes only, there are a small number of players who may lose control over their gaming. This is why we promote responsible gambling so players can continue to enjoy gambling safely andin moderation. Please read the following:
- Online gambling should be treated as a form of entertainment and not as a substitute for a paying job
- Always keep track of the time and money you spend gambling
- Set a reasonable limit to the amount of money and time spent gambling
- Prioritize your daily activities, like spending time with friends and family
- Never 'chase losses' or use gambling to solve financial troubles
- Don't borrow money, generate debts, or sell property in order to play
Discuss any gambling issues with your family or friends, or contact any of the support agencies below. If you find gambling is getting out of hand, there are many means of seeking help. The agencies below are available to help free ofcharge.
Resources for Responsible Gambling:
www.helpguide.com - Gambling disorders and problem gambling
http://www.scientificamerican.com - How the Brain Gets Addicted to Gambling
www.gamblersanonymous.org - 12-step program for people who have a gambling problem
www.ncpgambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling
www.gamblingtherapy.org - Global service offering free practical advice and emotional support for gambling problems
Responsible Gaming Quiz
GamblingSites.org is full of advice on a wide range of
gambling related topics, all written by our specialized team of
experts. We are committed to helping our readers have the best
possible gambling experiences and are willing to do anything we
can in order to make that possible, and we like to think that
our site caters for anyone with an interest in gambling.
Hopefully all of our visitors will read something here that will
be useful or interesting to them.
We are also committed to helping and encouraging our readers
to gamble responsibly. This is very important to us. We believe
that gambling is a pastime that offers a great deal of fun and
enjoyment, but we are very much aware that it can become a
problem for some people.
If we could offer just one single piece of gambling related
advice, it would be to always make sure that you are in complete
control of your gambling. Furthermore, we would suggest that
anyone who isn’t confident that they can stay in control of
their actions probably should avoid gambling altogether. It’s
always better to be safe than sorry because gambling simply
isn’t the right pastime for everyone.
The majority of people are able to stay in control though,
and there are millions of people all over the world who enjoy
healthy gambling. There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy
gambling too, but please do it responsibly. We offer our top
tips for responsible gambling below, and we strongly advise that
you read and follow them.
Treat Gambling as a Form of Entertainment
Only a small percentage of gamblers are consistently
profitable. Although it’s technically possible for anyone to
make money from certain forms of gambling, it requires a lot of
time and effort to learn the necessary skills. We would never
discourage anyone from trying to do this if they were serious
about achieving their goals, but the reality is that most
gamblers are simply not committed or determined enough to be
consistent winners.
This doesn’t have to be an issue for you though. The fact of
the matter is that most people treat gambling purely as a form
of entertainment. They expect to lose money and they view their
losses simply as a cost of that entertainment. This is
absolutely the right way to approach gambling in our view, for
most people at least.
Gambling problems often stem from people expecting, or
needing, to win. This can result in frustration or anxiety when
they lose and it can cause them to wager even more money in
order to win their losses back. This can start a horrible cycle
which quickly gets out of control.
If you expect to lose, then you are far less likely to fall
into the same trap. Gambling can still be fun even when you’re
losing, as long as you are fully prepared for your losses and
don’t mind spending the money to enjoy yourself. Winning is much
more satisfying when you are expecting to lose.
not enjoying gambling, then there isn’t much point spending your money on it. When it stops
being fun, it could be time to stop altogether.
Have a Fixed Budget to Gamble With
Perhaps the best way to avoid problems with gambling is to
allocate a fixed amount of money that you are prepared to lose
in any given period of time. If you set yourself limits and you
stick to those limits, then you should be able to enjoy your
gambling without ever getting into trouble. It doesn’t matter
whether you choose to set yourself daily limits, weekly limits,
or monthly limits. The important thing is that you do set limits
and actually follow through with them.
It’s also important that you gamble with money that you can
afford to lose. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with spending
your spare money on gambling if that’s what you want to do, but
it’s a different story if you start risking money that you need
for other things. This will often cause you to start chasing
your losses, which rarely ends well.
the money you’ve allocated for gambling, it’s time to stop. You should never
gamble outside your budget, or with money you can’t afford to lose.
Set Time Limits & Take Regular Breaks
Spending too much time on gambling can be almost as damaging
as spending too much money on it. It’s very easy for gambling to
become a habit rather than a hobby, and that can lead to further
problems in the future. Even if you’re not getting in financial
difficulty, some parts of your life will almost certainly suffer
if you choose to gamble at every possible opportunity.
Therefore, it’s important to control how much time you spend
gambling in the same way you control how much money you spend.
Gambling in your spare time is completely fine, providing you
can afford the cost, but you don’t want to let it take over your
life. It’s a good idea to put some limits in place for the
amount of time you spend on it and taking regular breaks is a
sensible option too.
like you’re spending too much time gambling, or that other parts of your life
are being neglected, it’s time to take a break. Gambling should never control your life.
Additional Tips for Responsible Gambling
For the most part, responsible gambling is all about being
rational and disciplined. There really is no reason why it can’t
be a healthy and enjoyable pastime. If you’re lucky, you may
even win some money. You have to be aware of the risks involved
though, as gambling most certainly can become a problem if you
can’t stay in control.
This is why it’s very important that you follow the above
advice and make sure that you control your gambling rather than
it being the other way around. The following tips should help
too.
- Don’t gamble when drunk.
- Avoid gambling when stressed, depressed, or upset.
- Try to quit when you’re ahead sometimes.
- Never borrow money to gamble with.
- Balance your gambling with other activities.
Our final piece of advice is that you shouldn’t be afraid to
tell someone if you know, or even suspect, that gambling is
becoming a problem for you. There’s nothing to be ashamed of and
there’s no point in trying to deal with the problem on your own.
If you aren’t comfortable speaking to friends or family about
your issues then there are organizations that can help you
instead.
Responsible Gaming Training
You should stop gambling immediately
if you ever feel like you are struggling to stay in control and/or unable to gamble
responsibly. If you find it difficult to stop, or think you may be addicted, it’s time
to seek help. The following article offers information and advice on dealing with a gambling content-card.