Since the early days of gambling, people have been trying to find ways to beat the odds and win big. It has led to the development of numerous gambling strategies and systems.
Soon the term “responsible gambling” appeared. It implies a set of rules that help you stay in control of your play and keep your head above water.
Today, there are many more types of gambling than one or two decades ago. People can access a mobile casino Australia anytime and place if they have a smartphone and a stable Internet connection. As you see, casino games are available at just your fingertips. It means there are more chances of developing a gambling addiction.
So, it is particularly important to protect yourself from harmful effects of gambling like money loss, gambling addiction, and numerous others.
If you want to avoid the unpleasant effects of gambling, read the article and understand the main principles of responsible gambling.
How to Gamble Responsibly?
If you don’t want to find yourself in a financial pit after a while, you should stick to the rules of responsible gambling. Here they are:
- Think of gambling as entertainment only. Don’t try to make money out of it.
If you perceive gambling as a form of entertainment, it can’t hurt you. Gambling is like watching a movie: before the movie night, you buy a ticket, something delicious, and enjoy watching. Gambling is all about this approach. Until you make small bets and enjoy the gameplay, it is ok. Once you see gambling as a way to raise money, you lose automatically.
- Gamble with the sum you can afford to lose.
If you don’t spend the money you can afford to lose; you will be safe. Once you gamble with your phone bill or rent money, you will likely develop a gambling addiction.
- Set a budget and stick to it.
This rule is connected with the previous one. Before a gaming session, you have to decide how much money you can afford to lose. Once you spend it, walk away.
- Set a time limit.
Typically, players lose track of time soon after they start gambling. So, it would be wise of you to set a time limit or alarm, and when the time is up, quit! The more time you gamble, the more money you will lose.
- Don’t gamble when you feel blue or depressed.
Negative emotions prevent players from thinking logically. This is why gambling is always a bad decision when you are upset, stressed, or depressed. Make sure you gamble when you are happy and clear-headed only.
- Don’t gamble when you feel high.
We highly recommend you not to gamble if you are drunk. It will also be a bad decision to play casino games after using drugs. Alcohol and drugs affect the ability to think straight.
- Take a break.
If you notice you’re gambling the whole day without even a coffee break, we recommend you stop and take a break. It’s like a breath of fresh air, don’t neglect to eat, walk, or talk to someone.
- Balance gambling with other activities.
Make sure there are other pleasant activities except for gambling in your life. If it is your only pastime, it might be a problem that may turn into a gambling addiction.
- Don’t chase your losses.
Never try to refund. Once you lose the money you can afford to lose, just quit playing. Chasing losses often lead to bigger losses only.
How does Problem Gambling Start?
There is no one answer to this question, as gambling addiction can develop in different ways for different people. However, some common factors can contribute to the start of a gambling problem:
- For some people, gambling addiction may start with trying to win back losses from previous gambling sessions. It can lead to chasing losses and eventually getting caught in a cycle of debt. For others, gambling may start as a way to cope with boredom or stress. This can lead to using gambling as an escape from real-life problems. Unfortunately, people may become addicted if they have too many stressful situations in everyday life. For many gamblers, playing casino games is an excellent way to “zone out”.
- Gambling addiction can also be triggered by certain life events, such as relationship problems, job loss, or financial difficulties. These stressful situations can make it more difficult to resist the urge to gamble.
- Socially isolated people have a higher chance of becoming compulsive gamblers. They claim gambling is a comfort zone from which they can communicate with other people without stress and worries.
Prevention and Help
As a rule, family and friends are the first people to notice the warning signs of problem gambling. They can help their close people struggling to overcome the addiction by talking to them and offering professional help. It also will be good to give the number of gambling treatment centers like Gamblers Anonymous.
Being by the side of a person with a gambling addiction is always hard, but it is the only way to help your nearest and dearest.
