A lot of people around the globe participate in the gambling activities. For most, it is a fun part, but for others, it can create gambling problems. A gambling problem can lead to gambling addiction, which takes over your entire life.
Gambling has various upsides and downsides. Let’s take a look at responsible gambling, including its alternatives, pros and cons, addiction, and useful resources for gamblers.
Responsible gambling is a way one can use to gamble for fun while following the right measures. These safeguard you from potentially developing a problem with gambling addiction.
It helps you keep control of your play by setting and defining your limits. You get protection from the financial and mental strain as a result of your play.
There are various pros and cons of gambling. You can check the different reasons why you need to gamble. Here are the main advantages –
You lose money.
Challenging to win consistently.
Others may not approve.
Gambling can be addictive.
When you play for fun while considering your budget, you don’t regret losing the money you have wagered if things are not going as expected.
In case your game is no longer fun, and you experience a loss of control, a feeling of depression, chasing losses, and having a bad gaming experience. In that case, these are signs of gambling addiction.
No matter how you like to play, whether online, through your mobile device, or in person, our tips can help lower your risk of developing a gambling problem.
Budgeting properly is important when gambling responsibly. You need to consider your income and expenses and use those details to decide how much you want to spend and lose on gambling each week or month. Stick with that amount you set up.
Never try to win back your losses by gambling more. It is a guaranteed way to lose even more money. If you follow the given advice on budgeting, stick with that budget. You should only gamble with the money you can actually afford to lose.
If you are gambling more than you want to or feel stressed or anxious about how much you need to spend, take a break. Don’t gamble for days or even weeks if your mind is not clear. If you are taking a long break, consider using gambling exclusion services to keep yourself safe.
You should always be aware of the odds when you are gambling. The odds are always against you, so don't expect to win every time you gamble.
Never gamble when you are sad, angry, or stressed. It can leave you making a bad and risky decision, leading to big problems. If you are not feeling like your normal self, you must wait until you calm down.
Alcohol, recreational drugs, and prescription medications can put you at risk of making bad decisions. It can be a big problem when you are gambling, as you need to be fully aware and capable of making smart choices when you play. Give yourself some time to recover before you start gambling.
Explain to them about gambling and why it can be fun and harmful at the same time. Take out some time from your routine to tell your kids about the risks involved in gambling, such as getting in debt, losing money, and developing a gambling addiction.
If you gamble, make sure you do it responsibly. Don't gamble if you can't afford to lose. Further, don't let gambling interfere with your work, relationships, or studies.
Keep a note of the websites your children are visiting and the games they are playing. Most online games include gambling elements, so it is essential to be aware of everything so you can talk to your children about it.
It is essential to monitor online activities and address loot boxes in video games. Loot boxes are a type of in-game purchase that provides players with a random chance of winning a prize
Let them gain some knowledge regarding the value of money and how to make good financial decisions. This can help them avoid getting into debt and make better choices about gambling.
You need to take it upon yourself to know the status of gambling. Some provinces set up higher legal minimum ages for gambling purposes, while some games are legal in one province but not in another.
If you are concerned that your child can be at risk of developing or has already developed a gambling problem, be supportive and provide them with the needed support.
Quitting gambling entirely cannot end the recovery process. It can be the main challenge when you stay in recovery and do not give in to the temptation. Even if you are not a problem gambler, you can find a lot of inspiration below for different activities.
| Reasons of Gambling | Alternative to Gambling |
|---|---|
| It is exciting | You can engage in sports and hobbies that provide the same thrills, such as mountain biking, rock climbing, bungee jumping, rafting, go-kart racing, and paragliding. |
| It helps with feelings of loneliness and boredom. | Discover and pursue passions such as sports, art, music, or reading. Engage in hobbies and connect with others who share your interests. |
| It allows you to forget about your problems and relax after a long, hectic day. | You can't escape from your problems, but you can manage them better with self-help, therapy, meditation, and exercise. These can help you cope with everyday stress. |
| It provides a special aspect when you interact with other people. | Socialize through different activities, such as attending public speaking classes and counselling sessions, participating in social groups, spending time with friends and family, making new friends, and volunteering. |
| Gambling solves various problems. | Gambling is risky, and the odds are against you. You can look for the financial counselling to manage debts and find sustainable solutions to financial issues. |
There is no cure to manage your addiction to gambling. However, there is a lot of blocking software available to install on your mobile devices, laptops, and desktops. They are a key part of responsible gambling. These can restrict you from registering with a new casino or sports betting site.
It further prevents you from accessing your existing account if you are already registered. Blocking software can also prevent your device from visiting gambling sites completely.
The best tools and software can provide the needed support to anyone struggling with gambling addiction. Some provide access to resources such as counselling and financial assistance. It can help people overcome their addiction and rebuild their lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, there are various reputable resources available to help. You can talk to a therapist or gambling addiction support organization to get the needed help.
Here are some of the highly recommended support providers below –
You get international coverage. It allows you to add new gambling websites and apps to the blocklist. Although it's not a free service, the price plans are reasonable, and depending on your needs, you can choose between a monthly and annual subscription.
It is a UK-based app that is available for free to everyone. It stops you from accessing gambling websites and can be used anonymously, which prevents access to more than 80,000 gambling sites.
It is pricey but a strong option for blocking gambling websites in Canada. You can't get around it using VPNs or Tor. It can also block websites and apps on mobile devices.
There are a lot of useful resources for those seeking help with their gambling addiction. It is important to remember that the same method doesn’t work for everyone else in the same way. At times, it can be beneficial to use multiple methods of treatment.
It is an online initiative that helps people with gambling problems. There is a website that provides a lot of in-depth information about gambling. You can connect with their hotline to speak to an adviser or visit their website to chat with an online adviser.
The organization has been there for decades. There is a branch for every type of addiction, including alcohol and drugs. Some groups meet up all over the world to fight disorders. The only requirement these groups focus on is to quit gambling. There is a twelve-step program that highlights a plan to help problem gamblers in recovery.
The NCPG looks for the problem gamblers and their loved ones. Their website has a lot of information regarding problem gambling, treatment information, and trained counselors.
It is now known as Gambling, Gaming, and Technology Use. The organization is located in Toronto and is part of the Provincial System Support Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. You can find a lot of information regarding problem gambling to enhance your knowledge and understanding of addiction.
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