Responsible Gaming: Tips for Gambling Responsibly

Biological Factors

There is evidence that a biological factor influences the onset of gambling addiction in different groups of people. For example, the brains of people with gambling addictions are similar to the brains of people addicted to drugs when examined using MRI scans. There is some evidence that gaming problems arise from lower than the average levels of neurotransmitters: norepinephrine, associated with arousal, stress, and risk-taking behavior; and serotonin, which affects mood and well-being. This means that genetically, some people are more predisposed to gambling addictions.

Psychological Factors

Another factor influencing the formation of gaming addiction is psychological, namely psychological distortion, which is often characteristic of people predisposed to gambling addiction. It has been observed that addicted people often believe that previous outcomes influence upcoming independent events: justifying compulsive behavior. The belief that one’s luck must change makes many gamblers chase losses, even though the odds always remain the same.

Social Factors

Social factors also play an important role in the formation of gambling addiction in people. The influence of external stress, turbulent family situations, instability in the country’s politics, and other types of stress can greatly influence the emergence of addiction. Generally, the weaker sections of the population living below the poverty line in Third World countries are more prone to gaming addiction. Stress, loneliness, and social isolation, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, can drive people to gambling as a coping mechanism.

Comorbidity

People suffering from mental health or substance use disorders are also more vulnerable to the threat of gambling addiction. As a rule, the combination of several factors at once increases the likelihood of gambling addiction many times over.

Finances

It is common for people to be willing to borrow, sell personal items, take out loans, and sometimes even steal for the sole purpose of continuing to finance their gambling. Such behavior frequently leads to financial difficulties for the gambler and their family that can last for years.

Mental Health

Gaming addiction has a serious impact on mental health. It can cause or worsen conditions such as depression, anxiety disorder, or bipolar. Feelings of guilt and shame over losing and being unable to pay off gaming debts can lead to low self-esteem and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts or actions. Constant losing streaks can create feelings of despair for people who are particularly susceptible to stress.

Relationships

Feelings of loneliness, mistrust, and constant quarrels with loved ones are synonymous with game addiction. The deception and secrecy associated with gambling can undermine trust and lead to conflict. Financial problems can lead to quarrels and even the breakup of relationships.

Therapy and Counseling

Psychotherapy is recognized as one of the most effective methods for combating gambling addiction. Having a professional who can provide support and guidance is immensely helpful in these situations. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, individuals with psychological disorders are more prone to developing gambling addiction, making the presence of a psychotherapist essential in such cases. This can include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Family Therapy. Each method is unique, and you have the right to decide which one is best suited for your specific case.

Medical Treatment

Another way to overcome addiction is to seek medical treatment with specialized medications. If you suffer from depressive disorders or personality disorders, medical treatment is necessary to ensure success. The most well-known medications today that help combat addiction are antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and opioid antagonists. It is recommended to consult a psychiatrist for the prescription of these medications.

Group Support and Self-Help

Group support is no less important in overcoming gaming addiction. There are many programs aimed at helping people with addiction, such as Gamblers Anonymous, where people have the opportunity to share their experiences, creating a sense of community and group responsibility. 

Support groups are organized by professionals in the field of mental health, which also provide people with the opportunity to share their difficulties and exchange views on overcoming the disorder. 

You can also turn to self-help methods, which can be just as effective. This includes forced exclusion from gambling (usually provided by bookmakers for their players), reading books on the topic, talking to loved ones, and accepting their advice. You can develop your own personal strategy that works for you.

Helping Someone Seek Treatment

Helping others find treatment involves support and understanding. It’s crucial for the person struggling with addiction to feel genuinely cared for and that you want what’s best for them. Avoid judgment and harshness towards the individual. Try gently pointing out the addiction and suggest ways to address it; even the smallest step can begin a significant transformation. 

You can inform them about programs offered by their favorite bookmaker in case of gambling addiction, attend Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meetings together, or visit a psychologist. During these moments, it’s vital for individuals to know they are not alone, and you can provide a sense of safety and community. 

It’s also important to set boundaries with the person, not lend them money, and not cover up their problems.

Preventing Suicide in People with Gambling Problems

People with gaming addiction are at risk of potential suicidal thoughts. To help loved ones in this situation, it’s crucial to recognize signs of suicidal ideation early. These signs often include social withdrawal, apathy, giving away personal belongings, and mentioning feelings of hopelessness. If you know your loved ones are also susceptible to other psychological disorders, it’s important to be even more vigilant. 

Engage them in dialogue gently without judgment; being an active listener is often more effective. If you sense they are open to change but current circumstances prevent them from seeking help from a psychologist or attending support groups, offer your assistance. 

However, if the situation reaches a critical level where the person has attempted suicide or you fear they may soon, seek immediate professional help or contact a crisis hotline.

Setting Deposit Limits

Setting a deposit limit is the main way of preventing gaming addiction. The main point of this method is to mechanically set a deposit limit on the site within a certain time frame, which will prevent you from spending more money than you are allowed to. This method is very effective in the fight against wastefulness, ensuring that your gambling experience does not exceed the limits.

Taking Timeouts

Taking timeouts is another effective method to promote responsible gambling. It allows you to be weaned off gambling for a certain period. Usually, the bookmaker freezes your account and you cannot use it for a determined period ranging from a few hours to several days. This method is ideal for those who tend to gamble obsession development but are willing to keep themselves within limits, reassessing their gambling habits, regaining control, and avoiding compulsive behavior.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is very similar to taking a timeout, except that the exclusion period can range from several months to several years. It is an extreme measure that is highly effective for addicted players.

Gamblers Anonymous

Cooperation from individuals sharing their experiences, support and help essential for each other in recovery. The initiative was founded in 1957, and today includes support groups for loved ones (Gam-Anon) and young individuals (Gam-A-Teen). The standard GA program involves a 12-step program aimed at curing addiction and preventing relapse.

GamCare

GamCare is a charitable organization staffed with specialists in psychological medicine who are always ready to listen, offer advice, and provide free assistance in recovery.

NCPG

The National Council on Problem Gaming are doing their best to provide people with information about gambling addiction and how to deal with it. Their website also operates on a voluntary basis, offering users a pool of information on the subject as well as a number of sources of professional medical support.

Gambling Therapy

Gambling Therapy is a specialized form of therapy designed specifically to address gambling addictions in individuals. Specialists in this field exclusively work with addicted individuals and apply a personalized approach to solving this type of problem.

Getting Help by States

This is an NCPG-hosted line that provides information regarding specific, local resources available for problem gamblers and their loved ones for different regions in the US. The platform has a map with every state outlined for a specific type of help for every individual.