RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING

RECOGNIZING ADDICTION

Here at Luck of the Spin, we feel it is crucial to educate players on responsible gambling and playing within their means. This article will highlight the effects of compulsive gambling and ways to resolve this in your own life and those around you.

Compulsive gambling, also called gambling disorder, is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the toll it takes on your life. Gambling means that you’re willing to risk something you value in the hope of getting something of even greater value. The saying “when the fun stops, stop” is great to play by. If you are not playing for fun anymore and are chasing losses, it would be best to take a break or stop altogether.

Responsible gambling is a big subject in the UK and for a good reason too. In a survey commissioned by the GambleAware charity, YouGov estimated that up to 2.7% of adults in Great Britain, or nearly 1.4 million people, were problem gamblers. Experts urged caution over the figure, insisting that the correct addiction rate is likely to be closer to the health survey figures of 0.7% cited by industry regulator the Gambling Commission.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF COMPULSIVE GAMBLING INCLUDE:

• Being preoccupied with gambling, for instance, continually planning how to get more gambling money
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill
• Trying to control, cut back or stop gambling without success
• Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down on gambling
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression
• Trying to get back lost money by gambling more (chasing losses)
• Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of your gambling addiction
• Jeopardizing or losing meaningful relationships, a job, or school or work opportunities because of gambling
• Resorting to theft or fraud to get gambling money
• Asking others to bail you out of financial trouble because you gambled the money away

CASINO RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING

The casinos found on this website are big promoters of responsible play with many features that can help you keep your gambling a hobby rather than an addiction. You can set a time limit for game sessions so that once you have played a certain amount of time, the casino will log you out of your account until the following day. You can set deposit limits on a daily, weekly and monthly bases on most casinos to stop you from spending more than you can afford.

The casino must make sure you are playing with what you can afford and may step in to check that you can gamble at a financially responsible level. At regular intervals, the casino will step in to make sure you are ok and that you are aware of how long you have been gambling and how much you have won/lost recently.

SEEKING PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING

Have family members, friends, or co-workers expressed concern about your gambling addiction? If so, listen to their worries. Because denial is almost always a feature of compulsive or addictive behaviour, it may be difficult for you to realise that you have a problem.

If you recognize your behaviour from the list of signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling, seek professional help.

There are many ways for you to seek professional help, and these include

• Speak to your doctor or GP
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Call the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133).
• Gamblers Anonymous UK runs local support groups that you can participate in to seek help.

ADVICE FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Suppose you are affected by someone else’s gambling, its best to be open and honest with them about it. The person needs to know how their behaviour is affecting you. However, it is vital to understand that you cannot force them to stop gambling. Coping with a family member or friend’s gambling addiction can be exhausting. Above all, remember to use your energy to help change your situation rather than theirs. Here in the UK, there are many ways to source support and information for partners, friends and family. Likewise, there are local support groups for anyone affected by someone else gambling problem.

ONLINE SUPPORT