Whether you place an acca every weekend without fail, only bet on the Grand National or are completely new to the world of online betting, ensuring you remain in control of your gambling activities should always be the priority.
In this responsible gambling guide, the best safe gambling techniques, tips and tactics are covered. Therefore, if you are looking to tackle a gambling-related issue or are concerned about a friend or family member and their gambling, taking in the below information will be advantageous.
How to identify if you have a gambling problem
There are many telltale signs that you have developed an unhealthy relationship with online gambling. Below are the most common:
You are spending an increasing amount of money on betting activities
- Your gambling sessions are becoming longer and more frequent
- You have started to borrow money to gamble with.
- You have skipped work or social events to gamble.
- You view gambling as a way to make money rather than have fun.
- You are unable to take breaks when gambling.
Common causes for gambling problems
There are many reasons for gambling problems being formed and it can often be hard to pinpoint the exact moment gambling goes from being a fun pastime to a dangerous
habit. Below are some of the most common reasons for people forming gambling addictions:
- Impulse-control disorder – In the medical world, gambling addiction is known as an impulse-control disorder that is regularly associated with depression, anxiety, ADHD and bipolar.
- A need for money – As we all know, there are such things as life-changing bets where someone wins millions of pounds from a single, small football bet.However, these types of wins are incredibly rare. Many of those that are addicted to gambling are looking to make money, failing to see gambling for what it really is; a form of entertainment.
According to data from various safe gambling organisations, a gambling addict is five times more likely to be male than female and more likely to be unemployed than in work.
Who can help with gambling problems?
The UK has an impressive and world-leading safe gambling infrastructure, with multiple charities, government programs and not-for-profit organisations dedicated to the
prevention of gambling-related harm. Leading organisations include:
- GamStop – GamStop gives consumers the option to join the National Self- exclusion Program, which allows them to exclude themselves from all online gambling activities for six months, one year or five years.
- GamCare – GamCare is a national organisation that helps those who have been harmed by gambling. It offers both free telephone counselling and face-to-face
group sessions. GamCare can be reached via phone at 0808 8020 133. - Gamblers Anonymous – Gamblers Anonymous defines itself as a “fellowship” of men and women dedicated to assisting compulsive gamblers in their recovery. Users can find details of local meetings on the Gamblers Anonymous website, gamblersanonymous.org.uk.
- Samaritans – The Samaritans provide a wide range of services to people who have been affected by gambling, including counselling, mentoring and education.
The well-known charity collaborates with the UK Gambling Commission and gambling companies such as Paddy Power to educate people about the dangers of gambling. Users can talk to a Samaritan on live chat at samaritans.org.
This responsible gambling guide has been created by betting.bet; on online betting sites portal.