For many, gambling is a hobby, but it does not take much for that hobby to develop into a problem. Gambling addiction affects people around the globe, and can be incredibly damaging to a person’s finances, mental health, relationships, and general way of life.It is important to always remain in control and restrained when you are gambling, whether it is making a bet at an online casino or sports betting site, or at a land based casino, betting shop, or a slot machine in a pub.
The Best Ways to Avoid Problem Gambling
Gambling addiction can creep up on you, and many sufferers feel incapable of preventing it alone. There is help available and we will get into that shortly.However, if you are worried that your gambling may be getting out of control, and you are looking for ways to avoid that, there are some tips to try to get yourself back on track.If you feel capable, then the most sensible option is to stop gambling in any form, if you cannot guarantee that you will be able to stay in control of your habits, then the best advice is to step away from all forms of gambling.If you feel you can continue gambling without getting out of control, then remember to never bet money you cannot afford to lose, set a limit with your chosen casino or betting outlet in terms of how much money you can deposit in a month, and set points at which you will withdraw money.What the latter means is, if you, for example, deposit £20, and you have a good run and convert that £20 into £30, and you have set £30 as a target, then immediately withdraw £10, then, if you get the £20 that remains up to £30 again, withdraw another £10, you have now made your money back, and you still have £20 to play with.Keeping your money under control in this way isn’t only a wise way to collect any winnings you may be lucky enough to pick up, it also helps you feel in control of yourself, which can be of the utmost importance when you are having concerns about problem gambling.
Gamcare
The gambling world, and especially regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission, has started to take the issue of problem gambling substantially more seriously as of late, and as a result there are many places you can go to for help if you feel your gambling is getting out of control.One of the biggest providers of support is Gamcare, the UK’s national centre for information and advice on problem gambling.Gamcare offer a National Gambling Helpline which is available by calling Freephone 0808 8020 133, Gamcare also offers free online and face to face advice for those suffering from gambling addiction, as well as debt advice and support, as well as a Netline, a forum, and a live chat service on their website.The biggest problem for many who are struggling with gambling addiction is the feeling that there is nobody to talk to, and that’s why organisations like Gamcare are so vital, to give that option to problem gamblers.If you are concerned that you or someone you know is suffering from gambling addiction, contact Gamcare for support and advice, or fill in the self-assessment tool that is available on the Gamcare website.Gambling can be a fun hobby as long as it doesn’t get out of control, but as soon as it stops being something that is done for fun, and becomes an addiction, it can be incredibly damaging. Always seek help, and when the fun stops, stop.