Gambling should always be a fun and safe way to spend your time. However, for some people, it can become a problem. Around 5% of gamblers worldwide can develop an addiction.
We encourage you to gamble responsibly.
Casinos, bookmakers, and related sites have a responsibility to promote responsible gaming. They do this to protect their users and create a safe space for everyone. Playing responsibly is important for both the user and the platform.
Why Does Gambling Addiction Happen?
Gambling addiction can develop for different reasons:
- Escaping daily life
- The dream of winning a large amount of money
- Enjoying the excitement of gambling
The main reason behind addiction is how the brain responds to rewards. When you win, your brain releases happiness hormones, making you feel good. Over time, it’s easy to get hooked on the feeling of wanting a reward, even if you don’t win.
People who love competition, act on impulse, or get bored quickly might be at higher risk.
Signs of Gambling Addiction
- Chasing losses: You keep gambling to recover lost money.
- Borrowing money: You take loans or credit to continue gambling.
- Difficulty stopping: You find it hard to quit, even when you want to.
- Hiding gambling habits: You lie to friends or family about how much you gamble.
Many responsible casinos offer questionnaires to help you understand your gambling habits. Taking these tests can help you stay in control.
How to Avoid Gambling Addiction
If you feel it’s hard to manage your gambling, these tools can help:
- Limits: Set limits for time, deposits, and spending. Many casinos offer this feature in your account settings.
- Unsubscribe from emails: Reduce temptation by turning off casino email notifications.
- Self-limitation: Block yourself from playing for a set time (a day, a week, or a month).
- Self-exclusion: Block access to gambling sites for at least a year.
- Gambling control tools: Use services like Gamstop or Gamban to help control your gambling habits.
Protecting Minors
Responsible gaming means stopping minors from accessing gambling sites. Underage users often lack the self-control needed for gambling. Most laws worldwide prohibit gambling for anyone under 18. Casinos help enforce this rule by verifying user identity with official documents.
Support Organisations for Problem Gamblers
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, there are organisations that can help:
- BeGambleAware: A UK service offering help through the National Gambling Treatment Service.
- GamCare: A charity that has supported problem gamblers for over 20 years.
- Gamblers Anonymous: An international group where gamblers help each other recover.
If you need help or want more information, reach out to these organisations for support and advice on responsible gambling.