Every gambler needs to know how to avoid compulsive gambling regardless of the method and frequency he or she plays casino games. Find the most useful information on the first symptoms of gambling addiction and ways to fight them in our guide.
Gambling is fun if you know how to manage it properly. Unfortunately, not all gamblers are able to resist the temptation to stay in a casino for another hour or spend more money than they planned. These are just some of the examples of compulsive gambling or gambling addiction – the uncontrollable urge to keep playing casino games despite the negative effect they have on your life.
To prevent people from getting into this trap, the rules of responsible gambling were created. There are also different organizations helping gamblers with addiction. However, you also need to know how to cope with the problem by yourself. Learn how to identify signs of gambling disorder and how to fight them from our article.
Signs of compulsive gambling
To know how to avoid compulsive gambling, everyone needs to learn how to recognize the first symptoms of compulsive gambling. Generally speaking, signs of compulsive gambling can include the following:
- Being addicted to gambling. What does it mean? A person builds his day around gambling games, thinks about them all the time, prefers gambling to other activities, and does many other similar things;
- A compulsive gambler wants to raise more money from casinos. Gambling becomes his main or only source of income. In addition to this, there is an increasing need to deposit more money into games to get the same thrill;
- Gambling to solve personal problems, depression, lack of communication, etc. As a result, a person becomes addicted to the positive emotions he gets from games and feels restless when trying to cut down on gambling;
- Addicted gamblers don’t know how to lose. Aiming to win their money back, they are chasing losses, i.e. playing the same games again and again. They end up getting themselves into even bigger financial troubles than before;
- They avoid communication with friends, family members, and colleagues, as well as hiding their gambling hobby from them. Also, compulsive gamblers are at high risk of losing their job or relationships due to their passion for games.
How to avoid compulsive gambling
Have you found at least one sign of compulsive gambling? If yes, then you need professional help from a psychologist. Better visit a doctor or explain your concern to your friends or family to let them help you.
If you haven’t recognized yourself in any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t think you can relax. You still need to know how to avoid compulsive gambling to spot any signs of problems in advance. In our online casino guides for beginners, you will find some tips on how to prevent yourself from getting into a gambling trap.
Below are the 5 main rules to follow to save yourself from gambling addiction:
- Take gambling easy. Don’t consider it as your main source of income or the only way to make your life more interesting. Remember that these are just games that won’t replace your job, friends, family, and other pleasures of your only life;
- Gamble with money you can afford to lose. In order to avoid any debts and other financial problems, avoid gambling with money you must keep for a living. It is better to set up your budget before going to a casino and never ever exceed it;
- Don’t chase losses or borrow money to win your money back. This is a trap many gamblers have fallen into. The more you play, the more you lose because the chance that you will finally hit the jackpot is close to zero;
- Don’t drink while gambling. Regardless of the way you play games – online or offline – never combine gambling with alcohol or drugs. This will affect your concentration and critical thinking badly and you will be at risk of getting into trouble;
- Ask for help if you feel you need it. Most gamblers simply don’t know how to avoid compulsive gambling or where to look for help. Don’t be afraid to speak at least to your relatives or friends if you suspect gambling addiction.
