Gambling can be entertaining and harmless as long as you are able to keep it under control, know how to manage your bankroll, and you’re able to stop your gameplay at any time. You can talk to your friends and family or consider going to a therapist. You may also contact Responsible Gambling organisations, where you’ll find advices and tips on how to stay in control and how to gamble responsibly.
Responsible Gambling Bodies
Gambling does not necessarily lead to addiction. But, as soon as it starts causing issues, gambling becomes a problem. If you’re spending more and more time gambling, chasing losses because you’re wasting a lot of money – you have a problem and it’s time to look for help.
Gambling is meant to be an entertaining experience, but it is easy to get carried away.
Talking to your family and friends is a good starting point, but you can also consider getting involved with group support. Having that said, here are some profiling groups that can help you get through tough moments, especially when your temptation is rising.
BeGambleAware
Let’s start off with BeGambleAware. It is funded by an independent charity GambleAware, which helps people make informed decisions when it comes to betting and playing games of chance. The organisation provides support and advice about problem gambling through the National Gambling Helpline or via the NetLine. You can contact them every day, from 8am until midnight, in various languages.
GamCare
A supportive community like GamCare is a UK national organisation that offers free information, providing advice and care for anyone who needs help. In particular, you have an option of contacting them via telephone (0808 8020 133), live chat, group chat, or by visiting their forum. Also, you can share support and ideas with other members of the forum, in order to regain control.
Gamblers Anonymous
Next up – Gamblers Anonymous. It is an American fellowship that aims to help men and women who have desire to stop gambling. People behind the organisation are people who have, or used to have, gambling issues. They now offer support to each other by sharing knowledge and compassion. Becoming a member of Gamblers Anonymous is free of charge and, by using their website, those who reside in the USA can locate a meeting nearby or request help via hotline.
Gambling Therapy
Moving on to another helpline – Gambling Therapy. Namely, Gambling Therapy offers practical assistance and emotional support to anyone who’s gambling habits have affected their lives. What’s more, the organisation has developed a software program called GamBlock, in order to provide emotional support, and advice to those who need it. Gambling Therapy’s team of expert advisers can be reached via their Live Advice Helpline.
GiocaResponsabile
Another service on our list, which is managed by therapists and other professionals, is called GiocaResponsabile. The Italian Federation of Workers of the Departments and Services Addiction (FeDerSerD) initiated this gambling helpline which was funded by the major Italian software developers. The website service is freely accessible; active 11 hours a day by telephone (9am to 8pm) with 24/7 availability on the Internet, including e-mail and chat services.
Spielen mit Verantwortung
German players who wish to stop gambling can refer to an independent organisation called Spielen mit Verantwortung. The main purpose of this body is providing information about the risk potential that gambling obsession can cause. What’s more, there is an interactive counselling program held by professionals. Spielen mit Verantwortung offers help through their counselling centres, clinics and self-help groups.
Self-Exclusion and Self-Limitation
Almost every online casino offers an option of self-exclusion. You can self-exclude from each casino or from multiple companies at the same time. All you have to do is look for the “Responsible Gambling” section which can usually be found in the footer of the casino’s website. If you wish to self-exclude from multiple online casino websites at the same time, use the “multi-operator” schemes for each of the types of gambling you want help avoiding.
Self-limitation allows you to set a limit on how much you want to deposit per month.
Another useful option that may work for you is self-limitation, which enables you to set a limit on how much you want to deposit per month. You may also control how much you can afford to lose while playing a specific game. In addition, you can set a gaming session length, which can prevent you from losing track of time while playing.
Final Thoughts
If you feel that your gambling is getting out of control, and this battle seems unbeatable – remember that any problem has a solution. And so does the one regarding your gambling habits. As always, you’re welcome to share your thoughts at our forum.