When Does Gambling Become A Problem?

When you are at an online casino you play games, or do the games play you? The following paragraphs are about problem gambling and what you can do if you find that you have a problem with online gambling. Gambling can be a great way to spend your recreation time, but only if you are able to control it. When gambling controls you, you need to take affirmative and swift action to tackle the issue.

Online gambling is twice as addictive as traditional gambling!

Online gambling is generally more addictive than ordinary live gambling, since the internet in itself has an addictive effect on huge portion of the world’s populace. Another factor that adds to its addictiveness is the fact that you can play anytime you feel like, as long as you are near a computer which removes the need to go to a land based casino or withdraw cash from your bank.

How do you know you have a gambling problem?

When you are playing games, you should be aware of certain tell tail signs. Each one of them could indicate that online gambling is becoming a problem for you.

If you recognize a number of these signs in your own behaviour, you should either think hard about your current situation and make changes or alternatively seek help.

Warning signs

• You spend more money on gambling than you had budget allows.
• You loose track of time and play for longer than you had planned.
• You don't quit when you're ahead, but instead continue gambling until all the money you have acquired is gone.
• You're easily irritated if something disturbs you whilst gambling.
• You chase your losses.
• You spend more and more of your free time gambling and thinking about gambling when previously you had other interests.
• You need to play with higher steaks to get the same level of excitement.
• You have a strong belief that you will win big.
• You blame your losses on the fact that you were not playing well enough.
• You spend more on gambling than you let your friends and family know about.
• You choose online gambling before family, friends or work.

Step 1: Admit you have a problem

If you deny that you have a problem, the problem won’t go away.

Addiction isn't an affliction of choice. Therefore it's not something you can stop without help. If addiction could be dealt with easily it wouldn’t be such a serious problem.

Only once you admit your problem can you deal with it.

Step 2: Get help

Gambling problems are commonplace in today’s day and age, and are as old as gambling itself.

There are a number of Gamblers anonymous groups in the majority of towns and cities across the UK. Its advised that if you do think you have a problem, then you should get in contact with one of these groups - as talking to others that have shared your experience will not only help you understand the problem but also conquer it.

Many online casinos allow players to define limits for how much players can spend. Players can even ban themselves from the casino for a chosen period to help deal with their urges to gambling.

Links and phone numbers

Below is a list of people who can provide help and advice:

• UK GamCare http://www.gamcare.org.uk/
  Helpline: 0845-6000-13
• Responsible gambling http://www.expertbingo.co.uk/responsible-gambling.shtml
• Gamblers anonymous http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/