Responsible gambling means using gambling only for fun and entertainment. Gambling can become problematic when players use it as a source of income or when they gamble with more money than they can afford to lose. Responsible gambling programs are primarily about prevention. They are aimed at the entire customer base of gambling providers, because the goal is to prevent problem gambling behavior in the first place.

What are gambling addiction and problem gambling?

Gambling can be addictive, no matter what life situation you find yourself in. Gambling evolves from a fun, harmless pastime to an unhealthy obsession with serious consequences. Whether you gamble in a casino, at the track, or online on sports, scratch cards, roulette, poker, or slot machines, a gambling problem can strain relationships, interfere with work, and lead to financial disaster. Some people even do things you would never expect, such as incurring large debts or even stealing money to gamble.

Gambling addiction – also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling, or gambling disorder – is a disorder of impulse control. Compulsive gamblers cannot control the impulse to gamble, even if it has negative consequences for the gambler’s loved ones. One gambles whether one is well or not, whether one is broken or has a lot of money. One continues to gamble without regard to the consequences – even if one knows that the odds are against oneself or one cannot afford to lose.

Of course, you can have a gambling problem without being completely out of control. Problem gambling is any gambling behavior that affects one’s life. Anyone who spends more and more time and money gambling chase losses, or gambles despite serious consequences to their personal life has a gambling problem.

A gambling addiction or problem is often accompanied by other behavioral or mood disorders. Many problem gamblers also suffer from substance abuse, uncontrolled ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

The opposite: playing online casinos for fun

The best thing about online gambling is that you can play almost any game in a group or alone. This is a matter of game development and design, as today’s casino providers are careful to add as many features and functions as possible. Under these circumstances, single-player and multiplayer options have become the norm in online gambling. What are the advantages of playing at the online casino with real money from home:

You can concentrate on the game: however, those who play alone can focus on the actual game, increasing the chances of eventually winning it.

It relaxes: Those who engage in gambling as entertainment from home can fully relax in the process. This is the only way to immerse yourself in the gaming experience and enjoy the process from start to finish.

One can try out different games: Online casinos offer a wide selection of games. One thus quite conveniently has the opportunity to take enough time to experiment.

Signs and symptoms of gambling addiction

Gambling addiction is sometimes referred to as a “hidden disease” because there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms like drug or alcohol addiction. Problem gamblers usually deny or minimize their problem – even to themselves. However, one might have a gambling problem if:

  1. The gambling addict conceals the fact that he or she gambles. Often, gambling is done in secret. Or there is lying about how often one gambles or the gambler thinks that one will surprise friends and family with a big win.
  2. The gambler can hardly control gambling. Once one starts gambling, he cannot stop. Or he feels compelled to play to the last euro, or the stakes are increased to win back lost money.
  3. People play even when they don’t have the money. Money is spent that was actually intended to pay bills, credit cards, or things for their own children. Things may even be borrowed, sold, or even stolen.
  4. Family and friends become concerned. Denial perpetuates problem gambling. One should always listen carefully to the closest confidants. It is not a weakness to ask for help. Many older gamblers are reluctant to turn to their adult children when they have gambled away their inheritance, but it is never too late to make a change.

Gambling with responsibility

Responsible gambling is a comprehensive concept that encompasses several guidelines and requirements that apply to gambling operators to ensure that they adhere to the highest quality standards and provide a safe user experience that protects people from the potential negative consequences of online gambling.

Gambling should be viewed as an entertaining pastime and not as a means to generate income. For the majority of the population, gambling is only recreational, and spends limited money on it, this can be more difficult for some.

Software providers and online casinos are required to adhere to the principles of responsible gambling. In addition, software providers must assist online operators in complying with technical and legal requirements. In this regard, it is important to highlight 7 types of responsible gambling areas that are directly related to the gambling industry:

Gambling addiction help – At a glance

Recognizing gambling addiction

First, you may find the info in free access on how to recognize treacherous behavior in yourself and in relatives and friends.

Gambling addiction self-test

With the Gambling Self-Assessment Quiz self-test, you can find out whether you are showing the first signs of gambling addiction.

Application for gambling ban

If you are addicted to gambling or want to protect yourself, you can apply for a gambling ban. One can submit an application to the central office of the state gambling authority or to each casino itself. You are then excluded from all gambling offers nationwide for at least 3 months.