Help for problem gamblers

Online gambling can be a fun pastime and a convenient way to enjoy the thrills of casino games from the comfort of your home. The vast majority of those who play frequently, do it with moderation and for them, gambling never becomes a problem. Having said this, dealing with loss can be more difficult for some people than others and players react differently. Those who start taking big chances and lose more money than they can afford, become problem gamblers.

There is a thin line separating quality online entertainment from gambling addiction and some people cross it without even knowing. The good news is that there are plenty of organizations who provide assistance to those in need. There’s no shame in asking for help and problem gamblers are advised to seek professional help as soon as possible. The threat of addiction is insidious and it should be treated seriously, at the first signs of onset.

What is Responsible Gambling?

Online casino games quickly grow on players and some people spend a lot of time gambling online. Many of them have no problem ending these gaming sessions and always bet sensible amounts. One of the main ingredients in the recipe of responsible gambling is setting reasonable limits. Players are supposed to keep the duration of their gambling sessions moderate and bet reasonable amounts. This is the first ward against gambling addiction, but there are many more things to consider.

At the core of responsible gambling is the idea that players should never regard gaming as a source of income. The amounts spent on gambling should be small and kept into segregated accounts and never mixed with living expenses. Online casinos who promote responsible gambling invite players to go over have a list of recommendations published on their website. It is vital to refrain from chasing losses and ramping up gambling expenses out of the desire to boost profits.

Problem gamblers are tempted to borrow money from friends and relatives to make up for the losses suffered at the end of gambling sessions. There is always a certain degree of luck involved regardless of the game of choice and there’s no way to guarantee winnings. The sooner one realizes the problem, the better the odds are to get back on track with minimal consequences. Discussing the matter of gambling with friends is a good way to keep players grounded and aware of the potential risks.

Where Can Problem Gamblers Seek Help?

Whether they play casino games in brick-and-mortar locations or enjoy them over the Internet, gamblers can get help from the same organizations. These include professional consultants who are well versed in the art of conversation and are always willing to listen. Even though there are many people suffering from gambling addiction, each case is different and needs a personalized solution. Counselors usually help people quit gambling if they determine that this activity has a disruptive effect. Players can also take preemptive steps and learn how to deal with the consequences of loss and how to keep gambling safe.

GamCare Provides Counseling to UK Players

Problem gamblers from the United Kingdom can get in touch with the professionals employed by GamCare. This national charity organization was established more than two decades ago and provides online and offline assistance. Their specialists are available 24/7 and those who need help can contact them over the phone on toll-free numbers. The topics of these conversations, as well as the personal information of those who seek assistance, are kept private.

60 Years of Service for Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous was founded in 1957 and has grown ever since, to help problem gamblers from all over the world. This is one of the best-known and most respectable organizations dealing with the sensitive issue of gambling addiction. Anyone can consult the list of 20 questions and perform a self-diagnosis before going through the 12 step process.

What Kind of Help is to be Expected?

Most people suffering from gambling addiction don’t realize that they have a problem in the first place. Even those who do, are reluctant to seek professional help because they don’t know what to expect. The good news is that the aforementioned organizations provide assistance for free and with no strings attached. The most common types of interactions are over the phone, but it is possible to set up a face-to-face meeting if that is deemed more effective.

GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous go to great lengths to protect the confidentiality of those they help. No sensitive information is shared with third parties and those who make the phone calls are not even required to give any details. Advisers won’t ask for the names of those calling and it is entirely up to them to share this kind of personal details. The only circumstance in which problem gamblers need to share some personal data is when they choose to benefit from counseling treatment.

Short and Long-term Assistance

Not only is assistance offered for free, but gamblers can seek help whenever they feel like it. The road to recovery can be long and twisted and in many cases, players need constant interactions with advisers. If the organization they have called first is unable to provide this kind of service, they will refer them to specialist agencies. Peer support is another form of long-term assistance that has proven its effectiveness over the years. These types of assistance are not mutually exclusive and the goal is always to provide the best type of help possible.

The bottom line is that there is never too late to ask for assistance when battling gambling addiction. Highly trained advisors are always at the disposal of those who need help and provide counseling for free. Not only those directly affected, but also people who know or have a problem gambler in their family should seek help. Those who reach out to these professional organizations are halfway through to winning the battle with one of the most insidious forms of addiction.