Online gambling at sites that accept cryptocurrencies is a fun hobby that people worldwide enjoy. Like most thrilling activities, gambling balances the line between exciting and overwhelming. For some, there is a point when the player is no longer having fun and is instead playing out of compulsion. When this line is crossed frequently it may be a sign of addiction.
The growth of addictive behavior and compulsive betting may be one of the few challenges online gambling has not resolved. The increase in accessibility of online crypto gambling at sites that accept cryptocurrencies may have influenced the recent rise in problem gambling worldwide. However, this extensive review of gambling addiction provides you with everything you need to know about responsible gaming, how to identify a problem gambler, and how to support someone experiencing gambling issues.
Problem gambling is a compulsive commitment to betting, where an individual plays casino games or places sports wagers without reprieve. It involves problematic behavioral patterns that involve recurrent betting resulting in debts, health challenges, and other difficulties. Some experts have addressed problem gambling as a pathological habit, a product of recurring gambling leading to compulsion.
Like most compulsive habits, problem gambling does not have any recognizable limitations. People of all ages, genders, and nationalities are susceptible to gambling addictions. Notably, it is not about how long the player has been exposed to gambling. Although, more impressionable players, like people under age 18, are at more risk of addiction. It is often the novelty that attracts new players, like the convenience of betting with crypto compared to fiat currency.
Some people maintain that no one hides the signs of addiction better than an addict, and problem gambling is no different. Unlike substance abuse and some other addictive tendencies, compulsive gambling does not show physically recognizable traits of the dangerous habit. Here are some signs you may notice if you or someone around you is gambling compulsively:
It is easy to disguise these signs or even mistake them for other factors. However, it is best to deal with the symptoms before they become difficult to manage, and one of the best ways to manage them is to reduce one's exposure to activities associated with gambling.
Overcoming gambling addictions is quite challenging, but as we have seen over the years, it is not impossible. Like most addictions, it only requires the players to commit to their progress, manage their relapses, and get enough support to keep them on track.
Fortunately, the growth of casino games using cryptocurrencies have also inspired some effective ways to reduce gambling addiction. Since most gambling activities are now more digital than on-site, the attempt to curb problem gambling has also taken a more cyber turn. They are offering gamblers options like self-exclusion and other effective attempts at accountability that you can find more information on below.
With problem gambling climbing the ranks of impulse control disorders, it has become necessary to institute systems that manage players' access to the games while giving them all the control they require. Self-exclusion schemes allow players to voluntarily reduce their access to legal gambling services for a specified time.
Self-exclusion involves a total ban from most virtual and physical gambling services for the duration of the exclusion. This ban covers their access to all gambling amenities, including social casinos and gambling advertisements. The goal is to reduce the problem gambler's exposure to gambling products while encouraging their recovery by providing all the necessary tools to ensure their healthy relationship with gambling facilities.
One of the biggest indications of problem gambling is the player's inability to make themselves stop when they should. Most problem gamblers will do whatever it takes to continue playing, even acquiring unfavorable loans to finance their addictions. This trend has shown that one of the best ways to manage gambling addiction is to ensure that the player has a set deposit, loss, or playing limit and is unable to spend over this predetermined amount.
Thanks to the growing trend of limitations, players can sign up for responsible gambling options like temporary bans, spin timers, and deposit limits to ensure they don't trigger negative behavior or unwanted losses.
Setting account limits ensures that the player never passes the prescribed point. This prevents them from making certain deposits, playing too long, or signing up across multiple betting platforms.
The stigma of being called a gambler is one of the reasons people do not share their struggles with their relations. Unfortunately, the attempt to hide this addiction is almost as deadly as the problem itself, forcing the at-risk individual into isolation and away from people that should help and support them through their recovery from the habit.
Problem gamblers should avoid gambling circles and relations that can make them relapse. But it is more important that they get the necessary support and are surrounded by non-judgmental people who would help them deal with problem gambling.
The evolution of self-help solutions to problem gambling does not discard the need to get the necessary help. Professionals are adept at identifying challenges and creating solutions we may have ignored. Some solutions are more effective when applied in a specific order or in individualized patterns that only a trained professional can recommend.
The growing number of problem gamblers worldwide implies that at least 1 in every 100 persons is a problem gambler. This number points to some people we know and love. Undeniably, some of the closest relations may be struggling with gambling addiction, which makes us vicariously tied to the consequences of their addiction.
The challenge with problem gambling is that most people hide it too well and refuse to seek help because they cannot stand the shame of being an addict. Their loved ones often need to recognize the signs and provide the necessary support.
As stated earlier, it is quite easy to miss the characters or even tag them off to other factors like stress. However, when someone around you starts to exhibit some of the signs listed below, it becomes imperative to pay attention to them and help them through recovery. Here are some of the signs to watch out for:
It is important to note that the growth of online gambling makes it difficult to identify a compulsive gambler. After all, they can now gamble on their mobile devices and hide all gambling information from their spouses and relations. The solution to their gambling challenges may be identifying changes in their behaviors or spending and borrowing rates.
Identifying a problem gambler is only half the work since being found out may make the gambler defensive and detach them from the necessary support. It is important to show them that they are not judged and that you would help them in their attempt to deal with the addiction. Here are some simple ways you can provide support for problem gamblers around you:
Problem gambling has become a growing global crisis causing strains on the gambler's financial and interpersonal status. Several countries have faced this challenge by instituting national restrictions on gambling activities. These limitations range from an outright ban on gambling activities to age and gaming restrictions.
Germany and Sweden have some of the strictest gaming restrictions in the world. The Swedish gaming Authority adopted their gaming restrictions from the UK but refined them to curtail problem gambling within their borders. The Swedish self-exclusion program Spelpaus regulates each citizen's gambling duration and expenses. Oasis is Germany’s new answer to problem gambling and operates much like Spelpaus. It is regulated by the Joint Gaming Authority in Germany.
The UK Gaming Authority is more popular with its GamStop option. It allows the punter to determine most features of their gaming restrictions, like the duration and the type of restrictions they would prefer.
Self-Exclusion is less restrictive under the Malta Gaming Authority as there is limited state-sanctioned interference in individual gambling. Instead, each punter has access to a range of support options where they can discuss their problem gambling and get the best responsible gambling solution.
Other countries worldwide are also developing the ideal gaming restriction for their citizens. There are also some global personalized solutions like GamBan to help each person regulate their access to gambling apps irrespective of the existing gaming restrictions in their countries.
Many ways to identify, assist, and maintain aid for a problem gambling have been briefly mentioned on this page. It is important to note that each case and individual is unique, but help is out there for those who require it.
The important thing is to be supportive of those who need aid, be open to recognizing a problem should you feel you have one and be open to the avenues available to begin the road of recovery from problem gambling.
Remember to gamble responsibly and always be aware of any harmful habits that may arise for you or a loved one when enjoying games at an online gambling site that uses cryptocurrencies for deposits.
All online and offline games are 18+
Play calmly and responsibly. Make sure you stay in control of your gambling. Never try to chase losses. At the slightest hint of problem gambling or dependency contact the helpline.
