What is responsible gambling? How do we recognise a problem or how do we know that my gambling behaviour has developed into an addiction? This page provides more information on this topic. We explain how to recognise problem gambling behaviour, how to prevent it and other tips and advice on responsible gambling.
How do we recognise problem gambling behaviour?
Although gambling addiction is in many ways officially classified as a “compulsive disorder”, it is comparable to addiction to other “substances”. Therefore, it is important to recognise a (potential) problem as early as possible in order to be able to offer help and to prevent worse. Signs of problem gambling can be:
- The player is constantly preoccupied with gambling or the (next) opportunity to gamble;
- The gambler spends more and more time gambling and spends more and more money on gambling;
- The gambler neglects work or studies, social ties with friends and family;
- The gambler does anything to get money to gamble, including borrowing, cheating, stealing;
- The gambler is often late for appointments, has unexplained absences for (longer) periods of time, more sick days than average, and is reticent about giving information about his activities and whereabouts
- The player experiences changes in personality, has mood swings, seems worried, agitated or irritable, depressed, behaves manipulatively, controlling;
- The player’s finances are no longer manageable.
Many websites offer their own list of clues that indicate a possible problem. Some of these websites, links to which are given below with a brief description, also offer a self-test. With this, a player can find out if a gambling problem has developed, is developing or could develop.
How do you prevent gambling addiction and how do you deal with it?
The ultimate way to completely prevent a gambling problem is, of course, never to gamble or bet. But having regular fun while playing for real money in an online or land-based casino does not equal risk. The vast majority of casino-goers and real-money players are very capable of controlling their gambling habits. Thus, a casino game remains exactly what it should be – exciting and entertaining.
One way of “prevention” could already be to take one of the self-tests available on the internet. In addition, one can read about possible signs of a gambling problem on many sites. This makes a player or those around him/her aware of the possible dangers of gambling. At the same time, one becomes aware of what to look for in order to recognise a possible problem.
Professional help for players with gambling addiction
There are several websites and organisations that offer more information about problem gambling and / or professional help for gamblers with a gambling problem and their environment. The counselling centres are usually available around the clock.
- Spielsucht Therapie: The German site for German-speaking gamblers seeking help. Here you can find a lot of information, self-tests and competent contact persons.
- GamCare: GamCare is probably one of the best and most reputable organisations dedicated to responsible gambling (and its resolution) and helping problem gamblers and their environment. The independent charity is based in the UK.
- Gambling Therapy: The online arm of the UK’s Gordon Moody Association targets problem gamblers outside the UK, with a website in 29 languages.
- NCPG-US: The website of the National Council for Problem Gambling (NCPG) of the United States of America. The site offers various self-assessment tests.
- Australian National Problem Gambling Portal: Official national portal of the Australian government on problem gambling with risk assessment tests, online self-help tools, live chat, forums and so on.
- Gamblers Anonymous: The website of the Gamblers Anonymous support group with all information about this organisation and anonymous help.
- Gam-Anon: The website of Gam-Anon, the support and self-help group for families and friends of problem gamblers (in conjunction with Gamblers Anonymous).