Gambling is a fun and easy way to make money but it can also be addictive. If you think you may have a problem, contact a gambling specialist for advice or support.
How can I stop gambling?
Keeping a strict limit on the amount of money you gamble is a good first step. It will give you peace of mind and ensure that you don’t lose more than you can afford.
Set a limit before you start to gamble, and keep it in mind when you’re playing. When you have reached that limit, stop playing and don’t gamble again.
The temptation to gamble can be very powerful, especially in a place like a casino. If you’re feeling stressed or upset, then you may find yourself gambling more often than usual. If you’re worried about your gambling, talk to your family or seek help from a gambling specialist.
Refrain from chasing losses
Chasing losses is one of the biggest mistakes that any gambler can make as it almost invariably results in further losses. This is especially true if you’ve been gambling for a while and have lost a lot of money.
If you’re a runner, try to cut down on your gambling. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference this can make to your wellbeing.
Changing your environment
When you visit a casino, it’s likely that the game machines are located near the entrance so you can easily access them. They’re also located in prime positions for when you have a bit of spare change in your wallet.
The casinos do this to keep you coming back for more. They know that you’ll be tempted to keep spending and they want to prevent you from losing more than you can afford.
If you’re losing money on a regular basis, it could be a sign that you have an addiction. Ask your doctor for a referral to a gambling expert and seek counselling or therapy if you have an underlying mood disorder, such as depression, stress or anxiety.
Adolescent problem gambling is a type of problematic gambling that is slightly different to adult pathological gambling. Adolescent problem gamblers are often absent from school and work in order to gamble and can lose their social network. They can be oblivious to their gambling and may lie to their friends and families about it.
Symptoms of problem gambling can begin at any age, but most people develop gambling problems in their adolescent years. The earliest signs of gambling problems can include missing school and work, lying about the amount spent on gambling, or losing control over their spending habits.
It can also lead to legal and financial problems, relationships, job loss and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It can even lead to suicide.
You should never let your gambling interfere with your other life activities or impose any unnecessary costs on yourself. Rather than spending your hard-earned money on gambling, you should use it for other things that are more important to you.