The world is closer now than ever thanks to advances in broadband technology and wireless technology. Virtually everything is now possible via the internet, including shopping, business deals, social networking and gambling, which has been a favorite pastime for men for decades. Online gambling was first developed in the early 1990s. It has since become a huge hit with over 3000 websites. This revolutionized the gambling industry, and it has attracted players from all ages. But, internet gambling, like land gambling, is not without its problems. Online gambling is also plagued by addiction.
What’s problem gambling?
Problem gambling refers to an impulse control disorder that causes major disruptions in all aspects of your life, whether they are psychological, social, vocational, or physical. This includes the stage known as ‘pathological’ and ‘compulsive gambling. A person with problem gambling has a growing obsession with gambling. They are more likely to gamble and to become restless, or even irritable if they have to stop. They are often aware of the growing, serious, and negative consequences, but it is difficult for them to stop betting.
Online problem gambling is one manifestation of these problems. However, a study found that online gamblers have more addiction problems than those who play the lottery or slot machines. The explosive growth of internet gambling is causing online gambling problems to rise.
Reasons for Internet Gambling
o People gamble without hesitation because of the anonymity and privacy offered by the internet.
People are spending more time gambling because of the ease with which they can access online games.
Online games are available to anyone who works online most of the day. This slowly leads to addiction.
Signs that problem gambling
Gambling can take much longer than expected.
o Gambling till you lose the last penny
Using incomes, or even saving to gamble while your bills are still unpaid.
o Continuous borrowing money to finance your gambling expenses
o Not paying attention to your professional and family responsibilities.
o Steal, cheat or sell household goods to make gambling money.
Gamble in the hope of winning back your losses or solving financial woes.
o To relieve depression symptoms.
You can set up a gambling account easily. There are many forms of gambling available, including traditional betting, casino gambling, lotteries, and bingo. Online gambling is extremely appealing because of all this.
o A person can gamble for as long as they like, without supervision.
o Players often forget they are using cash when they play. This can lead to a decrease in the perception of cash’s value.
Online gambling and its effects
Although many people believe legalized gambling is harmless entertainment, ongoing research results and the actual effects on real people have shown its deceptive nature. It is actually more harmful than playing in a casino. Gambling disorders can cause serious health and emotional problems, including depression, substance abuse, and risky sexual behaviour. Recent research has shown that online gambling is dominated by younger, unmarried gamblers than those who have never gambled. The study found that online gambling addiction is not associated with higher education levels and higher income. Online gambling is a fast-growing addiction that affects youth today.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 74% of online gamblers were either pathological or problematic. Teenagers are the most vulnerable group. Teens who gamble online are more likely to spend money on gambling sites than they are on drugs. Online gambling’s worst feature is its anonymity. In order to fulfill their gambling urge, people had to visit a casino to play. Everyone knew your results and how much you lost. Now, all you have to do is walk into your bedroom or office and your savings are gone. Online gambling’s loose regulations have only exacerbated the problem.
Treatment for Online Problem Gambling
To avoid or overcome addiction to online gambling, you should follow the steps below. Remember that you are responsible for the entire process of treatment. Before you reach the point where there is no return, it is important to wake up and take control. You will find that the first steps are the most difficult. Once you have overcome them, the rest will come easy.
o Accept your problems and be honest with yourself
o Keep track of your spending and manage your money. Gamers need to be careful about how much they can afford. Avoiding losses can only lead to further decline.
o Put off your gambling addictions. Go out to dinner or watch a movie next time you feel the urge to gamble. Sudoku can take your mind off gambling for a while.
o If you have time to relax, enjoy a form of recreation that is not related to gambling.
Software can be used to prevent access to gambling websites and to make them password protected. The password should not be known.
Obtain professional assistance as soon as you can.
Anyone can be affected by online problem gambling. It is important to be aware of your gambling habits. The victims of problem gambling should be aware that there are many horrifying examples. Addiction can be any form. Because you lose control, it can become a disease. Talk to your family and friends. There is always help. You only get one life, so it is foolish to try to ruin it with unnecessary problems.
