Gambling can be a relaxing pursuit, if played responsibly. And with the number of gambling options available including, casino games, sports betting, slot games and the evolution of online gaming, the possibilities to play are countless.
As much as gambling can be relaxing or entertaining, it can also come with some unpleasant disadvantages. Irresponsible gambling can lead to severe consequences, influencing a person's social life, mental health and even finances.
Many gamblers risk developing an addiction, yet some categories are more affected than others. If you want to find out more about those risk categories but also about safe betting , read on.
Who’s at risk of developing gambling problems and addiction?
Studies have shown that people coming from low-income households tend to develop gambling problems more often compared to those who come from higher-income backgrounds. This is partially because lower-income families have less discretionary income for leisure activities.
Not only do those coming from lower-income households tend to be at risk for irresponsible gaming, but also people suffering from mental health problems.
There is no direct correlation between mental health and gambling, but there are multiple links between some mental disorders and engaging in irresponsible, dangerous activities or developing an addiction.
One relevant example is borderline personality disorder (BPD), a personality disorder common among those with gambling problems. A study published in 2014 showed that gambling addicts tend to suffer from personality disorders, including BPD.
What does gambling addiction look like?
Many specialists and relevant studies define gambling problems as any behaviours related to gambling that affect your everyday life. Suppose you find yourself (or a loved one) starting to gamble more and more often, losing money that you don’t have or that you should be spending on other vital expenses, or always trying to compensate for the losses by playing more. In that case, you should seek help from a specialist regarding a gambling problem.
Gambling addiction can also relate to the uncontrolled impulse to gamble. More specifically, a gambling addict cannot resist the urge to gamble, no matter how many nefarious consequences this brings to their personal and professional life.
When a gambling addiction develops or when gambling problems arise, there are usually some signs:
Gambling more than you can afford. Never play with more than you can afford to lose. Safe gambling refers to a designated budget for the activity, besides other expenses, like rent, food, vacations, credit card bills, etc.
Loved ones try to warn you about your gambling behaviours. When your spouse, family, or friends tell you that you spend too much time gambling, you start losing too much money, or that your gambling behavior is generally not normal, it’s time to observe better what is happening.
It might seem that they do not understand your hobby or how you cope with stress, yet loved ones always aim for our very best, meaning they have your best interests at heart.
Tips for safe bets that work
When you choose to responsibly play online casino games, both you and the companies can benefit. You can find pleasure in an activity you enjoy, while the casinos will get happy clients. Happy clients return regularly, and they recommend the business to others.
The no.1 tip for safe bets is always choosing a licensed and reputable website or company. They ensure the best security protocols, meaning fewer fraud risks, and enforce rules to prevent gambling problems.
This includes self-exclusion programs, where those who experience problems with gambling irresponsibly can choose to permanently delete their account and not be able to create a new one for a specific amount of time. Another similar responsible gambling feature that legitimate casinos offer is to set gambling limits, meaning you won’t be able to spend more money than you set the limit to.
Irresponsible gambling or gambling addiction is a downside of the gambling industry. Still, online casino companies and other providers are trying to manage this issue as best as possible. When safe betting practices are ensured, the risk of developing gaming problems can be lowered, and more people can safely enjoy their hobby.