Addiction To Online Gambling – How To Lend a Helping Hand
Online gambling has taken the world by storm. The increase in smartphones has led to more people getting into the online gambling circuit. It also means that many people are gambling online without being aware of how to play safely. On the one hand, online casinos pose a safety risk – the user’s details may not pass through secure channels. On the other, the risk of online gambling addiction is significantly high.
Players are always advised to check the credibility of the website before registering for gambling. Sites such as mega888 are known for genuine service.
Gambling addiction has always been a possible side effect of recreational activity. So, is there a need to separately address the concerns regarding online gambling addiction? Read on to know why.
Conventional gambling vs.
online casinos
Before knowing more about the risk of getting addicted to online gambling, one must look at the comparison of modern and conventional means of gambling. The comparison given below would perhaps be an indicator of why there is a need to study online gambling addiction. One can also know if it is any different from regular addiction.
Gambling with friends vs. gambling alone
In a land-based casino, people rarely visit alone. There is either a group of friends or at least another companion to gamble with. In online gambling, however, participants are confined to their comfort spaces – the walls of their houses. They gamble alone.
Jaw-dropping bonuses online
Land-based casinos may or may not provide extensive bonuses to their players. In stark contrast, online casinos like mega888 have all kinds of bonuses and rewards – one for loyal players, one for beginners – everyone gets something!
The quality of offline and online games
Both types of casinos face fierce competition. However, the fight to stay at the top is more seen on the online side. Thus, online casinos have no option but to continuously update their game quality if they want to attract more customers. Mega888 is always at the top of its game when it comes to quality.
Is online gambling more addictive?
There are several reasons why gambling on websites could be more dangerous and addictive. Note that reputed online casinos like mega888 take the initiative to inform their players about healthy practices.
Online websites employ every trick in the book to pull in more players. One infamous technique is to allow new players to try a game with play money until they become familiar with the rules. Some websites offer high odds for the free version and then reduce it when the player signs up to play with real money.
People can play for days together on their mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. There is no way for others to know or stop them, unlike land-based casinos where at least one person is bound to notice an addict.
Restricting oneself from playing in an offline casino is much easier than doing the same online. Any device with an internet connection is enough for an addict to start playing.
People are more likely to spend less if they use currency notes. In online gambling, credit cards are mainly used. People can easily lose track of how much money they have spent on the site.
In online gambling, people from the same geographical location can form teams and share information to edge over the other players. These possibilities make the games even more addictive.
Online casinos can introduce bots whose gameplay resembles that of human players. Programmed bots can influence players’ wagering decisions and make them stay longer on the site.
People are at a higher risk of getting addicted while gambling online. The main reasons for this are – there is nobody to keep an eye on their gambling practices, spending money through credit cards does not give the same feeling as losing actual currency notes, and there are some features of online casinos that can make an addict out of a regular gambler.
Signs of online gambling addiction
Just because there are some risks associated with online gambling doesn’t mean that one should keep away from the activity altogether. For those who are on the verge of getting addicted to online gambling, the signs given below will help in early identification. If one can spot the signs before it’s too late, effective measures can beat the habit.
The amount spent on gambling increases with each round, and the player is ready to spend any amount to match the excitement level.
Spending the rest of the day planning about the websites to visit and arranging money for the same.
Multiple unsuccessful attempts to keep away from devices used to access online casinos.
Taking loans or borrowing money through other means to play even when going down the loss spiral.
Lying about the number of hours spent on gambling websites.
Using online casinos as a means to escape from real-life problems.
The signs listed here are more or less the same as those found in offline gamblers. As online gamblers stand a higher chance of getting pulled into the game way more than they may have initially intended to, it is recommended to keep a check on oneself once in a while.
For those who still cannot keep their spending and gambling habits in check, the worst that could happen is an addiction.
Breaking the cycle
Getting addicted to online gambling is neither an uncommon thing nor the end of the world! In case one has already reached the deep end of the pool, one would have repeatedly attempted to get out of the vicious cycle. If the attempts failed, there is no need to worry. Here are some effective tips for breaking the habit. All one needs is the will power to start the process all over again.
Self-help groups
There are self-help groups targeted at online gamblers who have got addicted to the habit. Attending sessions with other addicts can give a sense of belonging and at the same time provide a new will power to try again.
Rehabilitation centers
Some first-world countries have rehabilitation centres with in-patient facilities. These centers are willing to take in gamblers who wish to come out of the addiction to play.
Helplines
People who have just identified that their gambling habits are unhealthy can call helplines for their corresponding geographical location. It is a good first step towards deaddiction.
Counseling
Qualified psychologists can help conduct individual and group therapy sessions for online gambling addicts. Therapy sessions often involve identifying the root of the problem and figuring out ways to eliminate the addiction at its roots.
Top tips for responsible gambling
Mega888 and other such websites have detailed information about responsible gambling practices. It is a sign that the business cares about its profits and the welfare of its customers.
How many times do we hear the term – prevention is better than cure? Unfortunately, since not all websites offer tips to gamble responsibly, here are a few general tips.
Even before starting the game, set a limit on the maximum loss amount. Once the player reaches this amount, no matter how tempting it is to continue, walk away.
Fix a time for online gambling.
People tend to think that it is alright to continue as long as they have a winning streak. However, wiser players will set limits on winning amounts too. There is always a possibility of a big loss following a big win.
Why risk it?
Do not play non-stop. With regular breaks in-between game sessions, one can minimize the chance of getting addicted.
Do not depend on others’ money for gambling. Gamblers need to understand that by borrowing more money, they are digging their own grave.
The final word
As playing from remote systems has become the norm in today’s online casino culture, there is always the question of finding the right websites. Mega888 or other sites that take responsibility for educating their users about the risks involved in online gambling are trustworthy.
Some online casinos go one step further and take all the measures to prevent underage kids from accessing the site. Even for registered users, there are several features to restrict oneself from playing the game voluntarily.
Some websites have taken the initiative to spread the word to maintain a healthy gambling schedule. However, as a regular gambler, the onus is partly on the gambler too – to teach such practices that do not encourage addiction.
With endless varieties of games, online casinos can be a real treat. But to enjoy the experience in its entirety, the player should make sure not to fall into the trap of instant gratification. From this point of view, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that online gambling may not be the best choice for indecisive people who tend to get influenced by those surrounding them easily.
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