How to Recognise an Online Gambling Addiction
Online gambling is a form of betting in which real money is wagered on an event with an expectation of winning a prize. It involves the use of a computer, tablet, or mobile phone connected to the Internet to place bets or wagers on sporting events, casino games, and more. It can be done from any location with an Internet connection, and is legal in many jurisdictions around the world. While attempts to pass uniform legislation on online gambling have failed, individual states and territories are working to regulate the industry. The online gambling industry is growing rapidly.
Online gamblers may be at risk of developing a gambling addiction, a problem that manifests as compulsive behaviour resulting in negative consequences. These behaviours can have serious financial and personal impacts. Some of these effects include chasing losses, accumulating debt, and spending increasing amounts of time gambling online. Other issues that are linked with gambling addiction include social isolation, loss of relationships, and depression.
It is possible to recover from online gambling addiction. A complete recovery strategy includes self-awareness, professional help, and lifestyle changes. Often, people develop an addiction to online gambling because of underlying issues like depression or anxiety. Therapy with a psychologist can be helpful in treating these issues. In addition, support groups like Gamblers Anonymous can provide peer support. Finally, healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise and meditation can help replace the unhealthy activities of online gambling.
Many young people are introduced to gambling-adjacent behaviours through features in online games such as loot boxes and skin betting. This video from Myleene Klass explains how adults can educate young people about the risks and dangers of these habits and what to look out for if they think a child or young person is developing a gambling habit.
Identifying signs of an online gambling addiction is important. This will allow you to seek help before it’s too late. A common symptom is chasing losses, which involves the compulsion to continue gambling in an attempt to recover lost funds. The idea that a big win will compensate for previous losses motivates this behavior, and it often results in increased gambling activity and bigger bets.
Other symptoms of online gambling addiction include a loss of interest in other activities, frequent arguments with family and friends, and declining work performance. It is also common for gambling to cause a drop in physical health, including poor sleep and weight gain. People with an online gambling addiction can develop anxiety and panic disorders, which may manifest as chest pains or a racing heartbeat.
There are several ways to treat an online gambling addiction, and some of them are more effective than others. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people recognize faulty thinking patterns such as the belief that they are “due to win” after a string of losses and teach them how to respond more effectively to negative emotions like fear or anger. In addition, motivational interviewing helps people examine their ambivalence about changing their gambling habits.