Slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker tournaments, table games with live dealers… Online casinos offer us the chance to partake in a unique gaming experience, all while trying to win real money. But beyond the glitz and glamour lies a much darker reality. Some players addicted to gambling fall prey to conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to insomnia.
Gambling addiction has even become a public health problem in some countries. Understanding the harmful effects of compulsive gambling is crucial to address the challenges faced by individuals and their loved ones. In this regard, some industry professionals like Barrière Casino are committed to responsible gambling, increasing awareness campaigns against the risks of gambling addiction. This article will explore the consequences excessive gambling can have on our health and the existing solutions to prevent risky behaviors.
What are the issues related to gambling addiction?
Online gambling and betting provide us with adrenaline rushes similar to what we might feel in a land-based casino. These simple-rule entertainments can keep us enthralled, not just for their video game aspect but also for the allure of jackpots that can reach millions of euros. However, life is not like a James Bond movie, and slot machines rarely ring out in reality. In some cases, players too obsessed with the lure of gain end up spending all their savings in casino games hoping to break the bank. These downfall situations can affect players’ mental health, even leading to anxiety attacks, mood swings, depression, stress, and paranoia.
In Japan, the phenomenon has even become a public health issue, as there are many players showing these symptoms. Unfortunately, there are very few institutions that can offer them help, due to lack of resources or consideration. In situations of great social distress, victims end up evicted from their homes or ostracized by their own families.
To stem the phenomenon, measures have been taken, particularly in terms of raising awareness against gambling addiction.
What advice is there to avoid gambling addiction?
As we’ve seen, problems related to compulsive gambling can have very serious consequences on our health. To avoid falling into excess, simple tips can help you manage your reactions during your gaming sessions.
Choose a reliable casino
Whether you’re a poker enthusiast or a slot machine expert, you should ensure you choose a reliable and secure casino. To find out if you’re using a legal site, you can visit the “terms and conditions” section to see the provider’s policy. If the latter has a license from a gaming regulation body, there’s a good chance your casino is legal. Indeed, these accreditations are issued only if strict conditions are met: the operator must, in particular, warn consumers about the dangers of gambling addiction.
Control your emotions
Every player, whether novice or professional, must learn to control their emotions. Don’t give in to panic, and if you see that luck isn’t on your side, quit the game and try your luck another time. As the saying goes, “when it doesn’t want to, it just doesn’t want to.” So, it will be useless to force your destiny if you’re not lucky.
Try “free casinos”
Online free casinos may be less popular among gamers, but they are a good option for players who want to manage both their budget and their approach to gambling. Thanks to these casinos, that offer free spins and bonuses, the experience is risk-free: no chance of receiving a call from your banker to report an exceeded overdraft. Moreover, playing fictitiously naturally reduces the excitement compared to playing with real money. Consequently, the duration of your gaming sessions will naturally decrease.
Conclusion
Offering the chance to have fun with a real opportunity to hit the jackpot, casino games belong to a unique category of entertainment. Unfortunately, this aspect promotes risky behaviors, and many players develop serious health problems directly related to gambling addiction. The hidden part of the iceberg thus reveals a dark side against which industry professionals strive to fight.
