Gambling gives players a thrill and a sense of excitement. This means it can easily progress from occasional gambling to compulsive need to gamble. People with a long history of responsible behaviour can also be vulnerable to developing a serious gambling problem.
Financial problems are a common consequence of gambling addiction. However, relationship problems, legal problems, job loss, mental health problems and spending too much time online are also common.
But relationship problems, legal problems, job loss, mental health problems and spending too much time online are also common.
With online gambling, the risk of gambling addiction is a lot higher due to things like:
- Anonymity making it easier to hide gambling habits.
- Faster payouts and more chances to win, leading to instant gratification.
- Using your mobile to gamble anywhere, anytime.
- Fast games such as slot games where wins are more frequent.
- More chances to win big jackpots.
Gambling licence holders do their best to create a safe gaming environment and want gambling to remain fun for all players above all else. That is why there are tools, such as deposit limits, time limits and product blockers, to complement addiction prevention policies.
If you or someone is or you know someone with gambling addiction symptoms, you should exclude yourself from all gambling activities. This can be done, for example, via GAMSTOP.
