Gambling Addiction: How to Combat It in 2024
Gambling addiction is one of the most serious problems that gamers may encounter during their playing in a casino. Once a game becomes something more than entertainment or has a negative impact on real life, one should try to limit their presence in online casinos.
By reading this article, you will learn more about how to recognise the first signs of gaming addiction and start tackling it. You will also learn how to set limits or even exclude yourself from a gambling site. We will provide readers with more information about where to get help if they can’t deal with gambling addiction on their own.
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What is Gambling Addiction
A gambling addiction is a sort of mental disorder when one has a necessity to continue playing casino games at all costs. It is similar to drug or alcohol addiction. Players with this disorder feel satisfaction after dopamine is released to the brain. This results in euphoria even when players with gaming mania are losing. While most gamblers can stop when needed, those with ludomania can’t have control over their gambling activities anymore.
Gambling Addiction Statistics
Aussies are known for their love of gambling. The total losses in casinos exceed those of the rest of the world. According to the latest studies, over 1.5 million gamblers from Oz are at risk of having a gambling addiction. The availability of online casinos makes it even harder for players to resist. According to gambling addiction statistics Australia, about 4.7% of divorces in the country are related to gambling. Over 70% of addicts play in AUS online casinos.
What Are the Causes of Gambling Addiction?
Not all gamblers will have an addiction. A lot of people play online casino games every day and they will never have any issues. When it comes to risks of addiction, they have roots in genetic factors, social roles, and other aspects.
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Biological Risk Factors
Gambling addiction symptoms may appear due to genetic factors. Those with a developed brain reward system have better chances of becoming addicted. A special MAO-A gene is responsible for how a person will behave during gambling sessions and whether there are risks of ludomania in the future. Keep in mind that if addiction is developed due to genetic factors, other family members are also at risk of having this disorder.
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Psychological Risk Factors
Apart from genetic predisposition, many become addicted for psychological reasons. They keep playing simply because they think that the losing streak is going to be over and the big winnings are around the corner. These symptoms of gambling addiction are known as psychological as one can’t be in control of their emotions anymore.
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Social Risk Factors
Stressed gamblers have higher risks of having gambling addiction symptoms. Moreover, those using drugs and alcohol when playing in casinos have better chances of losing control.
Signs of Gaming Addiction
According to gambling addiction statistics, men are more likely to have this trouble as compared to women. Also, those between the ages of 18 and 34 are in the group of risk as well. There are some red flags that one should be aware of to be able to recognise the approaching disorder:
- Problems in controlling gambling spending;
- Gambling to win back losses;
- Playing casino games to escape real-life issues;
- Borrowing moolah to gamble;
- Lying about playing in casinos, and many others.
Where to Get Help in Australia
If one of the above is relevant, a player can get gambling addiction help in Australia. There are many ways to tackle this disorder. One can try to do it on their own or contact specialised organisations.
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Online Gambling Help
Aussies can have 24-hour access to a free online service to deal with gambling addiction. They can use free email counselling, self-help information, and advice from professional psychologists.
- Phone: 1800 858 858;
- Email: [email protected].
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Help for Players
A special Gambler’s Help service is available to provide Aussie players with psychological and emotional support. It was launched by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation and includes many types of support, including peer consultation, education on gambling habits, etc.
- Phone: 1800 858 858;
- Email: Via contact form.
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National Council on Problem Gambling
This is an international organisation aiming at helping to deal with gambling addiction. The hotline is available 24/7. Players can get links to local organisations that offer their support in tackling this disorder.
- Phone: 1800 858 858;
- Email: [email protected].
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Anonymous Players
Gambling addiction stories told by others may be very helpful. The meetings throughout Australia bring together those who can’t deal with ludomania on their own.
- Phone: 02 9726 6625;
- Email: based on your location.
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Gambling Therapy
This is another free online service for those who can’t fight with ludomania on their own. You can receive various types of advice and support here. The live helpline is available 24/7.
- Phone: No phone support;
- Email: [email protected].
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GamCare
This is a network of organisations that provide treatment to those with gambling addiction. They work internationally. Gamblers can reach them via chat, email, or even their Facebook account.
- Phone: 0808 8020 133;
- Email: No email support.
Self-Assessment Tests
Aussie gamers can conduct free tests that are available online to see if they have gambling problems. After completing them, they will have some further recommendations on how to behave.
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Reality Check
There is special software allowing players to set special alarms that pop up if they play casino games for too long. Some online casinos offer such an option that one can set. Players can also select the duration of the gambling session between the alerts.
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Gambling Restrictions
Setting limits on your gambling budget is a good idea. Most online casinos in Australia allow you to do it so that you stay in control of your spending.
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Self-Exclusion
If you can not deal with your gaming mania, it is possible to ask the online casino for exclusion. This option is available on every website, which follows Responsible Gambling policies. The duration of the exclusion can be from a couple of days to several months.
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Locking Tools
By using some software, players can block access to gambling sites. Such tools can be installed and used on any device.
Our Conclusion
Gambling addiction is a serious disorder that requires a specific approach or even professional treatment. If one feels some symptoms, they should immediately start dealing with them. There are plenty of tools that may help Aussies limit their gambling activities. Moreover, some organisations allow them to tackle gambling addiction and learn how to get control over their spending again.
FAQ
How to Recognise Gambling Addiction Symptoms?
One can conduct tests to see whether they have a gambling addiction or not.
Who Can Help Players Overcome Gambling Addiction?
There are plenty of organisations across the country that help gamers cope with it. This can be gambling addiction help NSW, National Council on Problem Gambling, and institutions in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Victoria, and other cities and states.
Are There Tools to Tackle Gambling Addiction?
Yes, there are. Each regulated online casino provides gambling addiction Australia tools that allow players to limit their activities.
Can I Exclude Myself from a Casino?
Yes, you can. Each regulated casino following responsible gambling policies allows self-exclusion.
