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Responsible Gambling

Gambling needs to be fun. Always bet with your head. Not over it!

For many people gambling is an enjoyable hobby. With that being said, not everyone stays in control when they’re gambling. Thus, this section tries to elaborate on some of the most important things you, as a gambler, need to be aware of.

We want to make sure that our users are aware of the risks entailed in gambling, and encourage seeking professional help if you feel that your own gaming habits get out of hand and you either are in or are heading into a situation where you lose control.

For most people gambling is just a hobby. When gambling, you get the chance to either win or lose on your selected outcome. If you win, you normally get some kind of reward. It can be money, points, or some kind of value. However, most people prefer using money as the input and potential outcome when gambling.

What is gambling addiction – and what do you need to know about responsible gambling?

Whenever gambling goes beyond being just a hobby and becomes an obsession, it could lead to a variety of different problems in the individual’s life. In such cases, the addiction reaches a level where even if the person realizes he or she is hurting themselves or their loved ones, they are unable to stop their behavior.

Being addicted to gambling has many facets where not everyone may suffer the same symptoms or experience a similar intensity.  Compulsive gamblers are those who are unable to control their desire to gamble and will continue to do so regardless of whether they win or lose. Even if they cannot afford to lose.

On the other hand, binge gamblers exhibit the symptoms of compulsive gamblers but only over a period of time. They may have the ability to refrain from gambling for a week or month at a time but eventually go back to gambling compulsively for long stretches.

Problem gamblers are individuals who may not be addicted, but have the habit of gambling that can potentially disturb their normal life. They are the ones who begin to chase losses, gamble with money that isn’t their own, steal to support their habit, or lie to their loved ones about their finances and betting habits.

No matter which can of gambling addictive you might be, it’s important to realize the problem and look for professional help. If you can relate to some of the above descriptions of gambling addictions, we surely recommend you to seek help. This is not how gambling should feel like.

A variety of gambling problems

To begin with, it is important to understand that every individual is different and may exhibit varied signs and symptoms of a gambling problem. It’s important to understand that gambling contains a risk. Either you win on your selected outcome or you lose. Never gamble with anything you can’t afford or accept to lose. It’s important to state out, not only for the users of CasinoWatch, but for everyone that when it comes to gambling, you will enjoy it the most when staying responsible with it.

Often, gamblers as well as those around them fail to pick up certain signs. According to the American Psychiatric Association some of the signs and symptoms include:

  • Constant urge to gamble at any time during the day or night
  • Chasing losses in the hopes of winning
  • Using gambling to escape from problems
  • Showing signs of depression/anxiety
  • Conflicts with others over money issues
  • Hiding financial details from spouse or family
  • Frequently borrowing money or asking for advances

Do you know a friend or a person nearby, that seems to develop these kinds of symptoms? If yes, there’s nothing wrong with telling them to search for professional help. As soon as gambling becomes more than just an enjoyable hobby, there’s a risk it will turn into an addiction. Therefore, always try to face the problems at it’s beginning.

How can you be a responsible gambler?

Most people, luckily enough, feel good about gambling. It can be fun and add a little more excitement to your daily life.  In this section below, we try to give you an overview of how to be a responsible gambler.

We recommend that every gambler pay close attention to the following:

  • Determine a realistic amount you can afford to gamble.
  • Do not place large bets in the hopes of winning big.
  • Assign only specific hours to gamble and quit even if you are on a winning streak.
  • Don’t chase your losses.
  • Never risk all your money. Keep a certain percentage as your bankroll and separate winnings.
  • Gambling is not a shortcut to financial success.
  • Seek help immediately if you worried about gambling problems.

If you just read this section and you’re afraid that you’ve started to develop a gambling addiction. Here’s what we recommend to you.

Need help – call someone to talk with

(CO) Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.

(IA) If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-BETS-OFF.

(IN) If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT.
Indiana Self-Restriction Program

(NJ) Bet with your head, not over it! Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.

(NV) If your gambling is no longer fun, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact
the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling or call 1-800-522-4700.

(PA) If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available, call 1-800-Gambler.

(WV) If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.