Online gaming should be a fun and entertaining way to spend your time. However, there are moments when playing becomes more than just a pleasure, and the fun stops. That’s when it’s time to take a break or even consider stopping completely.
At FXI.org.za, we encourage responsible gambling. All the casinos, poker sites, and sports betting platforms we partner with offer features like deposit limits or the option to self-exclude for a specified or permanent period.
We are not healthcare professionals, but we have gathered some information below about responsible gambling and gambling issues. Take a look, reflect, and seek help if you feel you need it!
How to Play Safely
GambleAware is the UK’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to educating and addressing gambling-related harm. They have compiled a list of ten tips for gambling safely:
- Don’t think of gambling as a way to make money.
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- Set a money limit in advance.
- Set a time limit in advance.
- Don’t try to win back your losses.
- Don’t gamble when you’re depressed or upset.
- Balance gambling with other activities.
- Don’t bring your bank card with you.
- Take breaks.
- Don’t drink or use drugs while gambling.
While this list may be more geared toward casino enthusiasts, it also applies to online players. We strongly recommend using the deposit and time limits provided by online casinos.
Signs of Problematic Gambling
The definition of problem gambling, addiction, or gambling disorders varies by country and source. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) calls it gambling disorder and defines it as follows: “Gambling disorder involves repeated problematic gambling behavior that causes significant problems or distress.”
According to the APA, a diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following criteria over the past year:
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the desired excitement.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, reduce, or stop gambling.
- Frequently thinking about gambling (e.g., reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling session, thinking of ways to get money to gamble).
- Often gambling when feeling distressed.
- Frequently returning to chase losses (i.e., trying to win back money lost while gambling).
- Lying to hide gambling activity.
- Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job, or educational/career opportunity due to gambling.
- Relying on others to help resolve financial problems caused by gambling.
If you have experienced or done any of the above, you may need to take control of your gambling. BeGambleAware has an anonymous online test that might provide additional insights into your gambling habits.
You Are Not Alone
A literature review published in the Journal of Behavioral Addiction (2016) suggests that the global prevalence of problem gambling ranges from 0.12% to 5.8%. According to a well-cited older study published in 1998, the prevalence was 4.7%.
Regardless of the current prevalence, you are not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from gambling addiction.
Where to Find Help
According to the Canadian Safety Council, here are confidential, 24/7 local helplines for gambling addiction:
- Alberta: 1-866-332-2322
- British Columbia: 1-888-795-6111
- Manitoba Gambling Helpline: 1-800-463-1554
- New Brunswick: 1-800-461-1234
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 1-888-899-4357
- Nova Scotia: 1-888-347-8888
- Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut: 1-800-265-3333
- Ontario: 1-888-230-3505
- Prince Edward Island: 1-888-299-8399
- Quebec: 514-527-0140
- Montreal and surrounding areas: 1-800-461-0140 and 1-866-767-5389
- Saskatchewan: 1-800-306-6789
If you need immediate help, please visit your local emergency service or call 911.
For more information and personal development, visit http://www.problemgambling.ca/.