In the UK, it is estimated that 1.4 million adults have a gambling problem. The increase in online gambling drives this number, as people find it incredibly easy to gamble anywhere, anytime.
Gambling problems can badly affect your life. It’s important to know how to prevent online gambling, why it’s a problem and what professional support is available.
Why Setting Boundaries Matters When Gambling Online
Boundaries are important to having a healthy relationship with gambling.
Online gambling means that people can gamble 24 hours a day. You don’t have to physically go into a betting shop anymore, and can use mobile apps, giving them instant access. This can make it harder to recognise when gambling is becoming excessive.
If you set boundaries, you reduce harm and help people enjoy gambling whilst remaining responsible.
If you are worried about online gambling, setting and sticking to limits now is easier than attempting to regain control if a problem develops.
Why Online Gambling Can Be Difficult to Control
What is it about online gambling that can make it so addictive for people?
Constant Access
With smartphones and betting apps, online gambling has become convenient. You can do it from wherever you are, at all hours and without interruption. There is no need to go to a betting shop or take a break, as there is always something to bet on when it suits you.
Fast-Paced Games and Instant Rewards
Your betting account is directly linked to your bank account, meaning you can instantly deposit and withdraw your money without friction. There are continuous betting opportunities, flashy rapid game cycles and promotional offers and bonuses that entice you every time you log in.
These features give you continuous short bursts of dopamine, keeping you motivated to bet, and the options available mean there is always something new to try out.
Gambling During Emotional Moments
Gambling can become an emotional balm. People who are experiencing stress, loneliness and anxiety bet to cope with their emotions. Boredom is also a huge draw as it can easily occupy you, seemingly more fulfilling than mindlessly scrolling through your phone.
Those with financial worries will also turn to betting. Some see it as an easy way to raise money or use betting to deal with the negative feelings that money troubles are causing.
How to Prevent Online Gambling
There are methods you can incorporate into your life to help prevent online gambling from taking over your life.
- Set a budget before you start
- Set a time limit that you stick to
- Don’t gamble with money needed for bills and other essentials
- Don’t chase losses (gambling after a loss to try and recoup money)
- Don’t gamble when you are upset or under the influence
- Take regular breaks
- Take part in other hobbies and activities; don’t allow gambling to take over
- Keep track of your spending and gambling frequency
Use Responsible Gambling Tools
All UK Gambling Commission-licensed operators have tools to help you keep an eye on your gambling activities and money.
They have features such as:
- Deposit limits: You can set up a limit on how much money you put into your account.
- Loss limits: You can set up a limit on how much your account can lose.
- Time reminders: Apps allow you to set a time limit.
- Reality checks: Alerts can pop up to ask you if you want to keep playing.
- Session limits: You can set the maximum time you can stay logged in during a single session.
- Cooling-off periods: You can set up a window in which you can’t log back into your account, from a day to weeks.
- Self-exclusion options: You can set up longer breaks lasting years.
GAMSTOP is a free UK self-exclusion scheme. After you register, you’ll be blocked from websites and apps operated by online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain for your chosen length of time.
Warning Signs That Gambling May Be Becoming a Problem
To have a better chance at preventing problem gambling, knowing what to look out for is important. Signs of a gambling addiction include:
- Spending more than you mean
- Gambling more often
- Hiding gambling from family
- Chasing losses
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Neglecting work or relationships
- Feeling anxious when unable to gamble
- Gambling to escape difficult emotions
- Failed attempts to stop
Remember, these are warning signs, not a criterion for diagnosis. Talk to a professional if you are worried.
The Impact of Problem Gambling
Gambling can result in more than you losing money.
A report by the UK government found that people experiencing problem gambling were more likely to report poor physical and mental health due to it. The Royal College of Psychiatrists have found that problem gambling can cause low self-esteem, develop chronic stress that causes physical problems and anxiety and depression.
Beyond physical and mental wellbeing, consequences of problem gambling include:
- Debt and financial problems
- Relationship breakdown
- Work or school difficulties
- Sleep problems
- Increased isolation
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Your problem gambling may get to a stage where you need professional help to overcome it. You should consider contacting a gambling treatment centre if:
- Gambling feels difficult to control
- You are ignoring your self-imposed limits
- Debt continues to increase
- Gambling is affecting family life
- Mental health is deteriorating
- Tried to stop and been unable to
- You’re using gambling as a coping mechanism
It’s better to reach out for help sooner rather than later, as acting now can lead to better recovery outcomes.
How Gambling Addiction Treatment Can Help
Cassiobury Court offers a gambling addiction rehabilitation programme. You can participate in a personalised comprehensive treatment plan that can help you regain control over both your finances and wellbeing.
Elements of your treatment may include:
- Individual therapy and group therapies
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Help with identifying gambling triggers
- Relapse prevention planning
- Mental health support
- Family support
- Free year of aftercare
Cassiobury Court is a residential treatment centre. This means that you come to us and live within the centre over the course of your treatment. Doing residential rehab can allow you to completely focus on recovery, giving you time and space to properly reflect and commit to change.
Find Out More About How to Prevent Online Gambling
Setting clear boundaries is one of the best ways to reduce gambling-related harm before the problem develops. Whilst responsible tools can be effective, they may not be enough if your gambling has become compulsive.
To know if this is the case, recognising the warning signs is important and can help in preventing more serious consequences. Even if you have developed an addiction to online gambling, professional treatment is available.
If gambling is beginning to affect your life or someone you care about, call Cassiobury Court now at 01923 369161 for confidential advice.
