(Newswire.net — November 6, 2015) — While gambling addiction isn’t as common as many people believe, there are still a small minority of people who are unable to resist the lure of high-stakes games – even when they really can’t afford to lose. Now, a few responsible online casino companies are offering help and support to those who may be showing the signs of gambling addiction. With many websites offering free spins, such as casinoservice.org/free-spins, it can be difficult to resist the lure of gambling.
What are the signs of gambling addiction?
When does a harmless pastime turn into an addiction? After all, gambling isn’t a substance like alcohol or drugs that creates physical dependency. The answer, of course, is that gambling addiction is a psychological addiction rather than a physical one, but a lot of the symptoms are similar to those exhibited by substance addicts. Here are some typical symptoms that may indicate that you or someone you love has a gambling addiction:
1. Lying about what they’re doing: Just like substance abusers, gambling addicts often feel the need to cover up their activities. They know they shouldn’t be gambling as much as they do, and they don’t want others to know about it.
2. Constantly trying to recover losses: The gambling addict might try one strategy after another in their attempt to recover the money they’ve lost. They’re sure that if they can hit on just the right formula, they’ll win back what they’ve lost and more.
3. Borrowing in order to play: Let’s face facts. If you can afford the amounts you spend on gambling, then you haven’t really got a problem. But if you borrow in order to keep playing, you definitely do have a problem!
4. Upping the stakes to ridiculous levels: Just as you need more and more alcohol in order to get high if you’re a problem drinker, some problem gamblers stop getting a buzz from low-stakes play. They up the stakes, but after a time, it’s still not exciting enough for them.
5. Gambling is the most important thing in their lives: Friends, family, career – all of these take the backseat in the eyes of a true problem gambler. They obsess about odds, develop systems and strategies and keep playing, no matter what else in their lives is craving attention.
Just how common is gambling addiction?
Those in search of sensational figures showing massive rates of gambling addiction simply won’t find them. Most adults drink without becoming alcoholics, and most people who enjoy gambling never become addicts. Canadian statistics show that at most 2% of Canadians will overdo gambling to the point where it can be regarded as an ‘addiction’.
A for gambling addicts themselves, light-hearted discussions in Poker Forum show that instead of holding addicts in high regard, most players are shocked at the excessive gambling that some people indulge in. It’s a bit like being an alcoholic in a bar – nobody wants anything to do with the addict.
Luckily, those who believe that they may have a problem can discuss it with site admin. There problem will be taken seriously, and they will get solid help and advice that will help them to get their gambling under control.
About the Author:
Paul Nirenberg is a regular contributor for PokerVIP and PokerTube where he writes about poker strategy, industry, and event news.