Online gaming should be a fun way to keep you busy and entertained. However, there are times when playing becomes more than just fun and the fun stops. It is then time to take a break or consider quitting altogether.
At online-casino-australian.com, we encourage responsible gaming. All of the casinos, poker sites and sports betting sites we partner with offer the ability to set deposit limits or self-exclude for a fixed or permanent period.
We're not medical professionals, but we've gathered information about responsible gambling and problem gambling below. Take a look, think, and ask for help if you think you need it!
How to play it safe
GambleAware is the UK's leading non-profit organization dedicated to educating and tackling gambling-related harms. Their list is made up of ten tips for safe gambling:
- Don't think of gambling as a way to make money.
- Only play with money you can afford to lose.
- Set a money limit in advance.
- Set a time limit in advance.
- Don't try to bail out your losses.
- Don't gamble when you're depressed or upset.
- Balance play with other activities.
- Do not bring your bank card with you.
- Take breaks.
- Do not drink or use drugs while playing.
Although the list may be more for casino enthusiasts, it also has merit among online gamblers. We strongly recommend that you use online casino deposit limits and game time limits.
Signs that you are playing problematically
The definition of problem gambling, addiction or disorder varies by country and source. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) calls it a gaming disorder and defines it as: “gaming disorder involves repeated gambling behavior that causes significant problems or distress.”
According to the APA, a diagnosis of gaming disorder requires at least four of the following within the past year:
- Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the desired excitement.
- Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop playing.
- Repeated and unsuccessful efforts to control, reduce or stop gambling.
- Frequent thoughts about gambling (e.g., reliving past gambling experiences, planning one's next gambling moment, thinking about ways to get money to gamble).
- Play frequently when in distress.
- Frequently coming back to bail out an amount of money after losing it while gambling (this is called “wanting to bail out your losses”).
- Lying to hide gambling activity.
- Jeopardizing or losing an important relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling.
- Relying on others to solve problems caused by gambling.
If you have ever felt or done any of the things listed above, you may need to take control of your gambling. BeGambleAware has an anonymous online test which may give you additional insight into your gambling habits.
Regardless of the current prevalence, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from gambling addiction worldwide.
Where to find help
According to the Australian authoriy, here are the confidential local 24/7 addiction helplines:
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gambling-addiction
- https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
- https://responsiblewagering.com.au/
If you need urgent help, please visit your local emergency service or call 911.
For your personal development and for more information, visit https://responsiblewagering.com.au/
