For some, casino games are a source of entertainment and fun. People love to try the latest slots and trending games. These casino buffs sign up for a trusted and licensed casino platform and use a casino bonus checker to find some exciting welcome bonuses
Unfortunately, gambling is not the same for everyone. Some people get so addicted to gambling that they can’t spend a day without being active on the online casino website. This can have serious financial and life consequences, putting their relationships and even work at risk.
Now, the important question is “how do I know I have a serious gambling addiction”? Let’s take a look at the top 6 signs you are suffering from gambling addiction to watch out for.
You Can’t Stop Thinking about Gambling
Gambling is fun. Hundreds of thousands of people spend hours playing their favourite casino games on their smartphones. There’s nothing wrong with trying some new casino games for fun. However, there is a difference between having fun and being addicted.
Compulsive gamblers can’t stop thinking about their next bet. Whether they are at work or a social event, all they think about is slots, table games, and casinos. Playing casino slots for fun is absolutely fine as long as you don’t get obsessed with it. If you are having a hard time running the regular errands or focusing on your work and studies because of gambling, then it’s time to seek help.
You Need to Borrow or Steal
Recreational players wager on casino slots and table games for fun. They are willing to spend a few bucks to try their luck in gambling. For most people, gambling is only a way to spend some quality time.
However, gambling addicts do not play for fun. It becomes their need. They are ready to overspend on casinos. In fact, their addiction reaches a point where they are fine with stealing money from strangers, taking money out of a joint account without telling their partner or borrowing thousands of dollars just so that they can gamble.
You Can’t Stop Gambling
A poker player knows when is the right time to hold and fold their cards. Similarly, a healthy gambler knows their limits and spends the amount they can afford to lose. Gambling addicts, on the other hand, struggle to stop themselves from overspending. To them, betting seems more important than life itself. They don’t need opportunities and some free time to join a casino table or spin the roulette wheel. They rather change their daily routine and work schedule to get enough time for gambling.
Veteran gamblers know the consequences of gambling on their financial life. They don’t have to struggle to avoid losses. In fact, they deposit only the amount they can lose. Compulsive gamblers know how gambling will affect their financial life, but they simply cannot stop. It seems like they need to wager to stay alive.
You Bet more Money
Usually, people set aside a few dollars for fun gambling. But, problem gamblers have no budget when it comes to casino games. When they have developed an addiction, there is no way they are going to think about the consequences of unhealthy gambling. The main problem with these gamblers is that they don’t set limits.
No matter how much profit they make from casinos, it is never enough for them. They can gamble all day every day to experience the adrenaline rush. In some cases, the pathological gambler ends up spending the money all of their savings. They don’t care about the utility bills, monthly household expenses, and other essential needs.
You Feel Emotionally Unwell when not Gambling
Addicts never gamble to win or just to have fun. They rather do it to escape anxiety and stress. For compulsive gamblers, gambling is the only way to feel good. They face emotional and mental issues, such as anxiety and restlessness if they don’t gamble.
They can never be content with what they make from gambling. They don’t care about anyone or anything. All they know is that they need to gamble. This emotional stress outweighs than financial challenges. The anxiety, frustration, and emotional issues are the common reasons why gamblers can’t stop.
You Lie about it
If you are gambling on a valid and licensed casino website, you don’t need to hide it from your loved ones. As long as you are playing for fun, there is no need to lie about it. Many people play slots and casino games regularly. However, if you’ve started to lie about gambling, then that indicates you have a problem.
Compulsive gamblers are reluctant to share their gambling habits with their family and friends. They know they are playing and spending too much. They make excuses. To a gambling addict, lying about gambling is the best way to avoid a lecture.
Bottom Line
Millions of gamblers in the world suffer from gambling addiction. Help is available for those who want to recover from this unhealthy addiction. So, it’s important to know the difference between healthy and unsafe gambling.
If you feel like your gambling is becoming a problem, seek help. In the US, you can contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700. If you are in the UK, call the GamCare National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
