I feel it is very important that as a webmaster of a reputable online casino portal that we provide relevant information to our visitors who may have a gambling problem. This is a resource I have been wanting to provide for a long time now on Online Casino Reviewer and thus feel it is right that I start this thread in the forum now, whereby it is accessible to all our visitors. Whether players, webmasters or casino operators.
Unfortunately like many forms of entertainment there will always be a minority who succumb to darker sides of gambling, especially online where the ability to spend vast quantities of money online is only a couple of clicks away.
The purpose of this thread is to provide links to websites and information to help you if you yourself and a problem gambler or you know someone close to you who has a gambling addiction.
Part of the criteria we set on Online Casino Reviewer before listing an online casino or gambling site is that the operator fully 100% supports and promotes responsible gambling.
Do I have a gambling problem?
You may have a gambling problem if you:
- Feel the need to be secretive about your gambling. You might gamble in secret or lie about how much you gamble, feeling others won’t understand or that you will surprise them with a big win.
- Have trouble controlling your gambling. Once you start gambling, can you walk away? Or are you compelled to gamble until you’ve spent your last dollar, upping your bets in a bid to win lost money back?
- Gamble even when you don’t have the money. A red flag is when you are getting more and more desperate to recoup your losses. You may gamble until you’ve spent your last dollar, and then move on to money you don’t have- money to pay bills, credit cards, or things for your children. You may feel pushed to borrow, sell or even steal things for gambling money. It’s a vicious cycle. You may sincerely believe that gambling more money is the only way to win lost money back. But it only puts you further and further in the hole.
- Family and friends are worried about you. Denial keeps problem gambling going. If friends and family are worried, listen to them carefully. Take a hard look at how gambling is affecting your life. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help.
Does my loved one have a gambling problem?
If your loved one has a gambling problem, he or she might:
- Become increasingly defensive about his or her gambling. The more a problem gambler is in the hole, the more the need to defend gambling as a way to get money. Your loved one may get secretive, defensive or even blame you for the need to gamble, telling you that it is all for you and you need to trust in the “big win someday”.
- Suddenly become secretive over money and finances. Your loved one might show a new desire to control household finances, or there might increasingly be a lack of money despite the same income and expenses. Savings and assets might mysteriously dwindle, or there may be unexplained loans or cash advances.
- Become increasingly desperate for money to fund the gambling. Credit card bills may increase, or your loved one may ask friends and family for money. Jewelry or other items easily pawned for money may mysteriously disappear.
Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling: Signs, Help, and Treatment Useful Links: GamCare, gambling addiction, gambling problems help, support and advice Gamble Aware Gamblers Anonymous Official Home Page
If any of our forum members have an experience of anyone with a gambling problem or indeed have been affected themselves, feel free to post your comments and your experiences in this thread.
Please also name and shame any Online Casinos that you know that do not immediately upon request close your account with them, should you have informed them you have a gambling problem.
In the next few days I will also be setting up a dedicated page on Online Casino Reviewer with further information and resources on how to deal with problem gambling.