We created this guide in order to help visitors learn more about responsible gambling and to avoid gambling addiction. If you think that you, or someone that you know, might have a gambling problem, this is the right page for you. Keep on reading to find out more information on responsible gambling and how and where you can seek help if you’re experiencing a gambling problem.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling is a concept that gambling providers are now following to ensure that their users are protected from the consequences of gambling. Although gambling is considered to be a popular pastime, it can also be addictive. Responsible gambling covers areas such as the protection of vulnerable players, delivering a fair platform to all gamblers and prevents underage gambling at all costs.
Some gamblers fall under this gambling problem because they are trying to chase a loss. Others might see gambling as a form of escape and not simply as a means of entertainment. There are some players who are addicted to the adrenaline rush and the excitement that one feels when playing for real money. Gambling becomes a serious problem when:
1️⃣ A person undermines his family and friends so that he can gamble.
2️⃣ Financial and legal problems start to emerge due to gambling.
3️⃣ The mental, physical and emotional well-being is being compromised.
How to Recognise a Gambling Problem
If you suspect that you or someone that you know are suffering from a gambling problem, it’s best that you know how to recognise the problem. Recognising the problem is the first step towards recovery and recognising the problem fast might help reduce some of the emerging consequences. Here are a few signs that will help you recognise a gambling problem:
- ❌ Lying about gambling or the money spent on playing games.
- ❌ Chasing big or small losses.
- ❌ Borrowing money for the sake of gambling.
- ❌ Constantly thinking about gambling.
- ❌ Gambling out of need rather than looking at gambling as a source of entertainment.
- ❌ Gambling to forget about day-to-day problems.
- ❌ Looking at gambling as being more important than anything else, including family and friends.
The Consequences of Having a Gambling Problem
When you or someone that you know is going through a gambling problem, financial worries are not your only consequences. Although spending more money than you can afford is considerable trouble, other things are at stake. If things get out of hand, bankruptcy and the loss of one’s home are a possible outcome.
However, there are other consequences that affect family and personal relationships. Family members are more than likely to suffer when there is a gambling problem. Your gambling problems become your family and friends’ problems as well and this might trigger a number of arguments and losses within the family circle. Many players who are struggling with gambling also struggle in the workplace due to lack of performance, stress and preoccupation due to solely focusing on betting. This might eventually lead to unemployment which worsens the gambling addiction since some players might then resort to borrowing money.
How to Practice Responsible Gambling
You can control your gambling addiction. You don’t have to cut gambling out of your life completely. You simply have to learn how to play your favourite games responsibly and with good measure. However, if you feel that this is too hard for you to manage, consider quitting gambling altogether and get professional help from the companies and agencies listed in the nest section of this guide.
Here are a few tips on how to control your gambling and get back to gambling responsibly:
- ✅ Set goals and commitments and try and stick to these at all times.
- ✅ Take action to change your behaviour, thoughts and actions.
- ✅ Start to repair broken relationships of friends and family.
- ✅ It won’t be simple. There are going to be hurdles. Remain positive and keep moving forward.
- ✅ Don’t be ashamed or afraid to ask for professional guidance and assistance.
Getting Professional Help
If you feel like you cannot overcome your gambling problem alone, you don’t have to. Always remember that you are not alone in this and that there is nothing wrong with seeking professional help. Each country has its own organisations, some might be governmental while others are NGO’s that help people avoid gambling addiction. Let’s go through each organisation in each respective market and see how these organisations are helping players from becoming gambling addicts.
Canadian Organisations and Tools for Responsible Gambling
Below are organisations that offer free help and support to Canadians suffering from gambling addiction. There are also various centres and hotlines across Canadian states that can help people who are going through a gambling problem. Help is abundant in Canada. Do not hesitate to look for it.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
The Canadian market benefits from a wealthy choice of organisations that help advocate responsible gambling. One of the most popular ones is the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) organisation. CAMH sets the standards for care, research, education and leading social change.
- Website: www.camh.ca
- E-mail: info@camh.ca
- Phone Number (24/7 toll free): 1-800-463-2338
Gambling Support BC
Gambling Support BC is a service offered by the British Columbia government that provides free information and resources to the public to help them make informed decisions and maintain healthy habits when it comes to gambling.
Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)
The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is a non-profit organisation based in Canada that aims to prevent gambling-related problems. The RGC’s mission is to encourage responsible gambling by providing information, education and research on the subject. The RGC also provides a helpline for problem gamblers and their families.
The Gordon Moody Association
The Gordon Moody Association is a UK based organisation that is available to many nationalities, including Canadians. They offer treatment, support and education for those with gambling problems. On the Gordon Moody’s website you will find a range of services, including online support.
Our Approach towards Responsible Gambling
Here at MrCasinova responsible gambling is one of our top priorities. We want to make sure that all our players are gambling in a safe and secure environment, so we pay close attention to how new casinos treat their players and whether responsible gambling is being practiced. Individual casinos have to play their part when it comes to responsible gambling as well. We only recommend the very best casinos - the ones that offer a fair and secure gambling experience to players and casinos that are safe and legal under prominent authorities. Responsible gambling is a two-way street that has to be followed by both the casino and the gambler.