Responsible gaming

Online games are conceived as an entertainment product, but people often get carried away. That's why giocoplinko.com's mission is to inform you of the positive aspects and potential risks of playing beyond one's limits.

Some people find it hard to stop once they have started and this continuity of experience, while fun to some extent, can have a negative social, financial and personal impact. Gamblers who spend too much time doing this without realizing it and before they know it, begin to show symptoms of problem gambling behavior.

This can happen to anyone, but the good news is that by following established responsible gambling practices, any potential problem can be addressed and resolved quickly, reliably and painlessly. The first step in dealing with a problem is to acknowledge that you have a problem.

Do I have a gambling problem?

Determining whether you have excessive gambling behavior is not that difficult at all. Just answer a simple questionnaire that, if answered honestly, will give you a reliable answer that you can use to address any potential gambling problems you may have.

1. Do you gamble at the expense of your social, personal or professional commitments?
2. Do you feel the need to keep gambling after every loss?
3. Are you haunted by thoughts of gambling?
4. Do you feel like gambling at ungodly hours?
5. Have you ignored another aspect of your life to gamble?
6. Have you been inclined to steal or lie to keep gambling?
7. Do you gamble beyond your means and beyond what you could afford for any other pastime?
8. Have you ever borrowed money or sold goods to replenish your gambling account and continue gambling?
9. Have you ever lied to others about your gambling?
10. Have you ever had the need to recoup your losses and kept trying for long periods of time?

All of the above points are indicators that can help you identify a problem and nip it in the bud. Some people believe that the questionnaire may induce or is specifically designed to instill shame in the person filling it out. However, it is nothing more than useful material to help address a problem beforehand. It should not be a cause for shame, anxiety or stigma, and it is not.

How can I avoid becoming a victim of pathological gambling?

Avoiding a problem means developing healthy habits, just as brushing your teeth would reduce the risk of tooth decay. Teaching yourself these habits and, in fact, starting your gambling sessions with a few simple rules in mind will allow you to play at a moderate and well-measured pace without any risk or harm to your well-being. Here is what is generally considered a healthy and sustainable way to approach gambling.

1. Set a deposit limit

A deposit limit can help you control how much you spend. Be sure to set a limit on the amount of your monthly deposit. This way, you will always be able to control how much you spend.

2. Play with a budget

Like a deposit limit, a budget can help you think about how you spend your money. Having a fixed budget means you'll want to squeeze more entertainment value out of your sessions.

3. Self-exclusion

If you have a compulsive personality, you can self-exclude to make sure you don't have to engage in a potentially damaging hobby.

4. Take a break

Have you been playing too much? There's no reason you shouldn't take a break. Whether it's a few hours, a day or a week, you control how much time you spend playing.

5. Don't play AFK

Some people abuse the autoplay feature and often end up tuning out (walking away from the keyboard). The best way to enjoy the game is to stay focused and make the most of the time spent. This way, you won't be left wanting more game action and potentially won't exceed the set limits.

6. Don't spend too much

Again, it's important to know how much you can spend on the game. Simply ask yourself how much you would spend on going out, new clothes, board games or video games. Does that exceed the amount you spend on the game? If so, you may want to cut back a bit.

What should I do if I have a gambling addiction problem?

When you realize you have a problem, there is no need for alarm. There are proven methods that will help you find help and assistance. Many pathological gamblers think that their condition will attract criticism and stigma, but the truth is that sustainable gambling practices are promoted and supported and help is given to those who need it. How can you deal with the problem?

1. Find a helpline

There are many helplines available. They will provide you with understanding, support and, most importantly, the opportunity to consult anonymously. Many people value this more than anything else and need to keep their details confidential before deciding how best to deal with their problems.

2. Join a support group

Support groups are helpful because you can find emotional support and proof that you are not alone. Working toward goals such as "staying clean" are effective and proven methods. However, most people are still prone to addiction, which, as long as the person is in control and aware of it, should not be a problem.

3. Set a goal to become a sponsor.

Many people find it easier to cope with addiction if they help others. The added responsibility of caring for others has a proven evolutionary basis for success, like parenthood. Sponsors are statistically less likely to gamble, as they find it much more rewarding to help others.

4. Don't hesitate to get in touch

Whether it's BeGambleAware or GamCare, you shouldn't hesitate to take the first step. Get in touch and ask for help today if you think you are suffering from gambling-related harm.