Online casinos have completely changed the gambling industry in the last decades, by making it easier and more convenient for players to enjoy their favourite games. But this easy accessibility from the comfort of your home, or on your mobile devices also comes with certain risks. In particular the potential for developing unhealthy gambling habits. Although this only affects a very small number of players, this article intends to explain what the warning signs and symptoms of problem gambling is, and how to recognise them. We will also go through the tools available in the casinos for you to take control of your gambling, and always keep it fun.
Gambling is an emotionally charged activity, especially when significant sums of money are involved. The highs of winning can quickly be overshadowed by the lows of losing, leading to a rollercoaster of emotions. Some players, this emotional volatility can contribute to anxiety, depression, or even more severe mental health issues they did not experience before they started gambling.
Responsible gambling promotes balance and self-control, encouraging players to enjoy the game without letting it dictate their emotions or well-being.
The Risks of Online Gambling
Online gambling, while entertaining and fun, can easily lead to problematic behaviours if not approached with caution. The anonymity, ease of access, and availability of 24/7 gaming options can lead to excessive gambling.
Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is a serious condition that can have devastating effects on an individual’s life. But if you know which signs and symptoms to look out for, both in yourself and those you love; the remote possibility of becoming addicted can be mitigated.
Signs and Symptoms of Gambling Addiction
- Preoccupation with Online Gambling
Constantly thinking about past gambling experiences
Planning the next online gambling session
Frequently visiting online casino websites or apps, even when not gambling - Increased Time Spent Gambling Online
Spending more time gambling than initially intended
Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities due to online gambling
Losing track of time while gambling on online platforms - Chasing Losses
Returning to online casinos to try to win back lost money
Increasing bet amounts to recover previous losses
Borrowing money or selling possessions to continue gambling online - Inability to Stop or Control Gambling Behavior
Failed attempts to cut back or quit online gambling
Feeling irritable or restless when trying to reduce gambling activities
Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences - Lying or Hiding Gambling Activities
Being secretive about online gambling habits
Lying to family members or friends about the amount of time or money spent gambling
Hiding evidence of gambling, such as browser history or financial statements - Financial Problems
Unexplained debt or financial difficulties
Using savings or investment accounts to fund online gambling
Requesting loans or financial assistance from friends and family - Emotional and Psychological Changes
Experiencing mood swings, particularly after gambling sessions
Feeling anxious, depressed, or guilty about gambling behaviour
sing online gambling as a way to escape problems or relieve stress - Neglecting Personal Care and Relationships
Declining personal hygiene or self-care
Withdrawing from family and friends
Cancelling social events or missing important occasions due to gambling - Escalation of Gambling Behavior
Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement
Experiencing a diminished thrill from gambling, leading to riskier bets - Physical Symptoms
Sleep disturbances due to late-night gambling sessions
Headaches or other stress-related physical ailments
Changes in appetite or weight. - Work or Academic Performance Issues
Decreased productivity at work or school
Using work or school time to gamble online
Difficulty concentrating on tasks unrelated to gambling
If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these signs and symptoms, it’s crucial to seek help. There are many resources available, including support groups, counselling services, and addiction treatment centres, who specialises in gambling disorders. Remember, recognizing the problem is the first step towards recovery.
Responsible Gambling Tools in Online Casinos
Deposit Limits
Deposit limits are one of the most fundamental tools offered by online casinos to promote responsible gambling. This feature allows players to set a maximum amount of money they can deposit into their account over a specific period, such as daily, weekly, or monthly. Once the limit is reached, the player cannot deposit more money until the next period begins. This helps players manage their bankroll and avoid spending more than they can afford.
How It Works:
- Customizable Limits: Players can adjust their deposit limits according to their financial situation.
- Immediate Effect: Changes to lower the deposit limit take effect immediately, while increases often require a waiting period.
- Prevention of Impulsive Spending: By capping deposits, players are less likely to make impulsive decisions that could lead to financial stress.
Time Limits
Time limits allow players to control the amount of time they spend on gambling activities. This tool is especially important in the online environment, where the absence of physical closing times can lead to extended gambling sessions.
How It Works:
- Session Limits: Players can set a maximum duration for each gaming session. Once the limit is reached, they are logged out of their account.
- Daily/Weekly Limits: Players can also set broader time limits on their overall gambling activities across a day or week.
- Promoting Balance: Time limits encourage players to take breaks, helping to maintain a healthy balance between gambling and other activities.
Time-Outs
Time-outs are just that, short breaks that players set in their account, and this will block the player from logging in for as long as the chosen time-out is in effect. Players cab temporarily suspend their account, usually ranging from 24 hours up to a month or two. For longer periods, the player needs to use the self-exclusion feature.
How It Works:
- Immediate Implementation: Once a time-out is activated, the player cannot access their account until the time-out period ends.
- Ideal for Cool-Off Periods: Time-outs are useful when a player feels the need to cool off after a significant loss or during a stressful period.
- Automatic Return: After the time-out period, the account is reactivated, and the player can resume gambling if they choose.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is a more robust tool that allows players to take a longer break from gambling. Usually from one month to permanently. Some casinos have self exclusion periods starting from 6 months, so check if you want to use the time-out feature or the self-exclusion feature.
This tool is designed for individuals who recognize that they need to stop gambling for an extended period or permanently. During self-exclusion, players are blocked from accessing their accounts and from receiving any marketing materials from the casino.
How It Works:
- Extended Periods: Self-exclusion periods can range from several months to permanently. Once chosen, the decision is typically irreversible until the period ends.In the case of permanent self exclusion the account can NOT be reopened, and you can not create a new account in a casino where you already have permanently self excluded before.
- Blocking: While self-excluded, players cannot log into their accounts, and any attempt to create a new account with the same details will be flagged. You can, in most casinos, contact support and make withdrawals for any balance you have while excluded, but you can not deposit.
Reality Checks
Reality checks are reminders that appear on the screen at regular intervals during a gambling session. These alerts inform players about how much time they have spent gambling and, in some cases, how much money they have won or lost during that period.
How It Works:
- Customizable Alerts: Players can often set how frequently they want to receive these notifications. We recommend 60 minutes, or 90 minutes at the most. Time flies in the casino, and you should be aware of how much time and money you’ve spent.
- Encourages Awareness: By regularly informing players of their activity, reality checks help prevent players from losing track of time or money.
- Option to Continue or Exit: After a reality check, players can choose to continue playing or take a break.
Wager Limits
Wager limits allow players to set a maximum amount they can bet on a single game or over a certain period. This tool helps players control how much they risk, reducing the potential for significant losses.
How It Works:
Single Bet Limit: This restricts the maximum amount a player can wager on a single game or bet. For example, a player might set a $50 limit on any single slot spin or hand of poker.
Session Limit: This caps the total amount a player can wager during a single gambling session. A session might be defined as the period from login to logout, or a specific timeframe (e.g., 4 hours).
Daily Limit: Restricts the total amount a player can wager in a 24-hour period.
Weekly or Monthly Limits: Similar to daily limits, but applied over a longer timeframe.
Loss Limits
Loss limits are similar to deposit and wager limits; it allows players to set a cap on the amount of money they are willing to lose within a specific timeframe, such as per day, week, or month. Once the limit is reached, players are prevented from making additional bets until the limit resets.
How It Works:
- Daily/Weekly/Monthly Caps: Players can define how much they are willing to lose before they are cut off from further play. To reverse your loss limit, in most cases you need to speak to customer service, and in some casinos you can not change the limits until the initial period has elapsed.
- Mitigating Big Losses: This tool is particularly useful for players who want to avoid the risk of chasing losses, which can lead to even greater financial harm.
Account Activity Monitoring
Account activity monitoring tools provide players with detailed reports of their gambling activity. These reports typically include information on how much time and money have been spent on gambling, as well as a breakdown of wins and losses.
How It Works:
- Detailed Reports: Players can access these reports from their account settings, offering a clear overview of their gambling behavior.
- Self-Assessment: many serious casinos have self-assessment tools in the accounts. It is a simple form that the players fill in and it will give you an idea of if you are in danger of becoming addicted.
- Regular Updates: Some casinos provide regular updates on gambling activity via email or within the player’s account dashboard. This is not widespread yet, but I expect it to become more of a norm in the future.
Access to Support and Counseling
Many online casinos partner with organizations that provide support for problem gambling. These resources are often integrated directly into the casino’s website, offering players easy access to help if they feel their gambling is becoming an issue.
How It Works:
- Direct Links: Casinos often provide links to organizations like Gamblers Anonymous, Gambling Therapy, or national gambling helplines.
- Counseling Services: Some casinos offer direct access to professional counseling services or online support groups.
- Educational Resources: Many sites also feature educational content about responsible gambling and recognizing the signs of problem gambling.
Gambling Resources and Organizations in Canada
We’ve taken a look at the resources available in Canada, and put together a list. Remember, asking for help and guidance is a sign of strength and not weakness. These organisations can also help you identify your gambling habits, and help you to keep them healthy and fun.
National Resources
- Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-463-1554
- Available 24/7, this helpline provides crisis support and referrals to local resources.
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada
- Website: www.gacanada.ca
- Offers support groups and a 12-step program for problem gamblers.
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA)
- Website: www.ccsa.ca
- Provides research and resources on gambling addiction.
Provincial Resources
Ontario
- ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 or www.connexontario.ca
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
British Columbia
- BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program: 1-888-795-6111 or www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca
Quebec
- Gambling: Help and Referral: 1-800-461-0140 or www.aidejeu.ca
Alberta
- Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline: 1-866-332-2322
Manitoba
- Addictions Foundation of Manitoba: 1-866-638-2561 or www.afm.mb.ca
Saskatchewan
- Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-306-6789
Nova Scotia
- Gambling Support Network: 1-888-347-8888 or gamblingsupportnetwork.ca
New Brunswick
- Gambling Information Line: 1-800-461-1234
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Addiction Services: 1-888-737-4668
Prince Edward Island
- PEI Gambling Support: 1-855-255-4255
Online Self-Help Resources
- GameSense: www.gamesense.com
- Provides information and tools for responsible gambling.
- Your Best Bet: yourbestbet.ca
- Offers self-assessment tools and information about gambling addiction.
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): www.camh.ca
- Provides resources and information on problem gambling.
Support for Family and Friends
- Gam-Anon: www.gamanon.ca
- Support groups for family and friends of problem gamblers.
- SMART Recovery Family & Friends: www.smartrecovery.org
- Offers support meetings and resources for those affected by someone else’s gambling.