Responsible Gambling: Your Best Bet At The Casino

The rush of an Australian online casino is something you can't fully appreciate until you play your first hand. It's one of the purest forms of entertainment and fun an Aussie can experience anytime, anywhere. But for some players, the excitement is so addicting that it overwhelms their ability to gamble responsibly. Although problem gamblers represent just a small percentage of the total Aussie betting population, all gamblers should be aware of the risk.

Our goal has always been to provide players across the Outback with the most complete guide to gambling online. We recognise the severe difficulty some have with overcoming gambling addiction.

The most important step in defeating an addiction to gambling is to first understand what to look for. With decades of firsthand experience playing alongside thousands of gamblers, our experts know precisely how to detect the key patterns of problem gambling.

What is problem gambling?

Problem gambling is defined as gambling to a point where it's interfering with your everyday life. Several issues can arise from problem gambling including financial ruin, social and family distress, psychological issues, and physical health complications.

Problem gambling comes in many forms, and understanding symptoms is vital to combatting it early.

How can you recognise problem gambling?

With the surge in online casinos and new players joining in on the fun each week, problem gambling is unfortunately also on the rise. Estimates state one in six Aussies develop some sort of gambling problem.

If you're worried about gambling addiction, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is gambling online taking priority over my work or other responsibilities?
  • Do I consider gambling as a potential way to earn income?
  • Do I gamble until my money runs out?
  • Have I ever taken out a loan in order to gamble?
  • Do I think about gambling on a daily basis?
  • Have I lost sleep due to gambling?
  • Have I felt guilty about the time or money spent gambling?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might have a gambling problem. While these questions aren't all-encompassing, they do pinpoint several tendencies often seen in gambling addicts.

How can you treat problem gambling?

Amid the widespread concern regarding problem gambling, casino operators have created resources for addicts. The first step you should take if you feel your gambling is getting out of control is to set betting limits. In your online account, Australian casinos allow you to determine your own limits per day, week, month, or gambling time period. As example, you set a limit of $200 for the day. You encounter a bad streak and lose your chips. If you try and deposit additional funds to continue gambling, the online casino will block the deposit.

If the problem is more serious, setting a limit isn't the solution. Land-based casinos allow addicts to place themselves on a banned list from government-regulated casinos. This self-imposed ban puts players at the risk of arrest should they enter a casino.

Those who overcome their addiction to gambling often cite the help of psychiatrists in dealing with their urges to gamble. Support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous is another helpful association.

Resources

The Australian Government has set-up its own site to help combat problem gambling. Visit http://www.problemgambling.gov.au for facts, impact, and resources on problem gambling.

Counsellors are readily available at http://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au. Gambling Help Online provides free and anonymous help 24/7.

Mission Australia is another organisation dedicated to providing therapy and help for problem gamblers. Visit their site at https://www.missionaustralia.com.au.