Addiction – When Gambling Becomes a Problem

Broadband and wireless technology advancements have brought the world closer together than it has ever been before. Shopping, closing business transactions, social networking, and even gambling, men’s ever-favorite hobby, are all now attainable on the internet. Online gambling first appeared in the early 1990s and quickly became a hit, with an estimated 3000 websites on the internet today. It completely transformed the gambling industry and attracted players of all ages. However, internet gambling, like land-based gambling, is fraught with issues. The problem of addiction is also present in the internet world.

What is the definition of problem gambling?

Problem gambling is an impulse-control disorder that causes significant disturbances in many aspects of one’s life, including psychological, social, vocational, and physical. It also covers the ‘pathological’ or ‘compulsive’ stage of gambling. A growing concern with gambling is a symptom of problem gambling. They have a strong need to gamble money more frequently, and if anyone attempts to stop them, they become agitated or unpleasant. They are typically aware of the growing, significant, bad issues, but staying away from the bet becomes the most difficult thing for them to do.

Problem gambling on the internet is a manifestation of the aforementioned issues. However, a study found that persons who gamble online have more serious addiction issues than those who play the lottery or slot machines. Because of the internet’s tremendous expansion, online gambling issues are on the rise.

The factors that lead to the usage of the internet for gambling

o Because of the privacy and anonymity of the internet, people are willing to gamble without reservations.

o People are spending more time gambling due to the easy accessibility of online games on the internet.

o Online games are easily accessible to those who spend the majority of their time on the internet. This leads to addiction over time.

Signs of Addiction to Gambling

· Gambling for a longer period of time than planned.

o Gambling until you’re out of money.

o Spending all of one’s money or even saving it to gamble while debts go unmet.

o Continually borrowing money to fund your gambling desires.

o Ignoring your family and professional obligations.

o Steal, cheat, or sell household items to raise money for gambling.

o Gamble with the hopes of recouping losses or resolving financial problems.

o Helps to alleviate depression.

o They can quickly open a gaming account, and there are a range of gambling options available, including classic betting, casino gambling, lotteries, and bingo. All of this adds to the allure of online gambling.

o There is no time limit, and a player can gamble for up to 24 hours a day if there is no supervisor present.

o As you play, your sense of the worth of money decreases, and gamers commonly forget they’re playing with money.

 

Julia Jonas