Dealing With Problem Gamblers

Do you know anyone is a problem gambler. If you’re not sure what a problem gambler is you should read my post on Responsible Gambling. I actually work with someone who is a problem gambler. He tells me he has spent thousand on the pokies. He even said it had cost him his relationship with his almost bride to be. I told him he had to take control of his life and not let the pokies take control of him. Unfortunately for many it is not as easy as that and they should really seek professional help. Many can not deal with problem gambling on their own. That post on responsible gambling also has some links to helpful problem gambling sites.

I’ve also found this article on problem gambling by the Salvation Army to be very informative. I pulled that image from the article because it shows just how emotionally drained problem gamblers can be.

problem gamblers

 

As the article explains a problem gambler does not want to be lectured to. Doing so only raises their defences. That does not meant that you can’t approach them to tell them you are there if they need someone to talk to.

  • Something you should not do  is to feed their need to gamble. Don’t  put them in situations where they can feed their urge to gamble. If they’re heading towards the pokies in  the pub try to lead them in another direction. Better still, don’t got to an establishment where you know they have pokies.
  • Never ever bring up any type of gambling topic. Don’t brag about some bet that came good for you or how you’re going to place a bet on any sort of sporting event.
  • What you should do is to let them know how important they are to you and how their gambling problem is negatively affecting that relationship.
  • You have to let them deal with the resulting problems that their gambling has gotten them into. Do not lend them money to pay off their debts. They’ll probably gamble it away. Do not lie to protect them as it will have the opposite effect.
  • Do not turn your backs on a problem gambler as this will only exasperate the problem. Spending time with them, away from temping situations, may help them to steer away from their need to gamble, especially if their gambling started out of boredom or a way to relieve stress.
  • Talking to someone with a gambling problem, without lecturing them, may help them to see why they turned to gambling in the first place.

I found this video on gambling addiction.

Problem Gamblers  Overcoming The Urge To Gamble

The video is brilliant. You actually see problem gamblers talking about what turned them into problem gamblers. Knowing the cause can help to resolve the problem. It also dispels a lot of the gambling myths. Knowledge is power.

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Responsible Gambling Is Important

If you’re considering becoming part of the online betting community then it’s important you familiarise yourself with responsible gambling. Sure having a punt on your favourite sports team is fun. Sure placing a bet at the races can be exciting. Be that as it may, it’s not worth it if responsible gambling is beyond your reach.

I have to admit that when creating this site I worried about people who had a problem with responsible gambling. Then I thought they would still have a gambling problem whether it existed or not,  Also, it wouldn’t be fair to the countless multitude who get a kick out gambling responsibly. I decided the only fair thing to do would be to provide them with the information as which to which are the best online sports gambling sites to join, as well as outlining the perils of not gambling responsibly.

What Is Responsible Gambling

  1. If you’re the sort of person that has to keep gambling in an attempt to recoup your losses then you are a problem gambler. Responsible gambling is when you’re able to stop anytime you want. Gambling to you is just another form of entertainment and not something that you are compelled to do.
  2. Responsible gamblers only use money they can afford. They don’t use money that was meant for food or rent. They certainly don’t use money earmarked for things like paying off the home loan or a college fund.
  3. Responsible gambling is when you don’t have the need to borrow money just so you could place a bet. You certainly wouldn’t  pawn stuff to feed your gambling needs.
  4. They do not have the need to gamble for hours on end
  5. They do not go beyond their gambling budget. They set a certain amount and once that is reached they don’t have a problem stopping.
  6. They do not hide the fact from family and friends

So, you have to sit back and ask yourself, do you have a gambling problem?

responsible gambling

You Have A Gambling Problem If……..

  1. …you don’t know when to stop. You will continue to gamble until you’ve run out of cash.
  2. …you find that you spend more time gambling than socialising with family and friends
  3. … you’re feeling guilty about your gambling habit. I know when I’m feeling guilty it’s because I’ve done something wrong. As far as problem gambling goes its better to remove the guilt by stopping rather than letting it eat away at you until its too late?
  4. … you’re sneaking off to lay a bet or play the pokies
  5. … you have to convince yourself that you don’t have a problem

Just remember, if you have a gambling problem you will ruin more than than your own life You’re also ruining the lives of those who love you. Don’t allow yourself to fall into the trap of becomming a problem gambler. Learn to recognise the signs before they turn into a problem. If you feel you need help just remember it takes more strength to admit you need help than to deny it. Admitting it will be a great hurdle. Once you’ve done that you can seek help.

 More resources on responsible gambling.