Online game should be a fun way to take care and entertain you. However, there are times when playing becomes more than a simple pleasure and fun stops. It is then time to take a break or consider stopping completely.
At Casino Comparison, we encourage the responsible game. All casinos, poker sites and sports betting sites with which we are partners offer the possibility of defining deposit limits or excluding themselves automatically for a determined or permanent period.
We are not health professionals, but we have gathered below information on the responsible game and game problems. Take a look, think and ask for help if you think you need it!
How to play cautiously
Gambleaware is the main non-profit organization of the United Kingdom dedicated to educating and combating game damage. Their list is made up of ten things to play safely:
- Do not think of the game as being a way to make money.
- Play only with money you can afford to lose.
- Attach a money limit in advance.
- Attach a time limit in advance.
- Do not try to bail out your losses.
- Do not play when you are depressed or upset.
- Balance the game with other activities.
- Do not bring your bank card with you.
- Take breaks.
- Do not drink and do not consume drugs when you play.
Although the list may be more for casino lovers, it also has merit among online players. We strongly recommend that you use the deposit limits of online casinos and limits related to playing time.
Indices that you play in a problematic way
The definition of problematic game, dependence or disorders varies according to countries and sources. The American psychiatric association (APA) calls this a gaming disorder and defines it as follows: "Game disorder implies repeated play behavior that causes important problems or distress".
According to APA, a diagnosis of game disorder requires at least four of the following elements in the past year:
- Need to play with growing money to get desired excitation.
- Actity or irritable when trying to reduce or stop playing.
- Repeated and unsuccessful efforts to control, reduce or stop the game.
- Frequent reflections on the game (for example, relive the game experiences of the past, plan your next moment of play, think about the ways to get money to play).
- Play frequently when distressing.
- Return frequently to bail out an amount of money after losing it by playing (what is called "wanting to bail out your losses").
- Lying to hide a game activity.
- Entering or losing an important relationship, a job or an opportunity for studies or career because of the game.
- Count on others to solve your problems caused by the game.
If you have already felt or do one of the things listed above, you may need to take control of your game. BegambleaWare has an anonymous online test that could allow you to get additional indications on your habits of Game.
You are not alone
A review of the literature published in Journal of Behavioral Addiction (2016) suggests that the prevalence of game problems worldwide is 0.12% to 5.8%. According to an old well -mentioned study published in 1998, the prevalence was 4.7%.
Whatever the current prevalence, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from dependence on the world's game.
Where to find help
According to the American Security Council, here are the local confidential assistance lines, 24 \ 7, on dependence:
- Alberta 1-866-332- 2322
- British Columbia 1-888-795-6111
- Manitoba Gambling Helpline 1-800-463-1554
- New Brunswick 1-800-461-1234
- Newfoundland and Labrador 1-888-899-4357
- Nova Scotia 1-888-347-8888
- Nunavut Kamatiah 1-800-265-ZZZZ
- Ontario 1-888-230-3505
- Ile-Prince-Edouard 1-888-299-8399
- Québec 514-527-0140
- Montreal and surroundings 1-800-461-0140 and 1-866-767-5389
- Saskatchewan 1-800-306-6789
If you need urgent help, please visit your local emergency service or call 911.
For your personal development and for more information, visit http://www.problemgambling.ca/
