Responsible Gaming

Gambling can be an exciting and entertaining hobby, provided you play responsibly. It offers the thrill of the unknown and the potential to win. But as with many exciting leisure activities, there is a risk that the fun will turn into the opposite and become an addiction. Gambling addiction is often underestimated or portrayed by the slot machine industry as a rare phenomenon that is about as common as other, less common addictions such as compulsive shopping. The reality, however, is different: many regular visitors to arcades or online casinos develop a pathological gambling addiction.

The stigma of gambling addiction

Being addicted to gambling is by no means an oddity, and there is no reason to be ashamed of it. Gambling addiction, like alcoholism, is a serious illness that can affect people of all social classes. It has nothing to do with a lack of intelligence or willpower. Those affected usually do not gamble to get rich, but to escape reality. The game distracts from personal problems such as depression or negative thoughts. In addition, many players are addicted to the "kick" that gambling offers - the excitement, the uncertainty and the possibility of having the next big win.

Unfortunately, those affected often encounter a lack of understanding from those around them. Outsiders who are not affected themselves tend to dismiss the gambling addiction as self-inflicted. It is therefore all the more important that those affected seek professional support if they notice signs of gambling addiction in themselves.

Responsible Gaming

Gambling addiction can manifest itself in a variety of symptoms, but they are often similar. Here are some of the most common signs of responsible gaming:

• Don’t just focus on “winning money”.
  A common mistake in gambling addiction is focusing on the potential gain. It is crucial to remember that the focus should be on fun, not winning.
• Never forget that the risk of “losing money” is greater than the chance of “winning money”.
  Games are designed so that the casino wins in the long run, so it is inevitable that losses will occur more often than wins. However, gambling addicts tend to ignore this fact.
• Realize that you have no control over a game.
  It is important to understand that gambling is based on chance. As a gambling addict, you cannot control the outcome and any attempt to do so is futile.
• Realize that predicting game outcomes is impossible.
  Even if you think you've identified a certain pattern or developed a feeling for how a game will turn out, that's a fallacy. Every outcome is purely random.
• Set clear boundaries for yourself and stick to them.
  Pathological gamblers often lose control over the time and money they invest. Setting clear financial and time limits is an important step in curbing gambling addiction.
• Never borrow money from family or friends to gamble.
  Blaming family or friends often leads to a cycle of guilt and social tensions that can further worsen gambling addiction.
• Never gamble with your household money.
  When money intended for rent, food or other essential expenses is used for gambling, the addiction has already reached serious consequences. This can lead to deep financial and personal problems.
• Never try to “make up” a loss by placing a new bet.
  Many gambling addicts believe that they can win back their losses by betting more. However, this usually only leads to even greater losses and reinforces the cycle of addiction.

These symptoms are often the clearest signs of a gambling addiction. Other possible consequences include feelings of guilt, self-reproach or even suicidal thoughts that develop from the addiction.

Self-test and protective measures

If you are unsure whether you may be affected by gambling addiction, you can take a self-test on sites such as Check your game There are also many other online resources that can help you reflect on your habits and determine if you need professional help.

If you feel like you've lost control of your gaming behavior, you can have yourself blocked from online casinos. This block usually stays active until you request to unblock it. But even then, it often takes a week or more before you get access to your account again. This at least provides a short buffer during which you can't play.

But that's just a first step. In order to regain control in the long term, it's crucial to seek professional help. There are numerous counseling centers, both online and locally, that gambling addicts can turn to. Examples include:

• GamblingAddiction.de
• GamblingAware
• Gamblers Anonymous
• Anonymous Players

Practical tips for everyday life

Some people find it helpful to start paying all their financial obligations as soon as they get their paycheck. Rent, electricity and groceries should be paid as soon as the money comes in. This leaves a limited budget that they can potentially gamble away. Some gamblers even deliberately set aside a small amount for gambling to give themselves the feeling that they could gamble whenever they wanted. This may not be a long-term solution for everyone, but it can help keep the urge under control in certain cases.

Ultimately, however, it is important to understand that gambling addiction is a serious illness that requires professional support and a structured plan to regain control of your life. By seeking help early and acting responsibly, you can break the cycle and return to a balanced, happy life.

The most important questions and answers about responsible gaming