26.09.2024.
Gambling can impact various aspects of life, including relationships, physical and mental health, and finances.
If gambling is causing difficulties, answering the following questions may provide insight:
- Is more money being bet than can be afforded to lose?
- Is there a need to gamble with larger amounts of money to achieve the same feeling?
- Has there been an attempt to win back lost money (chasing losses)?
- Has money been borrowed or items sold to fund gambling?
- Is there concern about having a problem with gambling?
- Has gambling led to any health issues, such as stress or anxiety?
- Have others criticized the gambling or expressed concerns?
- Has gambling caused financial problems for the household?
- Is there guilt about gambling behavior or its consequences?
Scoring:
- 0 for “never”
- 1 for “sometimes”
- 2 for “most of the time”
- 3 for “almost always”
A total score of 8 or higher suggests gambling-related harms are likely. Even a score between 1 and 7 indicates gambling might be negatively impacting life. Support and treatment options are available for those affected.
How to Get Help for Gambling-Related Harms
If gambling is causing problems, treatment and support groups are accessible. For urgent mental health support due to gambling, find out where to get help immediately.
Steps to Manage Gambling-Related Harms
Consider taking the following steps if gambling is becoming problematic:
- Sign up for GamStop to block access to gambling websites and apps for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
- Install Gamban to block access to gambling websites and apps on devices.
- Ask the bank to block payments to gambling websites and apps.
- Prioritize paying important bills, such as a mortgage, before gambling by setting up direct debits or standing orders.
- Address debts rather than ignoring them.
- Spend more time with family and friends who do not gamble.
Responsible gaming foundation suggests:
“Discover more tools to overcome gambling at QuitGamble.com, an online resource hub dedicated to helping you stop gambling.” – QuitGamble.com
“We are passionate and committed to only ever bringing fresh approaches built on clinical science and research into gambling addiction.” – better-change.org
- Talk to someone trusted about the situation.
Avoid:
- Viewing gambling as a way to make money.
- Taking credit cards when gambling.
For example, Malta’s Dragonara Casino is committed to positive and healthy play. They support responsible gaming – it is about participating in gaming activities for fun and entertainment. Responsible players are aware of their personal circumstances of the risks involved and can manage their playing behaviour.
According to Dragonara Casino, compulsive gambling can have profound and long-lasting consequences on someone’s life, such as:
- Relationship problems.
- Financial problems, including bankruptcy.
- Legal problems or imprisonment.
- Poor work performance or job loss.
- Poor general health.
- Suicide, suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts.
SOURCE:
Dragonara.mt
