Gambling Addiction - Prevention, Symptoms & Help

The process is creeping.

While the unopened letters pile up on the desk and the view of the account becomes more and more difficult, gambling has often become a habit. Eat - drink - Sleep - Play. For many gambling addicts, this is everyday life. Winning brings joy and inspires. The game continues with the goal: to win again next time. Unfortunately, this is not a reality for most people with gambling addiction. In addition, there are lies to other people and, above all, to yourself.

What is a gambling addiction?

Gambling addiction is the excessive playing of gambling games. The pleasure is blurred with the addictive behavior. What often seems like fun at first can take on pathological traits. The difference from gambling as a hobby, in contrast to gambling addiction, is usually not apparent at first glance.

A gambling addiction is accompanied above all by the enormous loss of money. Gambling is available in casinos and casinos, but also online. Due to the many illegal gambling providers, the addiction potential of these games is rarely pointed out.

Symptoms of gambling addiction

Among the most striking symptoms of gambling addiction are:

constant irritation - when you are not playing
Neglect of important appointments or obligations
inner restlessness and imbalance
frequent fatigue due to too many (online) games - even at night
the focus is only on one topic: the (latest) gambling
strong change of one's own character

Other abnormalities:

Frequent withdrawal of money
Borrowing (higher) sums of money
Excuses for the lack of money

What can I do about a gambling addiction?

As an affected person, one should talk above all about addiction and the problems associated with it. An addiction to talking small does not benefit anyone. It's okay to get professional advice and become aware of his addiction. Also an official and, above all, honestly completed Self-test on the Internet helps to get clarity. Repression or secrecy in such cases does not bring anything and only leads to further problems.

People with gambling addiction or at risk should therefore do a lot with friends, set limits for themselves and, above all, always talk about it with friends, family or other affected people. In addition, you should focus again on other hobbies and do things that are good for you. Fresh air, a pleasant bath or a good book will help to distract yourself.

There should also be financial limits. A spending limit or blocking the credit card protects against excessive loss of money.

If you don't know any more, then seek help .

How do I protect myself from a gambling addiction?

Exclusively on legal gambling platforms emphasis is placed on player protection and prevention. Through the new state Treaty on gambling, a legal regulation with mechanisms for protection against gambling addiction is integrated there.

In addition to strict advertising regulations, age limits, a panic button and a deposit limit, these providers must submit a comprehensive social concept for the protection of an addiction at the beginning in accordance with § 6 of the new State Treaty on Gambling (2021). Only by implementing this preventive concept, a platform is allowed to offer gambling legally. Players can only pursue their hobby there without the risk of addiction.

10 Golden Rules for Conscious Play

Playing is for entertainment, not to forget about problems, quarrels or worries.
Set a fixed financial limit and set the frequency and duration of the game.
Inform yourself before the start of the game about the chances of winning and the game process.
Do not neglect other hobbies and your social environment.
Only play with a clear head (not under the influence of alcohol or medication or overtired).
Use only unplanned money, which you do not need for other expenses.
Never borrow money to play.
Take a break from playing more often.
Do not try to recover lost money.
Do not put your winnings back completely, but end the game after a lucky streak.