Responsible Gaming
For most of us, gambling is just a bit of fun that we can enjoy any time, but a small percentage of players might be underage or might have let gambling become the main focus in their life. As the gaming portal, Pokerallied.com is committed to responsible gambling.
What is The Problem of Gambling?
Problem gambling is gambling that is done excessively and negatively affects other areas of a person’s life, such as their physical or mental health, school or work performance, finances, and/or interpersonal relationships.
People with gambling problems often bet with money they can't afford to lose, max out their credit cards, borrow money in order to gamble, and do other things that compromise their personal values. Despite these negative consequences, they may deny that they have a problem, continue to chase losses, neglect family, friends, work, and even their own self-care (they may not eat or sleep properly, for example, or care about their physical appearance). Problem gambling can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race or social status.
Warning Signs
There are a variety of signs that may indicate you have a problem with gambling. The more signs you show, the greater the chance of a problem. Some of these signs include:
- Constantly thinking or talking about gambling
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you can afford
- Finding it difficult to control, stop, or cut down gambling, or feeling irritable when trying to do so
- Feeling a sense of emptiness or loss when not gambling
- Gambling more in order to win back losses or get out of financial trouble
- Thinking that your gambling will get under control as soon you have a ‘big win’
- Borrowing money, selling things, committing (or considering committing) criminal acts in order to get money for gambling
- Having increased debt, unpaid bills, or other financial troubles because of your gambling
- Often gambling until all of your money is gone
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for longer periods of time in order to get the same feeling of excitement
- Experiencing extreme highs from gambling wins and extreme lows from gambling losses
- Gambling to escape personal problems or to relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or other negative emotions
- Getting irritated more easily or having less patience when dealing with normal, everyday activities
- Feeling guilty about gambling or what happens while gambling
- Getting criticized by others for your gambling
- Having arguments with friends or family about money and gambling
- Refusing to discuss gambling with others or lying to cover it up
- Hiding bills, past due notices, winnings, or losses from your partner or family member
- Gambling instead of attending family or other social functions
- Neglecting family or household responsibilities because of gambling
- Neglecting work or school because of gambling
- Neglecting personal needs (e.g., for food, sleep, hygiene) because of gambling
- Consistently or always planning holidays where gambling is available
People who may need to control their gambling
Most people gamble within their means, but for some it can spiral out of control. When playing the games, keep in mind the following:
- Gambling should be seen as just for fun, not a way of earning money
- Avoid chasing losses
- Only gamble what you can afford to lose
- Keep track of how much time and money you spend gambling
- If you need help, use the deposit limits and time limits in the player protection page to control the amount you can spend
- If you need to take a break from gambling, use the self-exclusion tools
GamCare is the national association dedicated to addressing the social impact of gambling. PartyGaming is GamCare certified and works with them to develop policies and practices that target problem gambling in accordance with their Social Responsibility Code of Conduct.
Do you need to control your gambling?
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you lose time from work or education due to gambling?
- Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
- Do you gamble to pay debts or solve financial difficulties?
- After a loss, do you feel you need to gamble again to try and make up what you've lost?
- After a win, do you have a strong urge to try and win more?
- Do you ever gamble until all your money has gone?
- Have you ever lied, borrowed, sold or stolen anything to finance gambling?
- Do you prefer to gamble than spend time with your family or friends?
- Are you reluctant to use 'gambling money' for normal expenditures?
- Have you ever gambled to escape worry, trouble or boredom?
- Does gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
- Do you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune with a few hours of gambling?
- Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations give you the urge to gamble?
- Do you ever feel depressed or consider harming yourself as a result of your gambling?
People with a compulsive gambling problem are likely to answer 'yes' to some of these questions. If you need more help, get in touch with one of the following organisations:
Gamble Aware
Gamblers Anonymous
National Council on Problem Gambling
GamCare
Helping Hand/ IGC