While you may be enjoying your gambling habit, you may not be aware of the warning signs that it is a problem. It can be a way for you to self-soothe your unpleasant emotions, or even socialize. Instead of using gambling as a means of releasing boredom, try exercising, spending time with non-gambling friends, and practicing relaxation techniques. Taking the time to understand and address the causes of your boredom can help you stop relapsing into unhealthy gambling habits.
Problem gambling
If you’re having trouble coping with the urge to gamble, problem gambling counselling can help. These services range from phone counselling to credit and debt counseling. The Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24 hours a day. While some people may question the need to quit in order to start problem gambling counselling, this is not the case. The most important thing for a counsellor to remember is to not pressure their client to stop gambling. If they feel that the client is ready to quit, they should not pressure them to do so.
The DSM-IV’s criteria for problem gambling have improved significantly over the years, with fewer misclassifications and an increased confidence in prevalence estimates. However, the DSM criteria are not weighted to distinguish between the more severe and less serious indicators of problem gambling. The same applies to feeling guilty about gambling, lying about it, and family breakups due to gambling. The criteria are still based on a survey of 222 compulsive gamblers.
Signs of addiction
The physical and emotional signs of an addiction to gambling vary from person to person. Often, problem gamblers behave differently in their winning phase than during their losing phase. They continue to gamble based on the perception that they are on a winning streak, which is distorted. This perception of their chances is exploited by gambling organizations. It is also possible that they may gamble in order to avoid the negative feelings that accompany losing.
Excessive gambling can have negative effects on your life, such as financial difficulties and relationship problems. It can also cost you your job and significant relationship. In addition, excessive gambling can lead to a loss of all of your hard-earned money. If you’re concerned that you may be developing an addiction to gambling, seek help as soon as possible. The following statements are warning signs of an addiction to gambling:
Treatment options
If you’re having trouble controlling your gambling habit, treatment options for gambling addiction include in-patient or out-patient facilities. Psychotherapy is a common approach, focusing on identifying and challenging harmful gambling thoughts and behaviours. Support groups, similar to AA and NA, are another option. Members learn how to cope with their addictions and set goals for recovery. In some cases, you may be able to stop gambling on your own, but you may require outside support and supervision.
While many people are reluctant to seek out professional help for gambling addiction, there are many self-help interventions available. These interventions may help individuals cope with their addictions and reduce the barriers to seeking professional treatment. The most widely accessible treatment options are meetings of Gamblers Anonymous. Self-directed computer interventions and bibliotherapy are newer options. However, a combination of treatment approaches may be best for you. In addition to professional interventions, there are many ways to address gambling problems, including contacting the Gambling Addiction Research Center.
Legislation regulating gambling
The Government’s commitment to reshaping the gambling sector has been echoed in its support for the Bill. The Government has vowed to bring the issue of gambling regulation to the forefront of the country’s public policy agenda. After years of debate, the government’s Bill for Gambling Regulation is expected to be completed in the coming months. Until then, we’ll have to wait and see. But in the meantime, we’ll have a better idea of where the debate will go.
The definition of a ‘gambling service’ in the Act is ambiguous. It is not clear whether a ‘gambling service’ is a casino or a ‘gambling site’ if it has no gambling sub-games. Similarly, the term ‘gambling simulation’ refers to games in which players purchase virtual currency. The new law will take effect 28 days after royal assent.