Responsible Gaming

Gambling can be an exciting pastime. Unfortunately, fun can quickly turn serious and a gambling addiction can develop.

Gambling addiction is usually played down by the slot machine industry and presented as a rare phenomenon. It is often compared to rare addictions such as shopping addiction. The fact is, however, that many slot machine players who visit casinos are pathological gamblers.

There's nothing exotic about being a compulsive gambler, and there's nothing to be ashamed of. Gambling addiction, like alcoholism, is a disease that affects all social classes and has nothing to do with stupidity or weak will. Gambling addicts are not trying to make money, they are using it to distract themselves from other problems such as depression and negative thoughts. They are also addicted to the thrill of the game.

When it comes to gambling addiction, outsiders often do not understand. Seek professional help if you are experiencing one or more symptoms of compulsive gambling.

Symptoms that may indicate gambling addiction

The following symptoms are common to compulsive gamblers. This list is not meant to be exhaustive.

• Cravings: Players often feel enormous pressure that pushes them to play.
• Loss of interest: An addicted gamer loses interest in other activities including sexuality.
• Loss of control: Once they start, gambling addicts can find it difficult or impossible to stop gambling. They often gamble until either the money is gone or the casino closes.
• Increase in stakes: Bets are continuously increased to get the same kick.
• Extension of the playing time: The time those affected spend playing is also getting longer and longer.

In my opinion, these five points are the most characteristic symptoms of compulsive gambling. All other symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts or wanting to get your money back, are, in my opinion, just consequences of the disease.

You can do a self-test here: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/understanding-gambling-problems/self-assessment-tool/

What can I do to protect myself from further losses?

You can have your casino account blocked, at least temporarily, at any of the online casinos we list. If you are blocked at an online casino, the block will remain in place until you submit a request to unblock your account by email. However, once you have submitted the request, you will remain blocked for one to two weeks. Once you have been blocked, you will not be able to play online for at least one week.

Excluding yourself from the game is only the first step. The second step is to take the time to seek professional help. In addition to local drug and addiction counselling services, there are a number of organisations on the Internet that people with or at risk of gambling addiction can turn to:

• http://www.gluecksspielsucht.de
• http://www.anonyme-spieler.org

Unfortunately, it is impossible to exclude or block yourself from any land-based or online casino. New casinos are being opened every day.

Some players get their gambling addiction under control to a certain extent, they immediately pay off all financial obligations with their electricity, rent, etc. and buy everything in terms of food that is needed until the next salary. Even when there is no urge or pressure to gamble, some gamblers try to buy everything in advance because they never know when the addiction will strike again. The money left over is then consciously planned for gambling. This gives addicted gamblers the reassurance that they will be able to gamble if they want to. Unfortunately, this tip only helps if you have already gambled away your savings or have none.