Gambling addiction is a disease with many negative ramifications for not only the person suffering the addiction, but the people connected to them as well. While most people can gamble without suffering harm, for people who struggle with disordered gambling, it is a dangerous activity.
That is why state governments, commercial enterprises, and non-profit organizations all provide resources for people who have experienced harm from problem gambling. The good news is that with support and treatment with these resources, remediation of the harms of gambling addiction is possible.
That process of limiting harm begins with knowing where to find appropriate resources and how to take advantage of them. These responsible gambling resources take several forms and many of them are available without charge.
Recognizing the Signs of Gambling Addiction
In order to address any problem, the problem must first be identified. The signs of gambling addiction can help people analyze their situations. These signs can include:
- Attempting to conceal gambling activity or deceive others about the same
- Stealing or borrowing money to gamble
- Pawning or stealing possessions to get money to gamble with
- Gambling money that is necessary to pay bills or make investments
- Skipping out on personal or professional obligations to gamble
- Losing interest in normal activities
- Feeling down when not gambling
- An inability to focus on tasks due to fixation on gambling
These are not all of the signs and not all of these signs may be present in an individual struggling with disordered gambling. More thorough evaluation is necessary to ascertain whether a person is truly struggling with gambling addiction.
It is possible for a person to gamble in a problematic way and not be addicted at the time. What is important to keep in mind, however, is that unsafe gambling practices can be part of what leads to a gambling addiction.
If you suspect that you might be dealing with a gambling addiction or know someone who believes they may be, time can be a crucial factor in their/your recovery. There’s no time like the present to seek to improve your life or the life of another via responsible gambling practices.
Available Resources for Gambling Addiction Help
In the United States, there are many forms of gambling addiction help. Such resources begin with those that gambling companies like BetMGM themselves provide.
BetMGM’s responsible gambling tools include customizable deposit, spending, and time limits for all players after they register. BetMGM players are also always able to take a digital gambling detox period and restrict their access to the app and websites for as long as they like.
Many state governments also offer self-exclusion programs. These are programs with which you can essentially ban yourself from gambling avenues for certain periods of time.
Those programs relevant for BetMGM players are all available online:
Self-exclusion can be an important part of recovery but it might be only a part of that treatment. For some people, therapeutic interventions are also helpful.
The National Council on Problem Gambling maintains a database of treatment providers by location. The same information is available by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.
For those suffering due to a gambling addiction other than their own, peer support resources can provide relief. The NCPG also maintains a list of these resources.
This is not a comprehensive list of all resources that are available either digitally or in-person in your area.
For additional information, please click through the related articles below:
- What Are the Signs Someone Is a Problem Gambler?
- How To Self-Exclude if You Have a Gambling Problem
- Ways To Keep Gambling Responsibly
- How To Curb Fomo in Casino Gambling
- Tips for Keeping Your Online Gambling Habits Sustainable
- Responsible Gambling: Tips for Safe Casino Betting
- Responsible Gambling: Understanding the Different Types of Gamblers
