The COVID-19 pandemic has made online gambling more popular than ever. There are several reasons that people are turning to online gambling for entertainment and money. Problem gamblers are young, impulsive, and have debts, so the temptation to spend more money is greater. But what can a person do to stop this bad habit? It is possible to stop online gambling and regain control over your finances. Listed below are tips for avoiding problem gambling.
Problem gamblers are more likely to gamble online
The convenience of gambling online is one reason why problem gamblers are more likely to turn to the internet for their addiction. With an increasing number of games and increased gratification, it’s no wonder that online gambling has become a popular choice among many people. Unlike in traditional casinos, problem gamblers can access gambling online from any computer with a good internet connection, thereby minimizing the time and physical effort required for regular gambling. Online gambling can be played on mobile devices and is often available around the clock.
Recent attempts to combat problem gambling have included plans to ban online gambling using credit cards and more widespread treatment options. The World Health Organization has classified gambling as a mental disorder. While occasional bets are perfectly acceptable, problem gamblers’ behavior can interfere with their lives and compromise their relationships. The Gambling Commission estimates that over 340,000 British adults are suffering from gambling addiction. Problem gambling is more common among those who gamble regularly on sports.
Problem gamblers are more likely to be young
Men are more likely than women to become problem gamblers, according to a recent study. Research shows that men are seven and a half times more likely than women to develop a gambling habit. Matt, 22, says that unhealthy gambling is part of lad culture. He started gambling when he was 18 years old and has lost up to PS30,000 so far. But it’s not just men who develop this problem. Even young women can be affected by this problem.
Young people are particularly vulnerable to gambling problems, largely because of the development of the brain at this time. Addiction and stress are more likely to affect teenage brains, and problem gambling often connects with other risky behaviors. According to research, 2.1 percent of young people struggle with disordered gambling and 6.5 percent are problem gamblers. Further, the earlier young people are exposed to gambling, the more likely they will become problem gamblers as adults. For example, children who are first exposed to gambling at the age of 12 are four times more likely to develop a gambling problem as adults.
Problem gamblers are more likely to have debts
One of the most common symptoms of problem gambling is debt. Problem gamblers often find it difficult to repay debt and find themselves at the mercy of others. They may use pleading, manipulation, and threats to obtain money. While this is understandable, it can also worsen a person’s gambling problem. To deal with gambling debt, contact a financial counselor to learn more about the options available to you.
In addition to seeking professional help to eliminate debts from online gambling, problem gamblers may also benefit from family counseling, marriage and career counseling, and credit counseling. As a result, they may be able to work through the problems that are causing their gambling habits. Ultimately, problem gambling can lead to many different problems – from relationship issues to financial woes. The best way to deal with gambling debt is to seek professional help and to make a lasting commitment to stop.
Problem gamblers are more likely to be impulsive
While it is still uncertain whether Internet gambling causes impulsivity in problem gamblers, the relationship between gambling and impulsivity is mediated by land-based gambling. Self-reporting of gambling involvement predicts the likelihood of developing gambling problems among Internet gamblers, and it is associated with high levels of involvement, expenditure, and time and frequency. Problem Internet gamblers also engage in different gambling forms.
Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, and UCLA conducted a study that included twenty problem gamblers, 16 siblings, and a control group of healthy volunteers. Participants completed questionnaires and cognitive computer tests, and underwent MRI brain scans to assess the intensity of impulsivity. When gambling-related cognitions were considered, the odds of impulsivity increased by over one-third for problem gamblers and three-quarters for healthy controls.