We all need some sort of escape, some sort of "safety valve" through which we can clear our thoughts and relieve stress. Some people choose to take up physical activities such as running, dancing or working out at the gym. Others find peace in yoga and meditation, and still others escape into crafts and, for example, spend hours making candles, soaps, decoupage or sewing. There are also those for whom entertainment will be computer games or even visiting online casinos.
In fact, as many people as there are, there will be as many ways to relieve stress. No matter what you choose, each method is good as long as you keep it in moderation. While it's rather hard to imagine getting addicted to sports or crafts (although it's certainly possible), it comes much easier when it comes to gambling. How do you know that you are turning from a carefree pastime into a dangerous addiction?
You gamble more often than you did at firstWhen you first started playing casino games you would visit occasionally. Then you came regularly, once or twice a week. Now you're here every day... This is of course the simplest scenario. In reality for some players it will take a month, for others three years, and still others will not reach the last point at all.
Everything depends on the attitude of the player to the game. However, in order not to become addicted, set the days at the beginning of the month on which you plan to enjoy gambling (no matter if it's online, land-based casino, betting or scratch cards). This way you'll not only see how many days per month you devote to this form of entertainment, but you'll also be able to control your enjoyment as long as you stick to this schedule consistently.
You are gambling for longer and longer
A gambling addiction does not always have to manifest itself in the fact that gamblers play more and more. There are addicted gamblers who only play a day or two a week, but once they sit down at the table, they can't stop.
Increased gaming time is another worrying symptom. If in the beginning you used to spend an hour on casino entertainment, but now it takes you half a day or night or the whole weekend, it's a sign that you should slow down a bit. A good way would be to write into your schedule from the first point also your planned gaming time - and stick to it consistently.
Increase your gaming budget
Increase your gaming budgetIncreased gaming time in an online casino usually means increased spending on this form of entertainment. How does this work in practice? You plan to spend max. 50 PLN on online slots. But when it comes down to it and you lose this money, you deposit another 50 zł, and then another. This is the easiest way to addiction. At the beginning of the game (or if you prefer at the beginning of the month), plan a specific amount of money that you can spend on gambling. If you don't win anything, that's fine - you can try again next time. Remember that gambling is meant to be fun, not a risky addiction.
Increasing your gambling budget is often not just about spinning the reels a little more. Often, gamblers play more and more with the hope that they will eventually play back. This is the worst thing that can happen. Most of the time, not only do they not win their dream jackpots, but they also lose everything they have deposited. If you haven't managed to win within your budget, let it go - it's obviously not your day. Putting in extra money can only make the situation worse.
Playing in an online casino (and any gambling game in general) is supposed to be fun. When you start spending all day devising strategies on how to win, this is a dangerous sign that you've gambled too much.
Instead of spending time with your family, you spend time at the casino
Nobody says that casinos are only for singles. You can combine everything, even household chores with gambling. The problem arises when, for example, instead of taking your children on the promised trip on Saturday, you look for an excuse to stay at home and visit the casino. Or you go with them, but all the time you are playing your favorite online slot machine on your phone.
It's okay if you can separate the two, but if you find that gaming is becoming more important than family or friends, be careful.
You've compromised your savings
You've lost your entire bankroll while gambling, and you don't have much left in your account either, but you feel like you're about to get your money back. Without thinking much, you look into your savings account, where you had money set aside for a vacation trip. After all, if you withdraw a hundred dollars no one will notice, you'll make it up when you withdraw ...
Unfortunately, it works a bit like an open package of candy. If you take one, no one will notice. And before you know it, an empty package is left. Remember that savings are meant for a specific purpose. Treat them as an iron reserve that you must not violate, especially for such pleasures as gambling.
Casino instead of a jobAn old saying says that the worst thing that can happen to a young man is to win big in a casino at the beginning of his adventure. There is some truth in that. Is there anything more beautiful than the moment when you deposit 5 zlotys and win 500? Sounds great, unfortunately such luck happens very rarely. However, this does not change the fact that many people see the casino as a way to easily earn money.
This is another dangerous sign that you are getting closer to addiction. Over time, some players justify the increase of their gaming funds by saying that it is an investment that will surely bring a profit in time. What's more, some people even come to the conclusion that it's not worth working if they can earn more in a few moments at the casino than in a month at work. If you find yourself thinking the same thing, check out the other points again.
Fascination or already obsession?
After the game is over, you can't fall asleep, because you analyze it? Or maybe during the day you find yourself thinking more and more about the slot machines you haven't tried yet and the opportunities you have to take advantage of in the casino, instead of about work and everyday life?
As long as you enjoy the game like a good movie, everything is fine. It can become dangerous when thoughts of gambling start to fill most of your life. Remember - everything is about moderation.
High roller and risky loans
Over time, some players, even though they have not done so before, tempted by high profits, start playing for higher and higher stakes. Unfortunately, they usually do not take into account the fact that the higher the possible winnings are, the less often they appear and thus they lose more and more money. This in turn may lead to a situation in which they take out loans to play, because "in the end you will surely win and win a lot of money". And unfortunately this often ends differently...
