At Willwin.gg, we believe in an approach to online gaming that combines fun and responsibility. Fun should never give way to worry. However, we understand that there may be times when gaming ceases to be just fun and requires serious thought. That’s when it’s important to take a break or even consider stopping altogether.
At Willwin.gg, we actively encourage responsible gambling. All our partners, whether casinos, poker sites or sports betting platforms, offer the option of setting deposit limits or automatically opting out for a specific period or permanently.
Although we’re not medical experts, we’ve put together some essential information on responsible gambling and gambling-related problems below. Please take the time to review this information, reflect on it, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel the need.
Responsible gaming
GambleAware is a leading UK charity working to educate and prevent gambling-related harm. Here are ten tips from their list for safe gambling:
- Don’t think of gambling as a way to make money.
- Play only with funds you can afford to lose.
- Set financial limits in advance.
- Set time limits in advance.
- Avoid trying to compensate for your losses.
- Avoid playing when sad or angry.
- Maintain a balance between play and other activities.
- Keep your bank card out of the game.
- Take regular breaks.
- Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs while playing.
These tips, although often associated with traditional casinos, are just as relevant for online players. We strongly encourage you to use the deposit-limit and play-time management features offered by online casinos.
Signs of problem gambling
The definition of gambling problems, addiction or associated disorders varies from country to country and from source to source. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) calls it a gambling disorder, defined as: “recurrent gambling resulting in significant problems or distress”.
According to the APA, a diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following in the past year:
- Need to up the ante for excitement.
- Irritability or agitation when trying to reduce or stop the game.
- Repeated failures to control, reduce or stop play.
- Frequent obsession with gaming (replaying past experiences, planning the next session, considering ways of obtaining funds to play).
- Frequent play in distress situations.
- Return frequently to recoup previous losses.
- Lying about game activity.
- jeopardize relationships, employment, educational or career opportunities as a result of gambling.
- Rely on others to solve problems resulting from gambling.
If you recognize yourself in these behaviors, it may be necessary to regain control of your game. BeGambleAware offers an anonymous online test that can give you more insight into your gaming habits.
You’re not alone
According to a study published in the Journal of Behavioral Addiction in 2016, the worldwide prevalence of gambling problems ranges from 0.12% to 5.8%. A 1998 study cited a prevalence of 4.7%.
Whatever the current prevalence, remember that you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world struggle with gambling addiction.
Where to find help
For confidential and immediate help with addiction, Willwin.gg recommends contacting the Canada Safety Council’s local helplines, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Alberta: 1-866-332-2322
- British Columbia: 1-888-795-6111
- Manitoba Gambling Helpline: 1-800-463-1554
- New Brunswick: 1-800-461-1234
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 1-888-899-4357
- Nova Scotia: 1-888-347-8888
- Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut: 1-800-265-3333
- Ontario: 1-888-230-3505
- Prince Edward Island: 1-888-299-8399
- Québec: 514-527-0140
- Montreal and surrounding areas: 1-800-461-0140 and 1-866-767-5389
- Saskatchewan: 1-800-306-6789
In case of emergency, please contact your local emergency services or dial 911.
For more personal development and information, visit http://www.problemgambling.ca/
