As much as online gambling can be a great form of entertainment and a lot of fun, for many people it can mean a loss of money that they could not afford to lose. Yet, most people love to gamble although the reasons vary.
Some hope to win money but don’t really expect to win, some actually believe they will get rich over night, some gamble for the fantasy of the big win but with the clear understanding that it is very unlikely to happen to them, others use it as a “mental holiday” or just as an enjoyable and exciting way to spend their time.
Whatever your reason for gambling might be, you should be aware that all casino games are designed to give the casino an advantage as this is how the casino makes money, (with the exception of Blackjack, which can actually be beaten by a skilled player in a land based casino under the right conditions and with the right knowledge), so each game involves a serious risks of losing the money you used to gamble with. Practice Responsible Gambling.
Side Effects and Online Gambling
It is important that you are ready for the side effects that can come from online gambling. If you risk sums of money beyond what you can afford or if gambling becomes an obsession to you and negatively affects other areas of your life, you have to stop! If you lose control and more money than you can afford gambling is neither fun nor the entertainment it is supposed to be.
For many problem gamblers their addiction affects their relationships with family and friends and often their physical and mental health, and sometimes even their employment. Don’t ever let the obsession, frustration and the hunt for money defeat your other responsibilities in life, and don’t neglect your family’s needs.
If you know somebody who is gambling for longer and longer periods of time, constantly thinks and speaks about gambling, has growing debts due gambling, is absent from work or school because due to gambling or is losing sleep or their well-being due to gambling, you have an obligation to refer this person to Gamblers Anonymous (remember, this applies to yourself also!).
Gamblers Anonymous are seriously involved in helping people overcome their addictions, and they really can help someone with a gambling problem.
Gambling Addiction
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for people to become addicted to gambling and some people have lost their life savings and even their families and homes due to compulsive gambling. Don’t let this happen to you. Remember, you are in control of your life and the decisions you make, and if you need help there are people who were once in your exact situation waiting to help you at Gamblers Anonymous.
One thing is 100% sure, if you are gambling to solve financial problem things will only get worse. There are much better solutions to your problems; it is just that you can’t see them at the moment.