Gambling should be primarily an entertainment and an enjoyable pastime. However, for some gamblers, this hobby can become a serious problem, as the intense emotions aroused by gambling can lead to addiction. Studies show that up to 5% of players in different countries experience symptoms of gambling addiction.
Casinos, bookmakers and other gambling services are responsible for preventing various forms of gambling addiction. These responsible measures not only help to protect the well-being of customers, but also to build long-term customer loyalty. The bottom line is clear: responsibility always has a positive impact.
Why is addiction created?
Gambling addiction can have many causes: the monotony of everyday life, the dream of a big win to improve the quality of life for the family, or simply the need for excitement. However, in general, addiction is driven by the brain’s reward system. At the moment of a win, the brain releases pleasure hormones, which causes the player to experience pleasure and to want more of the same sensations.
Therein lies the trap: some gamblers get most satisfaction from the anticipation, rather than the win itself. Because gambling is built to provide the constant hope of the next big win, a vicious cycle can develop where the gambler continues to gamble uncontrollably.
In particular, people who seek intense emotional experiences, enjoy competition or get bored easily may be particularly susceptible to gambling addiction.
How to identify addiction?
Signs of gambling addiction can include:
- A compulsive urge to keep gambling despite losses.
- Obsessive compulsion to gamble in order to win – compulsive need to gamble in order to win.
- Lying and hiding gambling from loved ones.
- Feeling out of control.
Many responsible casinos offer tests to help players assess the risks of their gambling behaviour. It is advisable to take these tests regularly to ensure that gambling remains safe and under control.
How to prevent addiction?
There are a number of practical ways to manage gambling:
- Set limits: define in advance how much money and time you can spend on gambling. Many casinos allow you to set limits directly in your profile.
- Block marketing messages: unsubscribe from casino promotional messages to avoid temptation.
- Self-blocking: you can block your access to gambling for a limited period of time or even permanently.
You can limit your access to gambling for a certain period of time, such as a day, a week or a month.
Protection of minors
Responsible gambling also means protecting minors from the harms of gambling. Children and young people’s brains are still developing and they do not yet have sufficient capacity to regulate their impulses. This can lead to risky behaviour and harmful consequences.
This is why the law stipulates that under-18s are not allowed to take part in gambling. Casinos are obliged to check the mental health of players to prevent underage gambling.
Where to seek help?
There are several organisations in Finland that offer help and support to people with gambling problems. These include:
- Pelirajaton: Provides counselling and peer support for people with gambling problems and their loved ones.
- Gamblers Anonymous: Provides peer support and group activities where people with gambling problems can share their experiences.
- Nikkarit: Provides guidance and support for people recovering from addiction.
- Social kiosk: a place to get counselling and advice on gambling problems.
- The Finnish Mental Health Association: provides information, support and counselling for people with mental health problems, including gambling addiction.
- Peluuri: A confidential telephone and support service to help people with gambling problems and their loved ones.
These organisations offer a wide range of support, including counselling, peer support and education to avoid gambling addiction. Help is available for both the problem gambler and their loved ones.
