Online gambling isn’t just an addictive habit, it can also be a major financial risk. Fortunately, there are ways to curb your cravings and take back control. Firstly, you should consider writing down your feelings after each session and try to identify any triggers that led to the impulse to gamble. This could include certain times of the day or even specific emotions that you associate with gambling, such as guilt or anger.
Next, you should start putting more barriers in between yourself and the dangerous behaviour. The key is to disrupt the unconscious patterns that drive you to gambling websites. This is easier said than done, but it’s a good idea to find a new hobby or recreational activity that can replace problem gambling. Taking up a new sport, rekindling an old hobby, or simply going for walks can all be great ways to distract yourself and get your mind off of gambling.
Having a clear plan for the future is also important for tackling your addiction. Set short-term and long-term goals to help you overcome your gambling problems, and consider talking to a professional counsellor if needed. This can be particularly useful when addressing deeper issues that fuel your gambling habits, such as depression or anxiety.
Another helpful strategy is to avoid places and activities that trigger your gambling. If your route to work goes past a casino, for example, consider changing your route or turning off the TV when sports events are on. If you find yourself thinking about gambling during these times, try writing down your thoughts in a gambling diary or talk them through with a friend to challenge unhealthy thought patterns.
Finally, it’s important to be honest about your gambling problem. Be willing to discuss it with friends and family, and don’t be afraid to seek help. If necessary, it can be very helpful to go through a treatment program for online gambling addiction. This can include psychotherapy or group therapy, which helps address the underlying psychological issues that contribute to your compulsive gambling.
To avoid online gambling, you should make sure to play only at reputable casinos. You can do this by searching for a casino review website that lists the payback percentages of individual games. These are usually published on the casino’s homepage, and they will tell you how likely you are to win. In addition, you should never use your credit card to fund an online gambling account and always make deposits using cash. Lastly, you should avoid progressive slot machines that have ever-growing jackpots, which can lure you into betting more and more money, often at a higher stake than you can afford to lose. This can lead to serious financial issues and may be illegal in some jurisdictions. To prevent this, you can use DoNotPay to request that casinos put you on their banned list. This is a simple process that takes only a few minutes and can be used on any device, including smartphones and tablets.