Online Gambling is an estimated $9.5 billion per year industry, but it’s important to recognise that it can be addictive and harmful. Gambling addiction can have a negative impact on people’s lives and their relationships, including family, work, school, and finances. In some cases, people may become depressed or suicidal as a result of gambling addiction. Luckily, there are ways to help. Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step, followed by making a plan to stop gambling and seeking support.
Getting to grips with online gambling
Many gambling sites have self-exclusion options, which allow players to block access to their account for a certain period of time. This can be a great way to break the habit and refocus on other aspects of life. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your gambling accounts to ensure unauthorized transactions don’t happen. Using strong passwords and two-factor authentication can help prevent unauthorized access to your account.
Many online games have elements that could be classed as gambling, such as skin betting and virtual items that can be traded for real money. While this is not a significant factor in young people’s gambling habits, it’s worth being aware that these games are available and consider how they might influence young people.