Gambling is a pastime almost as old as civilization itself. Some references to gambling date from 3000 BC in Mesopotamia. However, some theories point out that it’s even older and could have started during the Paleolithic age. So, society has always been involved with gambling in some form long before online casinos like Euteller Casino came into being. 

Gambling is now accessible to almost anyone via smartphones and other mobile devices. Although it can be an engaging and healthy pastime, compulsive behavior toward gambling has also been a problem. In this article, we’ll look at safe and healthy gambling habits and how to steer away from the dangers of gambling.

Discipline is Freedom

Philosophy and gambling may not have much in common. Still, countless philosophers across history have dealt with issues like temperance and will, which all gamblers can learn from. Aristotle for instance, used to say that “temperance is a mean in regard to pleasures.” 

The very notion of freedom can be misleading. Some might think that freedom is to do whatever one wants. Indeed, you can be a slave of your own will. According to Kant, it isn’t freedom if someone can’t control one’s will since our nature is “raw and wild.” In gambling, not exercising discipline, self-control and moderation can lead you straight into addiction.

How to Stay in Control

The best way to enjoy gambling safely is to create rules and limits that you should always stick to. Otherwise, you can easily slip into compulsive behavior, where fun ends and problem gambling begins. Here are some tips to control your gambling habits and still have a lot of fun.

Gambling isn’t an Investment

It’s important to get rid of any notion of gaining profits from casino games. Gambling is a hobby, not a profession, and it’s definitely not an investment. That’s why you should never gamble amounts you can’t afford to lose. Bear in mind the house always wins after all. 

Have Clear Limits

Define a duration and a budget for your gambling sessions and stay loyal to them. Be realistic: Define limits where you can have fun without risking time or resources. Once you set your budget, adjust your bets accordingly. If you bet all your bankroll at once, be ready to quit the game early.

Mix Gambling With Other Hobbies

Having different hobbies can help you stay away from the computer screen. It’ll help you control how much you gamble online. Look for other forms of entertainment, go outside, and engage in social activities. 

Learn About the Risks

Be aware of the risks of compulsive gambling and how to keep them at bay. If you know the kind of problems it can bring to your life, it’s easier to prevent them. As often as you remember the risks, they can serve as a helpful reminder of what can happen if you lose control.

Red Flags

Be attentive to warning signs that you may be losing control. For instance, borrowing money for gambling is a clear red flag. Since you should only risk what you can lose, you shouldn’t risk what you don’t have. Also, refrain from using gambling as an emotional escape when upset or sad.

How to Get Help

Addiction is a combination of psychological, biological, and social factors. Knowing where and how to get help is important if you’re struggling with compulsive gambling. You should always choose online casinos that provide tools and links for responsible gambling. It means they offer tools for limiting your time online, permanent account closure, and reality checks. Reality checks are pop-ups that appear at regular intervals to remind players to take some time off. 

Most online casinos also promote links for institutions that deal with problem gambling. Such institutions can vary from one platform to another across jurisdictions. It’s also possible to get support via helplines.

How to Help Someone

While it’s possible to play online casino games often without problems, compulsive gambling doesn’t take long to show its first signs. You’ll notice irresponsible behavior toward money, like bills left unpaid while you spend on gambling. Quite often, people having such problems try to borrow money to cover their losses.

If you observe someone close to you experiencing these issues or if someone opens up to you about their gambling problems, dialogue is always the best course of action. Encourage them to acknowledge their problem and seek professional help. Judgment and humiliation can’t help and will only have the opposite effect, pushing the person even deeper into addiction.

Convincing someone that they need help can be a very challenging process for everyone involved, but it's a necessary step toward recovery. Read about the helplines available in your jurisdiction and start from there. 

How Online Casinos Can Help  

Online casinos can do more than just promote links. They can actively promote healthy and safe practices, raise awareness of the issue, and create fair conditions for players. Here’s what responsible online casinos do for their customers.

Responsible Terms

Some online casinos impose predatory terms and conditions on their promotions. For instance, a wagering requirement above 50x means it’ll be very difficult to cash out any winnings. Nevertheless, such promotions offer eye-catching bonuses so players keep making new deposits. Fair terms and conditions can help prevent players from chasing their losses. 

Tools and Programs

Self-exclusion tools and other limiters are quite effective in keeping compulsive gamblers away. Additionally, the best platforms also provide gambling awareness resources like guides and FAQs.  

Advertisements

It’s the responsibility of online gambling brands to employ ethical advertising practices. Promotional campaigns should influence players toward responsible gambling and should not target vulnerable audiences.

Trained Staff

The best casino sites train their employees so they can identify players facing problem gambling more quickly. It means they can provide the needed assistance to those seeking help or losing control. 

Prevent Underage Gambling

Underage gambling is forbidden anywhere, but some casinos can turn a blind eye to it by following less than strict KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures. Allowing shady KYC is a clear sign of unethical business practices. KYC protocols are essential for preventing not only underage gambling, but fraud and money laundering, among other crimes.

Promote Education

The most committed online gambling brands also fund research and other initiatives that can help mitigate the impact of problem gambling in society. Some of them also support organizations working in the promotion of responsible gaming practices.