By Rick Benson
Casinos, sports, and other entertainment venues have always been a big draw for people who like to gamble. But what I’ve seen over the years is that more and more individuals are turning to online platforms instead. For someone struggling with a compulsive gambling disorder, the shift to gambling online makes it easier to keep it discreet - since it can be done from anywhere and at any time of the day with just a few taps of a smartphone.
In addition, many gamblers will gamble at home while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or while struggling with other underlying mental health challenges,which can result in poor judgement choices and betting beyond their capabilities.
The odds are not in your favor
Some online gambling sites may seem relatively harmless on first glance, offering “free” simplified versions of their games, where players can use virtual credits for fun. Furthermore, many of these sites skew the odds of their “free” versions in the player’s favor. Once a player upgrades to a real currency, often the odds will be reversed to favor the house.
In addition, many online gambling platforms require your payment info to be registered, with additional credit made available at the click of a button. This increases the risk that gamblers will continue to chase losses and make additional impulse bets in hopes of recovering. Even if players win money in the short-term, continued play will result in losses because the odds will always be in favor of the house.
Be wary of "Free Bets"
With the promise of "free bets" from online gambling sites, players are easily tempted to set up accounts - sometimes even setting up multiple accounts to one site. A number of online gambling sites are known to triple first time deposits up to a certain amount; this is a tactic designed to tempt players. (This is a hidden strategy that gambling sites use to mask how much players are risking.) virtual casinos cannot do much to prevent problem gamblers from accessing their games. Even if the player has voluntarily restricted their own access, they can simply set up another account by using a different debit or credit card. Alternatively, they can sign up at another gambling site instead.
Online Gambling to Relieve Stress and Anxiety
For some, the initial turn to online gambling may be a coping strategy to help escape the daily grind, relationship stress, or, in recent events, newfound isolation and uncertainty in the world due to Covid-19. Initially, it may seem to help reduce stress and anxiety. Some gambling addicts describe a sense of "zoning out", distraction and feeling as if they were in their own world. However, as compulsive online gambling progresses into a recurring problem, it often creates more anxiety, more stress, and more uncertainty, creating a dangerous perpetual loop of compulsive & destructive behavior.These are some of the most overlooked risks of gambling that we see in our clients—the emotional and mental toll it takes, long after the game ends.
Struggling with Online Gambling?
At Algamus Gambling Treatment Services we have over 27 years of dedicated and continuous service when it comes to gambling treatment. Whether it’s betting on sports, poker, slots, or online games, we’ve walked alongside people from every background and helped them face the challenges of gambling addiction. Our residential program provides a safe, structured environment with a variety of treatment methods designed to support lasting recovery. If you or someone you care about is struggling, contact us today for a free consultation.
