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Gambling Facts
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Approximately 2% of individuals will experience a gambling disorder at some point in their lives, but problem gambling often goes unnoticed and gaming addiction is a recently acknowledged condition.
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Proximity to a casino, within 40-50 miles, heightens the risk of developing a gambling issue.
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Gambling is linked to the highest rate of suicide.
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Gambling is defined as wagering money or possessions on an event with an uncertain outcome, aiming to gain more material wealth or money.
Problem gambling often goes unnoticed.
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Establish a plan before you begin gambling.
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Set a specific time limit for your gambling sessions.
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Determine a monetary limit for your gambling activities.
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Take regular breaks during your gambling sessions.
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Refrain from consuming alcohol while gambling.
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Familiarize yourself with the rules of the games and understand the odds of winning.
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Avoid trying to recover losses by chasing them.
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Engage in gambling activities when you are in a positive mood and seeking enjoyment.
Gambling Responsibly
Practicing responsible gambling involves implementing measures to minimize potential risks or negative consequences associated with gambling. Here are some tips for responsible gambling:
When does gambling escalate to Problem Gambling?
Warning Signs Include:
Financial distress:
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Unexplained disappearance of money from bank accounts, wallets, or money containers
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Absence of household items and valuables
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Regular financial shortfall despite earning a steady income
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Frequent borrowing or having multiple outstanding loans
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Secrecy regarding financial records or income
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Unpaid bills or receiving disconnection notices
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Insufficient food supplies at home
Changes in mood or behavior due to gambling:
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Employing deflection, rationalization, or minimization tactics
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Engaging in dishonest behavior
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Decline in work performance
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Displays of worry, agitation, or distress without apparent cause
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Expressing feelings of hopelessness, depression, frustration, or suicidal thoughts
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Alterations in personality traits, such as disruptions in sleep, eating, or sexual habits
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Exhibiting controlling or manipulative behavior, including the use of threats, lies, or charm to influence others
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Reacting defensively when confronted about gambling behavior
Other warning signs:
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Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to gamble
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Becoming excessively engrossed in gambling activities
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Family history of addiction
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Presence of other addictive behaviors
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Proximity to a casino
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Problem Gaming
Distinguishing Between Gaming as a Hobby and a Problem:
As a Hobby:
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Engages in gaming for enjoyment.
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Maintains performance at school or work.
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Pursues other hobbies and interests.
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Plays games during leisure time.
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Capable of taking breaks from gaming.
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Maintains a regular sleep schedule.
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As a Problem:
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Plays games compulsively, unable to stop.
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Withdraws from school or work due to excessive gaming.
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Gaming becomes the sole activity of interest.
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Never satisfied with the amount of gaming.
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Experiences withdrawal symptoms when unable to game.
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Frequently stays up all night gaming.
In-game microtransactions, where the costs for elite gear progressively increase, mirror behaviors linked with gambling.
Similarities Between Gambling and Gaming:
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Extended gaming sessions, often lasting several hours or extending late into the night, share behavioral similarities with gambling.
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Games that incentivize daily logins for rewards can cultivate a daily gaming habit, reminiscent of behaviors associated with gambling.
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In-game microtransactions, where the costs for elite gear progressively increase, mirror behaviors linked with gambling.
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Games featuring loot boxes containing predominantly low-level items with a chance for rare items reflect patterns associated with gambling.
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