How to Stop Gambling on Online Slots
Whether you gamble on online slots or at a land-based casino, gambling can quickly turn into an unhealthy obsession that causes real problems in your life. Problem gambling can strain relationships, interfere with work and cause financial disaster. It can also lead to self-destructive behaviour, such as stealing money to fund gambling activities.
Gambling addiction can be difficult to break, but it is possible if you approach it with the right mindset and strategies. The first step is to identify triggers that often precipitate a compulsion to gamble. This can be as simple as taking note of the situations, emotions or thoughts that make you want to gamble. You can then find healthy coping mechanisms, such as calling a friend or practicing mindfulness exercises like deep breathing, to help you overcome your urges.
It is also important to remember that winning on a slot machine is never guaranteed. A random number generator is used to create new, undecipherable combinations every second that a slot is in use, so it’s not fair to assume that you’re ‘due a win’ just because the machine you are playing on hasn’t paid out recently. It is also important to only ever play with money that you can afford to lose and to only ever dedicate a set amount of time to gambling.
If you are struggling with a gambling problem, it’s important to seek professional help. There are several organisations that offer free counselling and support for people with gambling addictions, including GambleAware, GamCare and the National Council on Problem Gambling. Another option is to join a support group. These are usually free to join and can provide a safe environment to discuss your issues with other gamblers.
Lastly, it’s worth trying to avoid the people, places and activities that you associate with gambling. This could mean avoiding casinos, removing gaming apps from your smartphone and only carrying essential cash when you go out. You may also want to consider using an application that blocks gambling content from your computer, such as Bet Blocker or Gameban. It’s also worth considering buying a non-smartphone or a phone without access to the internet, as this will prevent you from easily gambling when you are out and about.
You should also try to steer clear of websites that feature betting ads as these are known to encourage gambling compulsion. If you’re still struggling, try seeking therapy or joining a recovery community. This can help you get back on track and reprioritize your lifestyle and social activities. Changing your behavior on a whim is rarely successful, so it’s best to take it slowly and gradually. If you are serious about quitting gambling, you should contact a gambling helpline or visit a support group. This will provide you with the support and encouragement you need to quit gambling for good.