Problem gambling is often identified as an impulse-control disorder. It can have negative psychological and social effects. Furthermore, it can also affect your physical health. Some of the most common gambling problems that affect you physically can include headaches, sleeping problems, weight gain or loss, and more.
In today’s time, gambling is all around us. The latest advancements in technology have made gambling more accessible than ever and with online casinos sprouting left, right, and center, it is becoming increasingly difficult for gambling addicts to steer clear from gambling.
Preventing Gambling with GAMSTOP
The good news is that the gambling industry is aware of the potential risks gambling carries with it. In fact, license issuers like the United Kingdom Gambling Commission now require all online gambling operators to participate in the multi-operator self-exclusion program GAMSTOP.
The UKGC is one of the leaders in the industry and is considered the most reputable gambling regulatory body. To obtain its license, online gambling operators must conform to strict rules and regulations, one of which is the integration of GAMSTOP.
As the name suggests, GAMSTOP allows players to self-exclude from the casino. In the past, players had to manually self-exclude from each casino. However, with the new program, players can exclude from every online casino operating under the UKGC license.
To use GAMSTOP and self-exclude, all players have to do is register within the program. GAMSTOP requires you to provide personal details, such as your full name, date of birth, mobile number, email, and home address. In addition, players will have the option to choose the duration of the self-exclusion period, which can be six months, one year, or five years.
After the registration process is complete, players’ access to any gambling site operated by the UKGC will be blocked.
Preventing Gambling with GAMSTOP
If you are playing in a casino that doesn’t support GAMSTOP, or you’re simply looking for more options to stop gambling, you can try a wide array of third-party software. Some of the best third-party software out there to help you curb your gambling addictions are:
- Gamblock
- Gamban
- Bet Blocker
- Betfilter
- Freedom
As is the case with GAMSTOP, the third-party software we mentioned helps you block access to online casinos, sportsbooks, or any other gambling sites you may find online. However, while the idea is the same, each of the software comes with a unique set of features and pricing plans.
Most of these are available for Windows OS. However, some of the software we included also has support for Mac and Linux, and even mobile operating systems like Android and iOS.
An interesting thing about Bet Blocker, for example, is that it will continue to block access to gambling websites even if you uninstall the program. As far as Gamblock goes, it will automatically add any new gambling site or app on the list of blocked sites as soon as it detects any.
Gambling Site Limits
Another option you have is to set gambling limits at the casino or sportsbook you are using. While it won’t exactly prevent players from gambling, it can stop problem gamblers from gambling too often or spending too much.
Depending on the options the gambling site offers, you can set daily, weekly, or monthly spending limits. In addition, the gambling site may also allow you to limit the time you spend at the casino per session, day, and so on.
Unfortunately, not all gambling sites have these settings, making GAMSTOP or third-party software a much more viable option.
Conclusion
The sad truth about gambling is that gambling addiction can happen to anyone from any walk of life. From a fun and exciting activity, gambling can quickly turn into an unhealthy obsession that can ruin your family relationships, friendships, and also make a severe dent in your finances.
For that reason, the gambling industry is always looking for new ways to stop players from spending more they can afford.
An important thing to know is that how frequently you gamble doesn’t necessarily translate to gambling addiction. However, if you need to continuously raise the stakes to feel excitement or are unable to stop gambling, or if you find yourself lying to those around you about your gambling habits and allowing your relationships to deteriorate because of gambling, chances are you have a gambling problem.
If that is the case, or you know someone who shows similar signs of problem gambling, you should seek professional advice and consider using one of the methods we mentioned above to limit your gambling or completely self-exclude yourself from gambling sites.