When thinking about the risks of gambling, we often think about the obvious financial risks that come with problem gambling. However, problem gambling can also affect mental and physical health – lowering our self-esteem and confidence. A financial crisis is often the reason why a person addresses their compulsive gambling. It is also not uncommon for people to not realize that their loved ones are addicted to gambling until they face serious financial consequences. Here are some of the risks associated with online gambling:
Finances:
Owing to the recent popularity of online gambling, more and more operators are starting online gambling venues. Most beginners don’t know that many of these gambling sites are not licensed, regulated, or monitored by a third party. This leaves a lot of grey areas for exploitation. In addition, there are also financial risks associated with problem gambling. Most gamblers forget that gambling is a considerably lucrative business; casinos are set up to make money and not lose it. These gamblers often try to chase their losses, which leads to an even bigger financial loss. When occasional gambling gets out of control, it can lead to bills not getting paid on time – a compulsive gambler may try to compensate by taking out loans. One way to not fall into this trap is to budget your money and preplan how much you will spend gambling. Without setting a limit on time or money for gambling, one can spend more money than intended.
Relationships and Career:
One of the biggest risks associated with problem gambling is the effects they have on your close relationships. Unsurprisingly, money arguments are one of the significant reasons for divorce after infidelity. When gambling becomes an addiction, a person can act in ways they never knew were possible for them. They might resort to lying compulsively to cover their tracks, feel depressed or anxious, and neglect their responsibilities leading to their partners doing most of the heavy work. A compulsive gambler spends most of their time thinking about their next gambling – this can lead to them performing poorly at work. The symptoms are much harder to see with online casino gambling. With their mobile phones, they can engage in online gambling activities anywhere and at any time.
Mental Health:
Gambling can affect your mental health – people who struggle with gambling often feel like they have no control over themselves. This can lead to experiencing shame, guilt, and a lack of self-worth. Prolonged exposure to these feelings can often lead to the development of anxiety, depression, mood swings, and, worst cases – suicidal thoughts. Research reveals that people affected by problem gambling are more likely to have suicidal thoughts than those who are not. Because people don’t discuss their financial matters openly, there is often the risk of gambling problems going undetected for so long. This can lead to devastating consequences for compulsive gambler and their families.
