What is problem gambling and how common is it?
Problem gambling is simply any gambling activity which is damaging to a person’s life. This can be harm to any or all parts of someone’s wellbeing, from their mental health to relationships, finances and job. It’s estimated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that 1.2% of the world’s population (around 96 million people) has a gambling disorder.
Do I have a gambling problem? Self-assessment is key
It can be difficult to recognise when your gambling is becoming a problem. The first step is to assess your gambling honestly — there’s no judgement involved, it’s just a good way to reflect on your habits. It’s useful to complete a self-assessment every couple of months and ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you bet more than you can afford to lose?
- Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to be able to gamble?
- Has gambling caused you financial stress?
- Do you conceal the amount you’ve gambled from friends or family?
- Have you experienced feelings of anxiety or depression related to your gambling?
- Do you feel guilty when you gamble or think about gambling?
Who’s most at risk of developing a gambling problem?
Certain factors, such as your genetics and environment, may contribute to being more likely to develop a gambling problem. But problem gambling can impact any one at any time.
How to avoid problem gambling – five tips for safe play
While there’s no definitive way to avoid developing a gambling problem, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from issues developing:
Only play at reliable crypto casinos
Before you register, it’s vital to
identify a trustworthy casino
for your gaming. With the rise of the internet, there’s now more access than ever to online gambling sites. Technological advances, such as the growth of cryptocurrencies, have also increased access to crypto casinos which operate outside of traditional frameworks. This doesn’t mean crypto casinos are not safe. Far from it. But this expansion has, regrettably, allowed some unregulated and unreliable sites to appear. These sites may not hold a license and can put your finances and personal information under threat. They also don’t support responsible gambling.
So, how can you tell whether an online gambling brand is legitimate? We’ve assembled a checklist of features which you should consider when deciding whether to join:
Is it safe and reliable?
In all of our guides and reviews, GameChampions will only ever recommend crypto brands that uphold strict standards of fair play and security. This means that games can be shown to have random outcomes and that the site is safe for all players. It also means that the site has responsible gambling tools in place and ensures that no minors are able to access gambling activities.
Is it partnered with established game providers?
The best crypto gambling sites provide games from established and reliable studios. These studios undergo frequent audits by third parties to make sure games are fair. Examples of reputable games providers include Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming and Evolution.
Set yourself a budget
Before you start playing at a crypto casino, or any gambling site, you should calculate how much money you can afford to spend. Never gamble with more than you can afford to lose.
Take regular breaks
Whenever you’re playing at crypto casinos, it’s vital to take regular breaks away from the screen. You can use reality check features in place on the site or set a reminder or alarm on your phone. This will help to make sure you don’t get caught chasing losses and keeps gambling as an enjoyable activity which balances with your other pastimes.
As mentioned above, the
best crypto casinos
make sure that all players are able to stay in control of their gambling with a range of responsible gambling tools. Not only do these tools provide a safety net against excessive gambling, they also help players to be aware of their playing and any triggers which may contribute to problematic gambling behaviours.
These are some of the most common responsible gambling tools available at crypto casinos:
| Responsible gambling tool |
Description |
| Deposit limit |
Allows players to set a maximum deposit amount into their account over a specific time frame: daily, weekly or monthly. You can usually adjust these settings straight from your account. However, if you want to increase the maximum amount, you might be required to go through a cooling off period.
You can work out your deposit limit based on your disposable income. Be sure to set the limit slightly below the amount you can afford to cover any emergencies. |
| Loss Limit |
Setting a loss limit means that, once it’s reached, you won’t be able to play any more until the next day. |
| Reality checks |
Reality checks are pop-up messages which periodically flash across your screen. They’ll tell you how long you’ve been playing for and how much you’ve spent. This is another useful tool to help you track your gambling. |
| Profit/loss statement |
Many casinos offer the facility to view your profits and losses over a set period, such as the previous month. You can also view your deposits and withdrawals. It’s a good idea to have a look at these statements on a regular basis, for example once a month. This will help you to monitor your playing and make sure you’re not gambling with more than you can afford to lose. |
| Cool off periods |
Cool off periods are short term breaks from a gambling site. They can typically last from a few days to a few weeks and are a good middle ground option before implementing a total self-exclusion period.
During the cool off period, you won’t be able to access your account and you won’t receive any promotional offers. |
| Self-exclusion |
If you feel you need to take a complete break from gambling, you can use a self-exclusion tool to effectively bar yourself from your account. You can set up self-exclusion for any time period, typically a few days to several months or even longer. |
Access support organisations
There are many organisations providing support for problem gambling. These organisations have lots of information on identifying and supporting problem gambling as well as counselling services and support networks. All of the first-rate crypto casinos we recommend have links to these organisations on their ‘Responsible Gambling’ pages.
Pros and cons
- Monitor your play
- Plan your budget
- Protect your finances
- Reduce risk of problems developing
- Requires regular monitoring
How can crypto casinos support responsible gambling?
As well as offering other benefits such as quick payments, crypto casinos are developing unique features to promote safe gambling. One of these is GambleFi, which you may have come across online, but
what is GambleFi?
Short for ‘Gambling Finance’, GambleFi refers to the introduction of decentralised finance models into the online gambling sphere. As well as increasing transparency by letting every player confirm that a game outcome is random, GambleFi could introduce safety features such as zero-loss betting. This would mean your initial stake was protected even if your bet didn’t win.
Summary – focus on responsible gambling to maximize your fun
Gambling is a fun activity which many of us enjoy. But, with the rise in internet gambling and, more recently, crypto casinos, players now have 24/7 access to casino games. It’s therefore essential to understand how you can avoid problem gambling. Making use of responsible gambling tools not only helps to reduce the risk of developing a gambling problem, they can also increase your enjoyment by allowing you to fully focus on your play. Plus, they guarantee that you’re not overstretching yourself financially. Keep the fun going by always playing responsibly.
Discover the best crypto casino bonuses
What is a gambling problem? FAQ
❓ How do you know if you have a gambling problem?
A gambling problem can develop at any time, even for those who have played at online casinos many times in the past. A self-assessment form, like the questions we’ve included in our guide, is a useful first step to working out your attitude towards gambling and any risk factors. There are also links to online organisations with more information available on our site and at the crypto casinos we’ve highlighted in our banners.
All legit casinos have responsible gambling tools which mean you can stay in complete control of your playing. That includes being able to set limits on the amount you deposit and lose and the option to exclude yourself from a site for a set period of time. Making sure a casino is committed to responsible gambling should be part of your considerations before joining but you can rely on all of the brands we’ve listed to offer a secure environment.
As well as offering wraparound security and lightning fast crypto deposit speeds, casinos are increasingly embracing new technologies that support responsible gambling. GambleFi, for example, is a model combining elements of blockchain technology, finance and traditional gambling which allows players to use features such as loss-free betting. This is becoming increasingly common but is still an emerging technology.
