Problem Gambling: 5 Essential Facts Every Online Slots Player Needs to Know

Slot machine games come in every theme imaginable, making them hugely popular with all types of players. They’re fun, they can be thrilling, exciting, or even funny, and there’s the chance of spinning up prizes too. Problem gambling is probably the last thing on any player’s mind – and yet it’s something that could affect almost anyone. So here are five facts you need to know if you love playing slots.

1. You could be at risk without knowing it

You don’t have to be gambling every day to develop a problem. Even an infrequent player could become addicted to gambling, and it can creep up on someone almost without them noticing. A problem can often start out very small, such as chasing losses, or gambling more in an attempt to gain bigger thrills. Before long, a player could be borrowing money to gamble with, and even getting into debt.  The risk is always there for every player, but it isn’t always obvious – at least to begin with.

2. Problem gambling is often linked to other behaviours and personality traits

Although problem gambling could potentially affect almost anyone, some personality types are more at risk than others. Risk takers and thrill seekers are particularly susceptible, which is perhaps not surprising, since gambling can be highly stimulating on both a physical and a psychological level. Adrenaline junkies who thrive on adventure sports and high-risk investors are fairly obvious examples of people at risk of developing gambling problems.

But depression and other mental health issues, along with addiction to alcohol or drugs can also be a route to developing a problem with gambling. Impulsive behaviour has been linked with problem gambling as well as other addictions, so this is another at-risk category.

Taking time to check out the best options is one way of limiting risks. For example, review and resource websites, such as Slot Gods, help players to understand the different games and explore all the safer gambling resources available at reputable sites. Starting out with the right mindset and access to safer gambling tools helps to minimise any risks and helps players to manage their gameplay.

3. Problem gambling is more likely to affect men

Stereotyping the sexes isn’t considered to be the done thing these days, but according to a report by the BBC, men are 7.5 times more likely than women to become problem gamblers. And this is despite the fact that almost 60% of women and 66% of men participate in some kind of betting activity.

The belief is that men have a more ‘macho’ attitude, which encourages risky behaviour. They also tend to be more hedonistic, so chasing the high life comes more naturally to them. But perhaps the biggest reason is that they are exposed to more environments that promote gambling, such as advertising during sporting events.

4. Problem gambling is more likely to affect young people

Rather surprisingly, it’s the 18 – 24 age group that appears to be most at risk of developing problem gambling behaviours. And it seems it’s all to do with the way in which our brains develop as we grow.

According to an article in the Washington Post, brain scans suggest that the brains of teenagers are still forming connections. The research seems to show that the areas of the brain related to logic and regulating emotions don’t finish developing until the mid-twenties. Until then, the desire to impress and engage with peers is of primary importance, even if that means indulging in risky behaviour.

5. There are many safer gambling resources to help

If you, or someone you know, seems to be suffering from problems associated with gambling, there’s plenty of help available. Two primary sources of information are GamCare and Be Gamble Aware, both of which provide links to invaluable resources and tools. For example, all reputable slot sites offer their players the option to set up reality checks and deposit limits. If necessary, they can progress to taking time out, or even to self-exclude from a site.

It’s only a very tiny minority of slot players who experience problems associated with gambling, but staying aware of the risks helps everyone to stay safe. The key takeaway is to make good decisions from the outset, always choosing regulated sites that offer safer gambling tools. And remember – if you suspect you might be developing a problem, supportive and non-judgemental help is always freely available.