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How to avoid getting addicted to gambling online

With every second website you visit branding banner adverts or pop-ups trying to entice you to play such mouthwatering games as online poker (or even bingo) it’s no wonder that gambling addiction is becoming an ever more real concern to UK policy makers.

While the law moves at a snail’s pace when it comes to finding legislative solutions that let people do the things they want to do while minimising the risk of them taking it too far, there are a few common sense steps you can take to stop yourself falling prey to temptation in the first place.

• Don’t play at all! It might sound obvious, but many people lack the self-awareness to judge whether they might fall into addiction. But if you’re a heavy smoker, eater or drinker that can be a clue that you have a slightly addictive personality. In that case, just find something that is risk free.
• Stick to free games. Most websites offer limited versions of their games that you can play for free with no real money on the table. You can still test your wits against other competitors and if you can keep real money out the equation there’s nothing to stop you playing forever.
• Don’t attempt to recoup losses. If you are going to play online gambling games, then take some simple financial steps and exercise some self discipline. Set yourself a budget for any particular session and force yourself to stick to it. Once you have spent the money you have allocated to yourself then step away. If you start chasing more games in a bid to get the money back, you can soon find yourself in a viciously escalating cycle.
• Be honest with yourself. If you are afraid that you might be gambling compulsively, the best thing to do is to seek help as quickly as possible. Contact Gamblers Anonymous, who can offer you a range of services and advice as to how you can bring any addiction under control.