How to Stop Online Gambling

Why is Online Gambling Addictive?

My gambling addiction began innocently enough, playing bridge at boarding school and later betting on horses. Online gambling is even more dangerous because it delivers that same rush anytime, anywhere, making it even harder to resist. Gambling is addictive because it preys on that rush—the dopamine hit that convinces you you’re just one more bet away from something even bigger. This cycle, coupled with emotional and psychological triggers, creates a powerful and often destructive pull.

This addiction can result in a wide range of physical, emotional, social, and financial problems, and can have a significant impact on an individual's overall health and well-being. It is considered a chronic and progressive condition that may require ongoing treatment and support to manage.

Here are a list of reasons why gambling can be addictive:

1. Dopamine release: Gambling triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This can create a feeling of euphoria and reinforce the desire to gamble.

2. Variable reinforcement: Gambling is often associated with variable reinforcement, meaning that the rewards are unpredictable and intermittent. This can create a sense of excitement and anticipation, which can reinforce the desire to continue gambling.

3. Escapism: For some individuals, gambling provides an escape from reality and a way to cope with stress or negative emotions. This can lead to a reliance on gambling as a coping mechanism.

4. Socialization: For some individuals, gambling may be a way to socialize and connect with others who share similar interests. This can create a sense of belonging and reinforce the desire to continue gambling.

5. Cognitive distortions: Some individuals may have distorted beliefs about gambling, such as overestimating their chances of winning or underestimating the risks involved. This can lead to irrational thinking and a desire to continue gambling despite negative consequences.

    

It's important to note that not all individuals who gamble will develop an addiction, and there may be other factors that contribute to the development of gambling addiction, such as genetic and environmental factors. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, it's important to seek professional help.

Types of Online Gambling

There are several types of online gambling that are commonly available:

Online casinos: These are websites that offer a variety of casino games, such as slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, and more. Some online casinos also offer live dealer games, where players can interact with a real dealer via video stream.

Online poker: These websites allow players to play against each other in various types of poker games, including Texas hold'em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and more.

Sports betting: These websites allow users to place bets on various sports events, such as football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and more.

Online lottery: These websites offer access to state and national lotteries, where users can buy tickets and participate in drawings.

Online bingo: These websites offer virtual bingo games, where players can buy cards and play against others.

Online gambling can be very persuasive and addictive. It is important to be sure to monitor your use and your finances. 

Signs of an Online Gambling Addiction 

As a gambling counselor, I’ve seen these signs of an online gambling addiction show up again and again. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward getting help for yourself or a loved one. Some common signs and symptoms of a gambling addiction may include:

Preoccupation with gambling: The individual may think about gambling frequently, plan their gambling activities in advance, and may experience intense cravings to gamble.

Inability to control or limit gambling: The individual may try to cut back on their gambling or stop altogether, but may find it difficult or impossible to do so.

Gambling despite negative consequences: The individual may continue to gamble even when it is causing problems in their personal, financial, or professional life.

Chasing losses: The individual may continue to gamble in an attempt to win back money that they have lost, leading to further financial difficulties.

Increasing amounts of time and money spent on gambling: The individual may spend more and more time and money on gambling and may need to gamble with larger amounts of money to experience the same level of excitement.

Hiding or lying about gambling: The individual may try to hide their gambling activities from others or lie about how much they are gambling.

Neglecting other responsibilities: The individual may neglect their responsibilities at work, home, or school, in order to gamble.

Is Online Gambling Legal in the US?

Online gambling is not fully legal in the United States. While some states have legalized and regulated online gambling within their borders, many others have not.

In 2018, the Supreme Court overturned a federal law that had banned sports betting in most states, allowing each state to decide whether or not to legalize and regulate sports betting within their borders. Since then, many states have passed laws to legalize sports betting, both in-person and online.

As for other forms of online gambling, the legality varies by state. Some states have passed laws to allow online casino games and poker, while others have not. In states where online gambling is not legal, it is typically prohibited by state law.

In states where online gambling is legal, there are often restrictions and regulations in place to ensure the safety and fairness of the games. However, even when it's legal, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. I've worked with people who thought they could handle it—until they couldn't. Legal or not, gambling addiction can ruin lives.

Why Can't I Stop Online Betting?

For years, I gambled every day. Sometimes I would even have "wildcard weekends," where I'd spend the weekend playing four wildcard games. There’s a rush that comes with every bet, especially when you're winning. But the losses always outweigh the wins. I remember thinking I could "outsmart the system." Even though the odds were never in my favor, I would still keep playing. That's what addiction is and why you keep going back through the same cycle. If you feel stuck, know that you’re not alone, and there’s a way out.

How to Stop Online Gambling

Stopping online gambling begins with recognizing the harm it’s doing. Accept that the money you’ve lost is gone—it’s hard, but essential. Then, take practical steps like blocking access to gambling sites, and finding new, healthy activities to replace that time. In the next sections, I’ll explain exactly how to block sites and share tips that helped me and others quit online gambling for good.

How to Block Gambling Sites

Blocking gambling sites can be an effective way to prevent access to online gambling and reduce the risk of developing a gambling addiction. Here are some methods for blocking gambling sites:

• Use a gambling site blocker: There are several software programs and apps available that can block gambling sites. Some examples include BetBlocker, Gamban, and GamStop.
• Use parental controls: Many devices, such as computers and smartphones, have parental control settings that allow you to block access to specific websites.
• Use browser extensions: Some browser extensions, such as Block Site and StayFocusd, allow you to block specific websites or limit the amount of time spent on certain websites.
• Contact your internet service provider: Some internet service providers offer the option to block certain websites or types of content. Contact your provider to see if this is an option.

Tips for Quitting Online Gambling

Quitting online gambling can be difficult, but it's important to take steps to address the addiction and prevent further negative consequences. Here are some tips for quitting online gambling:

1. Admit that there is a problem: The first step in quitting online gambling is to admit that there is a problem and seek help. This can be a difficult step, but it is essential for recovery.
   
2. Seek professional help: A qualified mental health professional or addiction counselor can help you develop a treatment plan and provide support as you work to overcome your addiction.
   
3. Identify triggers: Identify the situations, emotions, or thoughts that trigger the urge to gamble. This can help you develop coping strategies to deal with these triggers when they arise.
   
4. Avoid triggers: Try to avoid situations or activities that trigger the urge to gamble. This may involve avoiding certain websites, activities, or people who enable your gambling behavior.
   
5. Find healthy activities: Replace online gambling with healthy activities, such as exercise, hobbies, or social activities.
   
6. Seek support: Join a support group or talk to friends and family members who can provide emotional support and encouragement.
   
7. Set goals: Set achievable goals for quitting online gambling, such as limiting the amount of time spent online or avoiding gambling for a certain period of time.
   

Remember that quitting online gambling is a process and may take time. It's important to be patient with yourself and seek help when needed.

Treatment for Online Gambling Addiction

Recovery from online gambling addiction is a process and may involve multiple approaches. That's what worked for me and many of my clients. It's also important to seek professional help from a qualified mental health professional or addiction counselor who has experience in treating gambling addiction. Algamus Gambling Treatment center is here to help you and your loved one leave the gambling addiction behind.