Online Gambling includes casino games, sports betting, online poker and fantasy sports, and it’s a huge industry. But it can be addictive and harmful for many people, especially those struggling with mental health problems.
The most important step to overcome an online gambling problem is recognizing that you have a problem. You can then decide how you will address it and take action. You can also ask for help from a professional. There are many support services available, including free online self-assessment tools and apps, as well as face-to-face helplines.
The vast majority of online gamblers play at home. However, one in five have gambled in other places. This is likely to be because it’s harder to hide gambling at home. Another reason is that the convenience of online gambling can make it hard to stop. This is particularly true for those who use a computer to gamble, as they can easily access gambling websites from their mobile phones or tablets. Identifying the situations, emotions or places that trigger the urge to gamble can help you to manage or avoid them. In addition, finding new activities to fill your time can help you stop gambling or limit how much you gamble. This might include taking up a hobby, exercising or even trying out some new foods. Lorna Ponambalum is a designated safeguarding lead and senior leadership education professional, who supports staff to develop and implement systems to ensure children’s safety is prioritised.