Over the past 24 years, I’ve seen the online gambling industry from every angle: from internet casino affiliate marketing to crafting honest, critical reviews and responsible gaming advocacy always encouraging gamblers to understand the importance and best practices of gambling responsibly.
I've not only helped thousands of people find reputable online casinos but also witnessed the hidden dangers that come with internet gambling, especially the risk of addiction.
My journey includes a personal battle with gambling addiction during my years as a high-stakes blackjack player at the Hard Rock Casino, where I learned some hard lessons that changed my life.
Below, I examine the risks of online gambling and why the danger of addiction to gambling activities is real and insidious risk which all gamblers MUST take seriously.
Helpful Gambling Addiction Videos
What is gambling addiction? | APA | Online Gambling: The Risks of Internet Casino Gambling |
Understanding Online Gambling Risks
Gambling online offers convenience and access to a vast array of games 24/7, but it also makes it alarmingly easy for people to lose track of time, money, and even reality.
When I started reviewing online casinos in 2001, I was shocked at how certain features seemed designed to encourage extended play and repeated deposits.
From welcome bonuses to live chat prompts and easy banking options, the system makes it effortless to stay engaged, which is dangerous for someone vulnerable to addiction and compulsive behavior.
For me, this danger materialized when I went from controlled enjoyment to reckless compulsion. Over a period of 5 years, I lost about a million dollars to my addiction, a struggle that saw me ‘self-exclude’ from casinos multiple times just to regain control.
What I learned from my experience is that anyone, no matter their discipline or self-belief, can fall victim to the addictive patterns of gambling.
The Danger of Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction isn’t just a matter of poor choices; it’s a psychological and physiological condition.
I used to believe I could control the urge to gamble even as the stakes escalated. Yet, as I won larger amounts, I felt invincible—until I started losing, and I’d chase those losses, staying up for days in hopes of getting even.
Addiction changed how I saw money, time, and even my relationships.
The mind loses all context when gripped by gambling addiction.
One time at Hard Rock Casino, I was up over $100,000 in a single day's blackjack session, but I kept going, convinced I could keep winning.
Three sleepless days later, I left the casino with a $30,000 loss.
That experience, and others like it, finally led me to seek help.
Now, I advocate for responsible gambling with a passion rooted in personal experience.
Recognizing the Signs of Addiction
Some people start gambling for fun and can keep it at a manageable level. But for others, it becomes a compulsion that takes over.
Signs that gambling might be a problem include:
Increasing Bet Sizes: Chasing the thrill with larger bets.
Loss of Time Awareness: Spending hours on end gambling without realizing it.
Chasing Losses: Playing longer to “win back” money lost.
Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring work, family, or social obligations.
Mood Changes: Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling.
Borrowing Money: Asking for loans to continue gambling or pay off gambling debts.
Once these signs appear, it’s critical to seek help.
I put myself on self-exclusion lists at Florida casinos multiple times (3 self exclusions) because I knew that without a forced break from daily gambling, I couldn’t control the urge.
Practical Tips for Responsible Gambling
Overcoming blackjack addiction took me over 3 years and major life adjustments.
Here are some strategies I learned through my experience and now recommend for anyone gambling online:
Set a Budget: Decide how much you’re willing to lose and stick to it.
Use Time Limits: Set a timer to avoid excessive play.
Avoid Chasing Losses: If you lose, walk away. Chasing often leads to bigger losses.
Limit Access: Use blocking software to restrict access to gambling sites.
Take Breaks: Regular breaks help maintain perspective and control.
Seek Support: Therapy, counseling, and self-help groups can provide invaluable support.
Self-Exclude if Necessary: Most online casinos offer self-exclusion options.
Online Gambling Risks and Addiction Statistics
Online gambling has become increasingly prevalent, leading to heightened concerns about gambling addiction and associated risks. Here are some key facts and statistics about online gambling risks and the dangers of gambling addiction:
Prevalence and Accessibility
Online gambling's widespread availability has contributed to increased rates of problem gambling. According to research:
81% of gambling addicts play online.
In the United States, 59% of problem gamblers gamble online.
Since 2018, 38 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized sports betting, with 30 states regulating mobile sports betting.
Addiction Rates
The ease of access to online gambling platforms has led to concerning addiction rates:
16% of adults and 26% of adolescents who use online casino or slot products exhibit gambling disorders.
9% of adults and 16% of adolescents involved in sports betting show similar disorders.
50.2% of all slot machine players have gambling problems.
Financial Impact
Gambling addiction can have severe financial consequences:
The average caller to the California gambling hotline spent $46,000 annually on gambling.
In 2023, US players gambled for $264 billion, or $1,026 per person over 18.
The social cost for a gambling addict (PGSI 8+) is over $30,000 per year.
Mental Health and Suicide Risk
Gambling addiction is associated with significant mental health risks:
Suicide rates among problem gamblers are 15 times higher than the general population (ages 20-74).
30% of problem gamblers in the UK said they had tried to commit suicide before entering gambling treatment.
In the UK, 4-11% of all suicides are gambling-related.
Gambling Addiction Statistics
Statistic | Value |
Percentage of gambling addicts who play online | 81% |
Adults using online casino/slots with gambling disorders | 16% |
Adolescents using online casino/slots with gambling disorders | 26% |
Annual gambling spend per person over 18 in the US (2023) | $1,026 |
Social cost per gambling addict per year | >$30,000 |
Increased suicide risk for problem gamblers vs. general population | 15x |
Percentage of UK problem gamblers who attempted suicide | 30% |
These gambling risk statistics highlight the significant risks associated with online gambling and the potential for addiction.
It's crucial for individuals, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to be aware of these dangers and work towards implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
FAQs on Online Gambling Risks and Addiction Dangers
Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide further insight into online gambling risks and the potential dangers of gambling addiction:
What makes online gambling more addictive than traditional gambling?
Online gambling is accessible 24/7, with instant deposit options and games designed for rapid play, making it easier to lose track of time and money.
Can I control my gambling without seeking help?
While some people can control their gambling, many with addictive tendencies find it difficult without support or external accountability measures like self-exclusion or counseling.
What should I do if I think I have a gambling problem?
If you suspect a problem, consider setting limits, seeking professional help, and using tools like self-exclusion or blocking software to limit access.
How does self-exclusion work?
Self-exclusion allows individuals to ban themselves from online casinos or betting platforms for a set period, typically six months to five years, to regain control.
What are the financial risks associated with online gambling?
Financial risks include the potential for debt, drained savings, and, in severe cases, bankruptcy. Gambling addiction can devastate financial stability.
Can online casinos help prevent addiction?
Many reputable casinos offer responsible gambling tools like deposit limits, time-out options, and self-exclusion, but these tools only work if the gambler uses them.
Why is it so hard to quit gambling?
Gambling triggers dopamine release in the brain, creating a high that can lead to dependence. Quitting is challenging due to the psychological and physical cravings for this sensation.
How does chasing losses impact gambling addiction?
Chasing losses is a common symptom of gambling addiction, often leading to greater losses as individuals attempt to recover what they’ve lost.
Is online gambling safer with small bets?
Small bets can limit immediate losses, but addiction isn’t always about bet size. It’s about compulsion, so even small bets can lead to problematic behavior.
What’s the best way to gamble responsibly?
To gamble responsibly, set strict budgets, use time limits, avoid gambling alone, and never chase losses. Treat it as entertainment, not as a way to make money.
My Thoughts on Managing Online Gambling Risks
Learning to manage and overcome gambling addiction was one of the hardest but most important battles I fought. Now, I play strictly for entertainment with strict limits and see gambling through a more cautious lens.
If you're considering online gambling, remember the risks and take responsible steps to protect yourself.
Gambling Problem Help Resources
Addition to gambling is a serious matter that can destroy a person's life.
If you feel you might have a gambling problem where addiction is a factor, Thoughts.com strongly encourages you to get yourself help from the disease from these free gambling help organizations.
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