How to stop playing online casinos: A detailed guide
Online casinos can be a fascinating form of leisure, but for many people they become a source of trouble, duty and psychological pressure. If you feel like you've lost control - this article will help you figure out how to stop playing and regain your freedom.
1. Acknowledge the problem
The first step is to honestly acknowledge that the game has gone beyond entertainment. Signs of gaming addiction:
If you recognise yourself - don't ignore it. The sooner you start acting, the easier it will be to get out of the vicious circle.
2. Delete all triggers
Delete online casino accounts
Block sites through extensions or programs (for example, GamBlock, BetBlocker)
Unsubscribe from mailings and SMS with bonuses
Remove apps from your phone
Avoid gambling and advertising discussions
3. Self-Exclusion
Most licensed casinos in Australia and around the world support the self-exclusion tool - you can:
4. Contact for support
No one is obliged to cope alone.
Here's where to turn:
Support can be either anonymous or involving a professional psychologist.
5. Tell your loved ones
Isolation is what addiction "feeds" on. Even if difficult, try:
6. Replace excitement with healthy habits
Create new behavioral patterns:
It is important that the new activity meets the same needs as the game: adrenaline, attention, relaxation or challenge.
7. Financial measures
Limit access to money: Give finances to a trustee
Block credit cards in online payments
Create a separate account without online access
Start budgeting: Record expenses and avoid cash
8. Prepare for disruption
The path to freedom is not always direct. Prepare:
Conclusion
Stop playing - maybe especially if you start right now. The main thing is to recognize the problem, remove access, get support and fill life with new, healthy habits.
If you read this and feel that everything is difficult - know: you are not alone. Get help. This is the first step towards real freedom.
If necessary, I can make an abbreviated version for landing or adaptation to the FAQ format.
1. Acknowledge the problem
The first step is to honestly acknowledge that the game has gone beyond entertainment. Signs of gaming addiction:
- Constant thoughts about casinos
- Desire to recoup after losing
- Playing for the Last Money
- Lying to loved ones about their actions
- Debt growth or financial deterioration
If you recognise yourself - don't ignore it. The sooner you start acting, the easier it will be to get out of the vicious circle.
2. Delete all triggers
Delete online casino accounts
Block sites through extensions or programs (for example, GamBlock, BetBlocker)
Unsubscribe from mailings and SMS with bonuses
Remove apps from your phone
Avoid gambling and advertising discussions
3. Self-Exclusion
Most licensed casinos in Australia and around the world support the self-exclusion tool - you can:
- Block yourself for 6 months, a year or forever
- Apply blocking to all sites at once through Gambling Help Online, BetStop or local services
- Deny yourself access to land casinos and betting points
4. Contact for support
No one is obliged to cope alone.
Here's where to turn:
| Organization | Contacts |
|---|---|
| Gambling Help Online | gamblinghelponline.org.au(https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au) |
| Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14 |
| Relationships Australia | relationships.org.au(https://www.relationships.org.au) |
Support can be either anonymous or involving a professional psychologist.
5. Tell your loved ones
Isolation is what addiction "feeds" on. Even if difficult, try:
- Talk to a friend or partner
- Tell me you want to stop
- Ask for help controlling costs or blocking access to accounts
6. Replace excitement with healthy habits
Create new behavioral patterns:
- Sport
- Work or additional training
- Volunteering
- Board games, books, movies
- Meditation, walking, hobby
It is important that the new activity meets the same needs as the game: adrenaline, attention, relaxation or challenge.
7. Financial measures
Limit access to money: Give finances to a trustee
Block credit cards in online payments
Create a separate account without online access
Start budgeting: Record expenses and avoid cash
8. Prepare for disruption
The path to freedom is not always direct. Prepare:
- Set yourself goals and rewards
- Follow progress: "days without a game"
- Analyze each breakdown: what provoked? how to avoid in the future?
Conclusion
Stop playing - maybe especially if you start right now. The main thing is to recognize the problem, remove access, get support and fill life with new, healthy habits.
If you read this and feel that everything is difficult - know: you are not alone. Get help. This is the first step towards real freedom.
If necessary, I can make an abbreviated version for landing or adaptation to the FAQ format.