The problems of gambling

Sports betting sites offer a multitude of bets available in all kinds. For most players, the game and the adrenaline provided are associated with fun and entertainment. However, for some users, the practice of gambling may relate to a deeper problem. Generally taboo, problems related to gambling exist and are considered a full-fledged disease. We are talking in this case of addiction to games. In this case, the player, as well as his entourage, are affected on a daily basis by this grip. We explain to you in this article of our bettor's guide , step-by-step, the clues that make it possible to detect this disease.

The premises of addiction

Addiction, whatever it may be, implies a relationship of physical and / or psychological dependence between the object of addiction and the subject. In the case of gambling, the onset of addiction manifests itself in a very specific way. At the beginning, the player particularly appreciates the use of the site and the bets related to it.

However, doctors and researchers have noticed that the first step towards addiction usually begins after obtaining a significant gain. Indeed, following this event, the player will assimilate the game to easy money. He will thus make every effort to reproduce this experience. The line between pleasure and the feeling of obligation to gain will thus become blurred.

Noticeable changes

A player naturally tends to talk and share his activity on online gaming sites. Associated with pleasure, it is quite natural to want to share it with those around you. However, it is precisely when we observe a break in communication that it is necessary, on the part of the entourage, to question the approach taken by the player on the use of the site.

Indeed, the fact that this player no longer shares his experience indicates that he no longer equates his activity with pleasure, but with a feeling of guilt and shame. His mood then generally becomes variable: it fluctuates according to the gains or losses generated. In addition, deposits made on the site are more frequent, because the player is convinced that he " will do it again ». The notion of hard-earned money in "real life" disappears as we go along.

The acceptance of the problem, a first victory

Faced with this situation, many possibilities are available to the player in order to get out of it. The first step, perhaps the most difficult, is to accept that the relationship to the game is problematic. If this is your case, the fact of having accepted your illness is a first victory. Then it is necessary for the player to turn to a doctor or any appropriate organization to treat this disease. Learn to free yourself from this grip, learn to communicate again, this is the key to success.

Double-edged legislation

The gambling industry has been operating in Canada for many years, but this activity was illegal before our Quebec region introduced specialized legislation. To summarize, it was in particular a way of taxing a professional sector that was often in the hands of organized crime.

However, paradoxically, the Canadian government has not put in place specific prevention measures to combat gambling addiction. That is why, we could say that the legislation put in place may have had some negative effects on public health. We are talking here about the mental and physical factor of individuals. Even if the government does not make it a workhorse, some companies in the gaming industry have taken the bull by the horns! This is particularly the case for Loto-Québec, which finances numerous research projects related to excessive gambling while maintaining a certain awareness among players.

Despite a possible undervaluation of the situation, it seems that 5% of the population of Quebec claims to be compulsive gamblers. So the road is still long.

The so-called "pathological" game

Gambling is considered pathological when excessive addiction results in an addiction to gambling. The player is then unable to stop playing and control his bets. We can then equate addiction to a disease when the bettor needs to consume his practice, he therefore has a real need to play. Thus, the individual can increase the frequency of the game in order to avoid a state of lack.

What signs can testify to an addiction to games?

• The bettor is totally concerned about sports betting and gambling,
• betting completely occupies his daily life while overshadowing his other activities,
• he will set progressive amounts of money to achieve the desired adrenaline,
• he sets limits for himself, but takes more risks than he had planned,
• the bettor wants to reduce his practice, but is unable to do so,
• he lost, but definitely wants to do it again,
• the bettor hides his practice time from others, or even completely hides his activity,
• the game is a way to escape from the worries of everyday life,
• the player always finds a way to bet, even if he is in financial difficulties.