Online casinos are one of the most popular ways for gambling enthusiasts around the globe to engage in gambling and betting. These casinos are a great way for players to access popular casino games from the comfort of their living space. While the comfort and convenience offered by online casinos are certainly beneficial for casual gamblers, it has led to an increase in the number of problem gamblers who struggle with gambling addiction due to poor impulse control.
While the prevalence of casinos and gambling on the internet has contributed to the rise in gambling addiction, it is by no means a new issue within the gambling industry. Problem gambling has been one of the most important issues within the gambling sphere for as long as physical casino gaming and betting have been a thing. However, with the advancements in digital technology, there have been significant improvements in ways to limit gambling addiction and get help to those who need it most.
Online Therapy
Online therapy services and helplines are a great way for digital technology to get help to those who are struggling with gambling addiction. Although online therapy has its own limitations and drawbacks, it is still one of the best ways for gamblers to seek professional help without any shame or social stigma of in-person therapy. As long as an individual has access to an internet connection, they can easily get professional guidance for treating their gambling addiction.
Behavioral Tracking Tools
Casinos collect all kinds of user data regarding a gambler’s playing habits and exploit this data to increase the house odds and keep the gamblers hooked to their games. These behavioral tracking tools, although used to exploit gamblers by casinos, can be used as tools for social responsibility to detect problem gambling behavior in players.
Combined with real-life data, the information obtained using these behavioral tracking tools can be used to paint an accurate picture of the gambler’s extent and severity of addiction, which can be used to get them professional help accordingly.
Screen Time Limiting Apps
Mobile gambling is one of the major contributors to the epidemic of gambling addiction. When using casino apps on their smartphones, players tend to lose control of their impulses and track of the time spent on gambling. Different apps are available to limit screen time for individuals who spend too much time gaming on their smartphones.
Thanks to the advancements in smartphone operating systems, both Android and iOS have built-in tools to limit screen time and even lock or restrict access to certain apps. These apps can help gamblers distance themselves from casino games and adopt healthy consumption patterns when it comes to online gambling.
Gamstop Restriction
Gamstop is a tool purpose-built to limit gambling addiction. Players who suffer from problem gambling can register themselves on this service provided and managed by the official gambling authority of the United Kingdom. Once they register on the Gamstop website, their access to all UK licensed casinos is limited until the specified time limit is reached.
Although Gamstop is a good tool for limiting gambling activities, various non-Gamstop casinos exist that can be accessed even if the Gamstop restriction is active. It means that self-control and other measures like therapy should be used in conjunction with Gamstop. You can access the top list of casinos not on Gamstop here.