India now has over 420 million active online gamers, and with the iGaming industry still set for growth, that number will only continue to increase. The rise of online gaming and gambling activities comes with risks, and there are now concerns about problematic gambling behaviours.
In 2022, Tamil Nadu was one of the states that moved towards prohibiting gambling activities as, according to them, online gambling activities have pushed many people into poverty, broken families, and caused public health issues. There have also been several reports of suicides and attempts linked to this activity.
However, even if stringent regulations are in place, Tamil Nadu continues to face challenges in curbing gambling activities. The same goes for other states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. So, with this becoming an issue, it’s clear that external regulations alone are not a complete solution. Responsible gambling should be widely promoted, but what is it exactly about?
Gambling and Our Brain
When you gamble, the brain’s reward system is active, particularly the mesolimbic dopamine system. This is responsible for motivation, reinforcement learning, and pleasure-seeking behaviours. Now, even if there are other neurotransmitters involved in giving you that rewarding feeling whenever you win something at the casino, it’s the dopamine that stands out.
This feel-good chemical allows you to feel pleasure or a sense of euphoria. Since reinforcement learning is at play, you’ll feel like you want to keep on repeating the activity (gambling, in this case), so you keep on getting that dopamine release.
Over time, repeated exposure to dopamine-inducing activities can lead to tolerance. This means that more activity (e.g., higher bets in gambling) is required to achieve the same level of pleasure. The brain then becomes dependent on these high dopamine levels, and you can get intense cravings and compulsive behaviour when dopamine levels drop.
Practical Strategies for Responsible Gambling
Now, this becomes a much more serious problem when your finances are already taking a hit from your gambling activities. Many of those who keep wanting to get rewarded by hitting those fall prey to gambling because a win is never guaranteed. It can take a big loss before you hit a significant win that might not even help you recover what you already lost.
So, what are the things you can do to avoid the addictive effects of gambling? Mindfulness, self-awareness, and ensuring you have practical strategies at play could help. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re playing real money casino games:
Setting a Budget and Betting Limits
Setting a budget is a non-negotiable strategy for many. Before playing, decide how much you will spend today or on a single game. Once you’ve reached the limit, walk away or take a break.
What’s great is that many online casinos offer responsible gambling, allowing you to set deposit limits (daily, weekly, and monthly). Take advantage of this, as it could help you control how much you’re spending.
Recognise the Signs of a Problematic Gambling Behavior
Sometimes, it’s hard to see when things get out of hand. You might start thinking about gambling all the time, even when you’re not playing. Maybe you’re lying about how much you’re spending or hiding it from people you care about.
If you’re chasing losses, trying to win back what you’ve lost by betting even more, that’s a huge red flag. You might also find yourself borrowing money to gamble or neglecting responsibilities. These are all signs that gambling is becoming a problem, not just a bit of fun. Don’t ignore them. It’s better to face it head-on than let it spiral.
Seek Support When Needed
If you do find yourself engaging in problematic gambling behaviours, there’s no shame in that. You don’t have to go through it alone, so reach out to someone who could help. It could be a friend, a family member, or a professional.
Some online casinos also have responsible gambling resources, including phone numbers you can call that can help you deal with the problem. If you feel like you need to stop gambling altogether, ask the casino for self-exclusion. This means they’ll no longer accept your bets, so you can start focusing on other activities.
Conclusion
If you stay on top of your habits, gambling can still be fun, killing time or unwinding. Remember, your well-being is more valuable than any potential win. Before you play casino games again, set your limits, recognise the signs of problem gambling, and commit to staying in control. Good luck!