At FlashPicks, we take safe gambling seriously. Once the enjoyment comes to an end, it might be time to pack it in and stop.
For most of our user's gambling is an enjoyable past time and that’s what it should be. If it ever begins to move past that it could start to become a problem.
As we promote the services of licensed gambling providers on our website, we think it’s important that all of our users are aware of the risks associated with gambling and the problems that can occur if it begins to slip out of control.
When is there a problem?
It’s not always easy to see when gambling starts to become a problem however there are some warning signs that can help you identify if there’s a problem beginning to appear. It’s always important to be honest with yourself and those close to you if you think your gambling behavior is beginning to get out of control.
How do I know if I have a problem?
- Started upping your stakes as your normal stake wasn’t that exciting anymore
- Borrowing money to have an extra bet
- Chasing losses
- Hiding losses from friends and family
Any of the above things could be a sign that you might be developing a gambling problem. You might need to take a step back now and look at how gambling is affecting those around you including your family and friends.
What to do if you think you have a problem?
If you feel like your gambling is becoming a problem for you then it’s time to take action. That might be as simple as just talking to someone about it or taking more serious actions like blocking your gambling accounts. There are plenty of resources out there to help you out so we’ll run through some of them below.
What tools are available to use
Sportsbooks in the US often offer tools in order to help any of their customers that might need some assistance in order to gamble safely. Some of these tools include visual representations that help you see your gambling habits clearly. Some of the account activity stats you’ll be able to see include;
- How much you’ve gambled
- When you’ve gambled
- How often you log in
- How much time do you spend on site
On top of visualising all these things, most operators are now offering tools to help combat any gambling issues before they become apparent. These include the following:
- Deposit limits – These help you limit how much you’re spending on your gambling account. You can set a daily, weekly or monthly spending limit to stop you from going over budget or getting carried away.
- Cool Off Periods – Using the cool off feature can help you take a break. Selecting a cool-off period will allow you to take a break from 1 to 30 days. During this period you won’t be able to access your gambling account until the period comes to an end.
- Profit & Loss – This feature helps you see exactly how your bet stakes line up against your returns. Each bookmaker will show you how much you’ve spent on your account over a certain period and how much you’ve got back from your bets by showing you a positive or negative return for that period.
- Reality Check – The reality check feature helps to remind you if you’ve been playing for too long. You can change the interval of this from every 20-minutes to up to two hours. You’ll get a pop-up reminding you that you’ve been logged in for a certain amount of time.
- Self-Exclusion – If you do feel like you’re developing a serious gambling problem then it might be worth looking at self-exclusion from your gambling accounts. Using this will mean that you are blocked from using your bookmaker account for a specific period this can be anywhere from 6-months to 5 years.
Where else can I get help?
- Search for 'problem gambling helplines' on the internet.
- Complete a self-assessment – You can see how safe your gambling is by taking a self-assessment via 800-Gambler
800-Gambler (NJ Residents)
If you or a loved one struggle with a gambling problem, there is hope. Whether you cannot seem to stop casino gambling in Atlantic City or betting on fantasy sports from the comfort of your home, treatment and support are readily available. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) has helped countless people recover from disordered gambling since its inception. By facilitating access to various programs, services, and other resources, we work to educate the public about this disorder and provide aid to anyone who needs it.
Their free hotline – 800-GAMBLER – gives disordered gamblers and their loved ones confidential assistance 24/7. If you call or text this number, know that you will be treated with compassion and understanding. Reaching out for help signifies bravery and strength – not weakness. If you or a loved one struggle with problem gambling, we offer support, treatment, and hope.
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Website: https://800gambler.org/