Break the Cycle: Strategies for Overcoming Betting Addiction

Wagering has always been part of human society, going all the way back to the dice games of the Ancient World, but in recent years it has become a huge global business.

Thanks to the internet, and to ever-faster streaming and other technologies, it is now possible for sports fans to wager on their favourite teams and events on a 24/7 basis, in almost every nation. While for the majority of sports bettors, this is welcome, the impact has not been uniformly beneficial, and as sports betting spreads around the world, there is mounting concern about the risks of addiction and the harm that it can cause to individuals and societies.

We know that only a minority of sports bettors will become addicted, but the damage that this can do is enormous and multiple lives can be touched by just one betting addict. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to overcome this harmful problem.

What is Gambling Addiction?
At one time, gambling addiction was considered to be an issue related to a lack of willpower or a 'failure of character' but over the years, more research has gone into the subject and it is clear that gambling addiction, like a host of other addictions, is best treated as a disease: one to which some people appear to be more susceptible, for a variety of reasons.

Unfortunately, while the modern online sports betting sector is very good at maximising revenue, it has been less effective in targeting gambling addiction and gambling harms. Along with sports betting guides offering advice at sites like https://match.center/ng/, there are sites available to help gambling addicts to heal, but they are relatively few in number and not easy to find.

Getting Help
The first step in tackling gambling addiction is to admit that you have a problem. This is, in many ways, the hardest step to take, particularly for those who have never had an addiction problem previously. The key thing to remember is that gambling addiction is not a moral issue but a health issue, and should not be a source of guilt.

If you suspect that you have a gambling addiction, there are numerous tests that you can take online to see if you are classified as a potential addict, according to the guidelines of your national gambling addiction organisation. These sites should be your first stop when you are looking for help with your gambling addiction problem.

Technology Can Help
Getting in touch with your national or local gambling addiction organisation is a vital first step, but there are several additional tools that you can use to tackle the problem. In some nations, such as the UK, sports betting operators are required to offer these tools to all who visit their sites.

The range of tools varies but for those who fear they have a gambling addiction, the most useful tool is the Self Exclusion option. Selecting self-exclusion means that you will be unable to access your sports betting account or to bet on any market, or even take up any betting offer. Some self-exclusion tools are time-limited or only apply to particular sites, but you can also find permanent industry-wide self-exclusion tools that can be extremely effective.

Other Options
Another way to cut out your exposure to sports betting is to look into various forms of blockers. Web browser extensions can block you from accessing sports betting sites, while some banks in certain countries such as the UK can set up a blocking check that prevents you using any funds in any of your accounts to bet on sports events.

Find Other Activities
Another important part of tackling betting addiction is to try to find other activities that are more rewarding than sports betting. This is where sharing your difficulties with loved ones – where appropriate – can help by recruiting them into helping you to stay away from sports betting. Taking up a new hobby, particularly one that involves spending more time with family and friends can be a good option. At the same time, try to steer clear of situations and locations that you associate with sports betting to minimise your temptation to bet.