The popularity of casinos and betting is booming, making it one of the most widespread entertainment types. As the rate of gambling addiction grows respectively. Many governments worldwide face the need to address the issue and find ways to cope with the problem. UK-based casinos operate under the UKGC licensing, implying participation in GamStop. This self-exclusion program has already shown its efficiency. However, the situation is more complicated with casinos without UK licences since there’s still no main regulatory authority.
What is gambling addiction?
Compulsive gaming is a disorder appearing as a result of the user’s inability to control themselves in casinos. In the case of this disorder, the affected person loses interest in social, material and family values. Now, this disease can be compared with alcoholism and drug addiction. Accordingly, the disease requires an immediate response and timely treatment.
Psychological factors in non-UK environments
Non-UK Online casinos attract players not only with good game selections, and lucrative bonuses but also with a unique atmosphere. This is implemented with the help of music impact as well as with specific designs that push players to the game. Therefore, the appearance of virtual gaming clubs significantly impacted the growth in addiction rates. The following factors in non-UK casinos can influence gambler’s behaviour:
- Variety of game topics, attracting millions of users to this entertainment.
- High-quality design: impressive gameplay and music affect user behaviour.
- A massive choice of bonuses gives the visibility of playing for free.
- Possibility to reach the desired gambling website on any device.
These factors excite people and cause the desire to try online gambling. Therefore, it’s critical for operators to be responsible and implement appropriate mechanisms to protect players,
Risk factors and vulnerable populations in non-UK casinos
First of all, it’s critical to understand where gambling addiction comes from. Evaluating factors that contribute to the problem is the primary step to avoiding the disease. Currently, there are several psychological approaches considering the causes of gambling addiction:
- The theory of family accumulation implies that the disorder is a hereditary factor.
- Mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and other diseases.
- Relationship and financial troubles can lead to an extensive interest in gaming.
- Excessive alcohol and drug abuse makes it difficult to assess actions adequately.
Age is another factor that can directly influence the possibility of gambling addiction. According to research, teenagers and youngsters are more prone to disease development. Therefore, informing the population about the possible consequences of problem gaming is one of the key points on the agenda for governments and non-UK operators.
Cultural and contextual influences on problem gambling
As already stated, casinos are now more accessible than ever. Players from different regions of the world can just enter the chosen gaming website and spin the reels. Many countries still lack appropriate government regulations, which increases the rate of possible disorders.
The cultural factor is also essential: in some, spending lots of time and money on gambling is unacceptable. In such an instance, players try to hide their little hobby or minimise it. On the other hand, some cultures accept casino games as national entertainment, leading to increased interest in this activity. Therefore, governments must consider all these factors when developing appropriate regulations. Informing gamblers about the risks and ways of seeking help should be the key point.
Alert: symptoms of gambling addiction
The ability to timely detect the first symptoms of the disease and promptly prevent them is a key factor in influencing the consequences. While many people are still irresponsible about this kind of disease, they can have negative results. Correctly detecting the first symptoms is essential, so have a look at the following:
- Systematic participation in games, despite the prevailing losses
- Spending too much money on gambling activities
- A person values time spent on gaming websites more than their close ones
- The appearance of irritability, constant bad mood, and even aggression
If you notice these characteristics in yourself or your loved ones, you should act as soon as possible. Even though non-UK casinos don’t boast of GamStop, you can find alternative self-exclusion programs. It’s the first step for reducing the harmful impact: the software will restrict access to gambling and betting platforms for a particular period. After that, the addicted individual might need special treatment from a psychiatrist or other specialists.
Final verdict
Gambling addiction affects up to 5.8% of the population, and its rate can increase. The younger generation is more likely to be affected by the disease, so it’s important to implement appropriate preventive mechanisms to reduce the harmful impact. The variety of non-UK casinos with bright gaming solutions and lucrative bonuses is boosting. However, each of them should stick to responsible gaming principles to mitigate gambling addiction and similar psychological issues. Also will be useful to inform users about the potential consequences.
Jordan Wayne, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
