If you have a gambling problem, it’s essential to find healthy ways to cope. Many people who struggle with compulsive gambling are able to break the habit by avoiding their triggers, finding alternative activities and seeking support. The following tips will help you to stop gambling on online slots and take back control of your life.
Identify your triggers: What situations, emotions or thoughts encourage you to gamble? Avoid them by planning ahead. For example, if your usual route to work takes you past a casino, consider changing your route. Or, if you tend to gamble when you’re watching sports, change the channel. Also, try leaving credit cards and nonessential cash at home. This will prevent you from spending money that you don’t have.
Replace problem gambling with other stimulating activities: Hobbies, social engagement and exercise are all excellent ways to distract yourself from the urge to gamble. You can also practice mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing to slow down your thoughts and catch unhealthy patterns of thinking.
Don’t gamble at unlicensed casinos: Gambling on online slots can be very dangerous if you play at unlicensed casinos that aren’t audited. Make sure that the casino you choose is licensed by a reputable gambling regulator, and use a trusted payment method that protects your sensitive data.
Know that you cannot cheat slot games: If you’re wondering how to win at online slots, remember that there are no shortcuts or tricks. The only way to increase your chances of winning is by using the best strategy and playing responsibly. It’s also important to understand the rules of the game and how different paylines work.
Do not use slot machines as a source of income: Many slot machine players have the mistaken assumption that they can win big on slots by investing large amounts of money. However, this is not the case. The odds of winning a slot machine are very low. This is why it’s important to set a budget and stick to it.
Don’t be afraid to seek help: Some people might not realise they have a gambling addiction until it’s too late. This is a serious problem, and it can lead to debt, bankruptcy and even suicide. If you’re unable to overcome the habit, seek professional help from a counsellor.
In addition to these steps, you can also use a tool like the Freedom app to block websites that are known to promote gambling. You can schedule recurring block sessions for as long as you want, which helps to bring awareness to unconscious addictive behaviors and puts more barriers between you and the dangerous websites. The app is available for Windows, Mac and iOS devices, and offers features like a Locked mode that can bring you back to reality if you’re tempted to gamble. Also, you can use Google’s new ‘adblocking’ tools to avoid gambling ads on YouTube. National self-exclusion programs, such as GamStop in the United Kingdom, are also available for those who struggle with gambling.