Football betting has gained immense popularity in the USA, becoming a widespread and integral aspect of American sports culture. The increasing trend of betting shows that fans are not just cheering for their teams but also getting involved by making bets.
People who prefer in-play betting had more severe gambling problems, experienced more harm related to gambling in various areas and faced more mental health and substance use challenges compared to those who bet on single events or traditional sports.
When punters cannot control the desire to gamble, they may face serious problems in their financial and social lives. Thankfully, however, there are opportunities to help gamblers. In this article, we explore the menace of compulsive gambling and highlight ways to seek help against the disorder.
What is Problem Gambling?
Problem Gambling also called compulsive gambling or pathological gambling, is a disorder where a person cannot control the urge to gamble, irrespective of the consequences. Punters that have this problem usually lose lots of money on gambles that should have been avoided. This usually leads to financial problems, physical illnesses or strained social relationships with loved ones. In some cases, people with this problem could resort to criminal activity to fund the urge to keep gambling.
Oftentimes, a gambling disorder is found with other behavioural disorders, such as ADHD, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. When the gambling disorder is being treated, these other underlying issues must be examined as well. If you spend a lot of resources such as time or money on gambling in a way that affects you negatively, you still can’t resist the urge to continue playing. It is a gambling disorder and it should be handled before it causes you more loss.
GamStop Self-Exclusion Support in the UK
The UK Gambling Commission set up a Self-exclusion scheme to help punters who were struggling with problem gambling. When a player with gambling problems has registered on the service, they would be unable to access their online gambling accounts for at least six months, and this would provide time for the punter to form new habits.
Aside from these services, Gamstop provides self-exclusion support for people who wish to overcome compulsive gambling. Gamstop provides helplines for emotional support, gambling support, and financial support. UK Players can access support and speak with a professional via phone, email, or live chat.
However, some gambling sites in the UK operate aside from GamStop - they are licensed outside the UK and accessible to British bettors. However, many betting sites without GamStop have their self-exclusion tools that help players stop gambling when needed. Information about self-exclusion tools at GamStop-free bookies is a piece of advice by Jack Reeve: “Online bookmakers not registered with GamStop have their own self-exclusion system and various options to limit your account.”
Gamban Blocker
Aside from Gamstop, there are other tools like Gamban available to provide help to anyone trying to overcome compulsive gambling. Various non-governmental organizations across the UK are interested in resolving the problems that come with addictive gambling. They have created a variety of solutions for punters with problem gambling issues to access and receive to assist through recovery.
In the face of emerging gambling sites and applications daily, the Gamban team places a high priority on ensuring the curated blocklist remains current and precise. This commitment enables users to have confidence, knowing they are safeguarded at all times.
The Gamban was created to help players restrict access to betting sites for players who have suffered from the dangers of gambling. The blocker can be used among US football fans as part of a comprehensive approach to promoting responsible and controlled gambling behaviour.
Gambling Therapy
Gambling Therapy is a global service funded by Gordon Moody, another charity organisation. Their efforts are focused on providing therapeutic aid for persons with gambling problems, to aid their recovery.
Gambling Therapy allows people who need professional advice to overcome addictions to call their helplines and access professional advice that would assist them as they recover. Gambling Therapy also provides support groups and forums for people in similar situations to share experiences, so they learn from one another.
Gamcare
Gamcare is a charity organization that is committed to providing advice, information and counselling for free to punters in the UK who have encountered the dangers that gambling could have. Gamcare is one of the organizations that established the National Gambling Treatment Service.
GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline which people with gambling problems within the UK can call at any time. There are professional therapists at the other end available to provide free therapy and treatment to people who experience some harm suffered from gambling.
In addition, Gamcare and its partners also provide scheduled online treatment for gambling-related problems that can run for eight weeks. Furthermore, they offer physical, online or telephone therapeutic support and Group-based gambling recovery courses.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship for people who either have in the past or are actively experiencing problems associated with gambling. In meetings, members share sincere accounts of their issues with addictive gambling, including the cause and the consequences. This way members learn from each other's experiences and everyone gets better. This service is free for all and information shared is confidential to the group.
Final Thoughts on Getting Help for Compulsive Gambling
Football is one of the most popular sports in the USA, and betting on football sports events is popular likewise. Compulsive betting can cause a lot of loss for a person who can’t control the impulse to gamble. Today, there are various opportunities available for anyone with gambling problems to take advantage of to recover. If you or anyone you know is battling compulsive gambling, make use of some of the opportunities highlighted here and start your journey to recovery.
