I have a gambling problem

How do I know that I have a gambling problem?

„How do I know that I have a gambling problem?“ – this issue is very important from the point of view of early spotting problems related to gambling addiction and taking the necessary measures to prevent more severe consequences. Therefore, the question “How do I know that I have a gambling problem” should be answered as accurately and clearly as possible. Here are some of the main signs that suggest such a problem:

  • How do I know I have a gambling problem: the urge to gamble more and more – I have a gambling problem if I feel the urge to gamble more and more. Especially when I lose, I feel an irresistible urge to keep playing to make up for the losses. And if I win, it seems to me again that I have to keep going and that I will keep winning forever. This sign that I have a gambling problem should serve as a warning light for me to stop gambling immediately and, if necessary, seek professional help.
  • How do I know I have a gambling problem: Difficulty stopping – I have a gambling problem if I have trouble stopping even when I have promised myself not to gamble again. And when I start experiencing financial difficulties because I spend on gambling from the money saved for other things. This is a sure indication not only that I have a gambling problem, but that the problem in question has become quite serious and urgent action is needed.
  • How do I know I have a gambling problem: Displacing everything else in my daily life – I have a gambling problem when it starts to displace all other activities and becomes the main priority in my daily life. I have a gambling problem when I play even during the work day, trying desperately to make up for the previous night’s losses or win more. I have a gambling problem and if any other hobby or activity that I used to enjoy, now I don’t care because I only think about gambling.
I have a gambling problem – what to do?

Recognizing that I have a gambling problem is the first important step towards dealing with this problem. Therefore, I should not deny to myself that I have a gambling problem, but instead I should focus on taking appropriate measures to solve it. When I have a gambling problem, I should seek help from a specialist – a psychologist. Reliable therapy will help me cope with the problem and return to my normal rhythm of life.

I have a gambling problem – why should I seek professional help right away?    

Many people say to themselves, “I have a gambling problem, but it’s temporary and I’ll get better.” Such thinking is completely wrong and can lead a person into quite a serious trap. This is why when I have a gambling problem, I should immediately seek professional help:

  • I have a gambling problem – why should I seek professional help immediately: the more time is wasted, the more serious the addiction can become – when I have a gambling problem, I should not delay seeking help because of underestimating the problem, shame or worry. Usually, the more time wasted, the more severe the addiction becomes. If I realize I have a gambling problem, it is best to see a specialist straight away to get support and advice on how to deal with the problem.
  • I have a gambling problem – why should I immediately seek help from a specialist: it is difficult for a person to cope alone – it is necessary for a person to admit to himself – “I have a gambling problem and it will be difficult for me to cope alone. I need professional help, as do many other people in my situation.” In the milder forms, it may even be possible to deal with gambling addiction thanks to one’s own will and the support of the closest people. But when I have a gambling problem and it has reached more severe stages, such as financial difficulties and debt, I should immediately seek professional help.
  • I have a gambling problem – why should I immediately seek professional help: wasting time can aggravate the consequences – if I have a gambling problem and waste valuable time debating whether to seek professional help or not, the consequences for me can be quite severe. It’s about the consequences, such as facing financial difficulties because of gambling with funds that were saved for something else. Or going into debt because I have a gambling problem and take out loans to gamble. In the event that I have a gambling problem, I must immediately contact a specialist to avoid consequences that will affect my life for a long period of time.
I have a gambling problem – why is prevention important?    

In order for a person not to reach a situation where he will have to admit to himself “I have a gambling problem”, it is necessary to have effective prevention. Effective prevention against gambling addiction is achieved through good awareness of the principles of responsible gambling and the potential risks of gambling. I shouldn’t bury my head in the sand about these risks because I might have a gambling problem in the future. The Responsible Gaming Foundation has developed a reliable prevention program that provides users with the information they need to help them play wisely and responsibly.

I have a gambling problem – contacting the Responsible Gambling Foundation is the right solution 

When I have a gambling problem, the right solution is to contact the Responsible Gaming Foundation. This is the only foundation of its kind in Bulgaria for promoting responsible gaming and providing support for gambling addiction. The team of the Responsible Gaming Foundation can refer the user to the best specialists – psychologists dealing with similar problems. Timely contact with the Responsible Gaming Foundation is the key to avoiding serious consequences and returning the person to his normal rhythm of life.

New project for prevention of gambling addiction

A project for prevention of gambling addiction has been launched in Pazardzhik. His motto is "I bet on myself, not on luck". The project is part of the "National Program for Youth Activities at the Ministry of Sports Young Bulgarians who overcame the hell of drugs, created a foundation and therapeutic center to support people struggling with various addictions. For several months now, at the St. Elijah Center in the Gabrovo village of Popovtsi, the model of mutual assistance in working in therapeutic groups has been helping participants in their fight against drugs, alcohol and gambling.

4 million BGN from gambling taxes will spent for gyms and sports grounds in schools

4 million BGN of the proceeds from gambling will be distributed between state and municipal schools for the construction of new and renovation of the current gyms and sports grounds.

In a letter to the regional education departments, the Ministry of Education invites principals to apply for the program. The state schools can do this until November 9 in the respective RUO, and the municipal and state schools – until November 15 directly in the MES.

The program will fund activities in three different modules. You can also apply for renovation of the modern gym.

The program will finance additional design and construction of new gyms, as well as the rconstruction and repair of the open sports grounds in schools.

BNT News published on 14.10.21 Author: Andrey Borisov

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Фондация „Отговорна игра“ е организация, която осъществява дейност в обществена полза, създадена в началото на 2015 година. Тя е наследник на целите и дейностите по инициативата „Отговорна игра” от 2008 година, възникнала по идея на Българската търговска асоциация на производителите и организаторите от игралната индустрия.