Despite recent prime-time television shows like ITV’s “Cleaning Up,” a new study argues that some gambling applications put users in danger of addiction while remaining undetected.
One of the most prominent psychologists in the field has revealed that the simplicity of making bets through an app has eliminated any control that a gambler had over going to the casino. Furthermore, even after a severe losing streak of up to 40 lost bets, participants could not stop placing wagers.
Casino games such as poker, blackjack, and roulette are broadly available thanks to very lucrative casino apps offered by offshore casinos to US residents. Furthermore, bonuses are often offered by the most popular apps to help you get started straight away. While appealing, all these baubles can seriously contribute to make addiction even worse in most gamblers, with serious consequences on their finances and psychological health.
Self-inflicted Harm
A large portion of online gambling’s success can be attributed to the fact that it is so easy to access. As a result, the business has seen a rise in the number of people who become addicted to gambling because they can place a bet at the press of a button.
A new study has found that people who place bets on the go are more likely to continue even after a long losing streak. Prof. Tuney, the professor of psychology at Aston University in Birmingham, undertook a 12-week study on the usage of gambling applications, which he claimed are largely neglected since mobile games lie “under the radar.” In part, this is due to society’s acceptance of constant cell phone use as the new standard.
In the opinion of a psychologist, utilizing smartphone apps for gambling could be dangerous for gamblers because of their addictive tendencies. Apps for gambling on smartphones have already been compared by critics to the addictiveness of crack cocaine because of their widespread availability and ease of use. That’s true, as long as you have a Wi-Fi signal, folks who keep losing bets can continue to do so without any physical protection.
Gambling is “a tap away,” according to the ad.
Users swiped away a virtual scratch card to reveal three symbols as part of the experiment, which utilized an app resembling a fruit machine. Each of the symbols had a monetary value, similar to a fruit machine, and one user won £93 ($121.44). To begin, the sole restriction imposed was a daily wagering cap of $100.
A contingency was set up so that after six weeks of the trial, the users could only lose, in order to evaluate the game’s addiction level. Research participants continued to play despite this, to everyone’s surprise.
The fixed-odds machines that have been linked to problem gambling by policymakers, according to Professor Tuney, have been severely restricted. Technology has outpaced us because it is now easy for anyone to bet at any time, anywhere, on their smartphones.
“This implies an outlet is now just a tap away for folks who are psychologically predisposed to addictive habits. As a result, even though these games appear to be harmless, they may actually be more dangerous because of their widespread availability.”
It Doesn’t Require any Money
As a general rule, cash is used at casinos. However, while making payments online, you can just add a credit card and keep using it.
It’s easy to forget how much money you’ve spent when there aren’t any bills or coins around. It won’t seem as bad when you lose.
To put this in perspective, it is far easier to lose a huge amount of money rapidly and not really notice it at all.
Gambling is a serious issue in and of itself, but it also brings with it a slew of other issues, such as debt, unemployment, and other forms of dependency.
When it comes to online gambling, a few cents can be bet in order to entice newbies and keep them from spending more money.
While wagers at online casinos tend to be smaller and hence appear more affordable than those made in a casino, the totals bet can quickly build up.
Chase losses and betting on the spur of the moment are much easier to do when you can access your bank account or credit card with a single click.
Gambling online is completely anonymous
It is illegal in some jurisdictions to gamble in a casino if you are under the influence of alcohol. In terms of gatekeeping, online gambling firms don’t do anything.
In the virtual world, it’s far easier for a person to open up an account, create an avatar, and then begin gambling. Because you aren’t interacting with real people and no one can see your profile, you can create a false one.
Betting in person may no longer be seen as a source of shame. Because of the “disinhibited” atmosphere, more money is gambled.
Additionally, it allows those who are more vulnerable to participate in activities they may already be uncomfortable with while remaining anonymous.
Problem gamblers who have consciously exiled themselves from physical casinos may still be able to participate in online gaming if they so desire.
Final Thoughts
Due to a combination of psychological variables and genetic predispositions, gambling can easily lead to addiction.
People are unable to tell when they have an issue because of this. Denial and unreasonable expectations are common symptoms of gambling addiction.
A problem gambler can find a wealth of information on the internet on how to recognize them and how to get assistance. As soon as you believe a loved one has a gambling problem, get help and support. Addiction recovery is possible for everybody.
Article edited and fact checked by our editorial team
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