Responsible Gaming

It's important to emphasize that gaming addiction is a problem of psychological nature. It can be compared to other disorders, such as kleptomania, pyromania, or substance dependency - all have a psychological foundation.

The addicted person often doesn't realize the severity of the problem and cannot rationally assess their situation. They believe they can abandon this destructive behavior at any moment. Unfortunately, reality is different. Sometimes the damage affects not only the player themselves, but also their loved ones, which is why awareness of possible consequences is so important. Gaming addiction can manifest in various forms - the main ones include:

Daily Problems

• Harmful behavior has become a habit over which we frequently lose control.
• The addiction affects not only professional work, but also personal life.
• The tendency to distort reality and lie about money spent emerges.
• Over time, we notice that gaming becomes an inseparable part of our life.

Compulsiveness

• The desire to start playing overshadows everything else; a reevaluation of priorities occurs.
• Consequences are not considered before acting.
• We treat each win as a personal success, making it very difficult to accept defeat.
• It's widely recognized that this type of dependency can have a pathological nature.

State of Euphoria

• During the day, the person behaves rationally, but under the influence of the environment completely changes their attitude.
• The person maintains a good reputation and doesn't demonstrate signs of dependency in daily life.
• In moments of luck, they tend to continue playing as if good fortune would never end.
• In moments of failure, they don't analyze risks or consider the decision to continue playing.

If you notice that a friend or family member is behaving particularly strangely and shows symptoms of gaming addiction, you can use this list of obvious warning signs that will help you confirm.

This brief list contains signs you may have observed in the last 6-12 months. If the person doesn't suffer from mental illness and isn't in a depressive state, the probability of correctly identifying the problem is very high. The diagnostic criteria were established by the American Psychiatric Association.

The limits increase. The person feels the need to increase bets to obtain the desired level of excitement.

• Attempts to limit participation in gaming provoke irritability and anxiety.
• Attempts to stop playing end in a quick return to addiction.
• Gaming is constantly present in thoughts (topic of conversations, jokes, and constant search for money to play).
• Attempt to escape from problems (depression, helplessness, anxiety, or guilt).
• Attempts to recover lost money (known as "chasing losses").
• Constant lies about lack of experience in games and financial losses.
• Negative impact on personal life, work, or other aspects of life.
• Seeking money and attempts to solve personal problems at others' expense.

If 4 or more points from the list correspond to the person's behavior, there's a probability we're dealing with gaming addiction. To fully assess the situation, you should contact a specialist (therapist or psychiatrist) and explain the problem in detail. Medical consultation will allow for a more precise diagnosis.

The specialist will help exclude possible mental disorders that may be one of the causes of this atypical behavior. Generally, behind gaming addiction hide many other psychological complications that lead to instability and restlessness in consciousness. Among the causes may be depression, anxiety states, and dependency on psychoactive substances. Only contact with a specialist will allow finding the source of problems and begin working on improving health condition.

Pathological gaming (the currently used medical term) means a serious gaming dependency. Most specialists confirm that this psychological disease is a symptom that has other mental disorders at its foundation. The causes can be social, psychological, but also biological.

Most specialists emphasize the importance of the age of the person suffering from this disease. Additionally, they consider the degree of seriousness with which the person approaches gaming itself, wins and losses.

One of the fundamental factors in developing addiction is the biological aspect, which frequently leads to various psychological consequences. Scientists from the Addiction Treatment Institute in Illinois presented several pieces of evidence about the similarities between gaming and the effect of psychoactive substances. Along with emotions, the addicted person's organism receives a series of hormones. As a result, stopping gaming can cause complex physical consequences, similar to drug addiction.

Brain scans of studied individuals allow observing the problem internally. It was discovered that winning triggers neurological reactions similar to those that occur with drug consumption. Over time, our organism becomes accustomed to the joy of victory, making it increasingly difficult to experience emotions in the real world. Consequently, everything comes down to returning to gaming.

Our body may have deficiencies of substances as important as serotonin and noradrenaline, which are responsible for different types of emotions (happiness or compulsive behaviors, excitement or stress). Thus, online casino addiction can be a symptom of deficiencies in the organism's functioning.

Your approach to gaming says much about your psychological state. The perception of gaming can be radically different (an example is the "Gambler's Fallacy").

The Gambler's Fallacy is a false understanding of gaming based on the belief that independent events influence the outcome (the win). For example, we tend to think that an event that occurred several times in the past has less probability of repeating in the future.

One of the most famous examples is the "Monte Carlo Error," an event that occurred more than 100 years ago. In classic roulette, black came up more than 26 times in a row. Many players who tried to use the martingale strategy lost enormous sums of money in this game. Similarly, many addicts attribute everything to their bad luck, restarting the game repeatedly hoping to find luck. Unfortunately, luck has no memory nor any obligations to the player.

Psychological factors also include cognitive distortions. Distorted or illusory thinking doesn't always reflect the real state of things that are out of control. Superstitious beliefs, denial of the problem, and overconfidence in winning only worsen the situation. Online slots are considered even more problematic, as their dynamic character frequently reveals negative aspects of the player's psychological state.

Just like in most psychological problems, the social dimension contributes to the development of gaming addiction. Problems in personal or professional life, combined with high stress levels, lead to worsening of the situation. However, the external environment isn't always the main cause of the disease.

The presence of problems in the social environment can lead a person to take greater risks. In families where gaming is a frequent practice, there's a high probability of transmitting psychological problems to the younger generation. In these cases, people are involved in the process from an early age and don't always understand the severity of the situation.

Depression, high stress levels, loneliness (lack of understanding or rejection in family or among friends) - all of this increases the risk of gaming dependency.

The coexistence of diseases (comorbidity) is the combination of various problems that arise in the context of a primary disease. This leads to difficulties in their detection and diagnosis by specialists.

Among the most important factors that influence the appearance of problems with gaming addiction are:

• Problems with alcohol (alcohol dependency)
• Substance dependency
• Personality or depressive disorders
• Anxiety states

Observe the list above and reflect if you've ever encountered any of these problems. Each of these points significantly increases the risk of developing psychological problems. Do you recognize any of these situations? We strongly recommend consultation with a doctor to diagnose health condition and eliminate potential problems.

The negative consequences of gaming are not rare. Some are less obvious, others are visible at first sight.

Most players play real money games – excessively high bets, frequent deposits, and prolonged attempts to recover losses lead to irreversible financial problems. Have they lost all the money? That doesn't matter, an addicted person will always find a way to borrow more. The loss of assets (real estate, automobiles, etc.) is a serious financial problem that leads to bankruptcy. In extreme cases, people cross the limits of law, trying to recover their former financial position, pay debts, or simply return to gaming.

Mental health has long been recognized as one of the most evident negative consequences of gaming addiction. People aren't always willing to self-reflect, and may neglect deteriorating mental state. The end of a relationship, loss of job or business – all of this actively contributes to increased stress and depression, sometimes leading to the worst consequences: suicide.

Therefore, you should evaluate your state before and after a gaming session.

Psychological problems frequently affect not only ourselves, but also our environment, family, and loved ones. They are present at the beginning of addiction, but also have to face the catastrophic consequences of its advanced forms. Psychologists indicate that domestic violence is much more frequent in families with dependency problems. Understanding all aspects of the disease offers a great possibility of recovery.

The consequences of uncontrolled gaming almost always affect professional relationships, reflecting on motivation, productivity, and achievement of life plans. Some people show reluctance to fulfill their obligations at the workplace, dedicating themselves completely to addiction. They also seek excuses to obtain medical leave. All of this inevitably leads to catastrophic consequences for long-term career, affecting current financial situation.

Gaming is a driving force of the rapidly growing global economy. This segment breaks new profit records every year, generating revenues in the order of tens of billions of euros annually for a long time. Naturally, in this flourishing industry there are both winners and losers.

Every year, approximately 2 billion people try their luck. The audience of casinos, poker clubs, sports betting, and other similar entertainment grows actively in all countries. It's estimated that 4.2 billion people have already had contact with gaming. It's worth noting that this is more than half of the world's population. Gaming is extremely popular!

According to statistical studies, 1-2% of the UAE's adult population regularly visits physical gaming establishments. In the case of online casinos, this number increases to 37.7%.

Traditional physical casinos know well that limiting themselves only to in-person clients is a bad idea. Therefore, they almost always also offer their services online. It's not only cheaper and more convenient, but also more interactive, as there are various forms of contact with the public.

How much does an average casino player spend on their gaming?

Table games (roulette, dice) on average USD 90

Card games (blackjack, poker) on average USD 100

Slots – around USD 80-90

Based on this information, one can imagine the profits generated by millions of players worldwide. However, among people who just have fun, approximately 12% will experience negative consequences from gaming.

Any problem related to physical or mental health should be diagnosed by a healthcare professional. If you suspect you suffer from gaming dependency and have difficulty maintaining rational thinking, there are various treatment methods and support centers available in the UAE.

Medical help is the first essential step for diagnosis and subsequent treatment. A specialist can assess the complexity of each specific situation and determine the most appropriate treatment method. However, there is no universal therapy method, just as there is no single miraculous solution. The most effective approach consists of a combination of different rehabilitation methods.

As mentioned previously, there is no miraculous medication capable of stopping gaming addiction. However, there are medications that can help reduce the impulse to play, compensating for the lack of adrenaline from intense emotions frequently experienced in casinos.

The set of medications used in preventing or treating gaming dependency is similar to that used in treating other mental disorders (depression, disturbances, anxiety states). The main objective is to restore the patient's psychological stability.

Psychotherapy is one of the most effective methods in treating this problem. A qualified specialist can provide detailed consultations and therapeutic sessions adapted to each specific case. Frequently, serious mental disorders can coexist with gaming dependency, something that can be easily identified by the therapist during therapeutic sessions. Therefore, treating psychological problems requires a professional who can assess the patient's condition in person and discover underlying problems. The probability of recovery through regular psychotherapy is very high.

Everything is in your hands, especially the will to change your life for the better. By evaluating your situation and establishing the overall goal of returning to your previous life, you increase the chances of successful treatment. You can also resort to another tool, possibly even more effective - Support Groups. This type of help consists of meetings of anonymous people with similar problems, who don't want to face their demons alone. By observing the lives of other people from different social contexts, you can understand that your problem is not unique. You may find people with similar experiences who will become your companions on the path to a healthier life.

The UAE Psychiatric Association, in line with international guidelines, presents the following recommendations for working on dependency autonomously:

• Seek help from friends or family and participate in anonymous support groups.
• Seek alternative activities and entertainment - discover yourself in a new direction.
• Control impulses: observe your state and the fading of compulsive desires.
• Think about long-term consequences of how dependency will affect work and social life.
• Help others. Find someone with a similar problem and help in their recovery.

Most people who game won't find problems or lose control over themselves. However, there's still a significant number of people whose addiction will develop actively with each passing day. By observing the life of someone in this situation, you receive a unique opportunity to look at your own life from a different perspective.

If you know someone struggling with gaming dependency, it's important not to leave that person alone and try to help. It's a widely recognized fact that the earlier treatment and the path to recovery begin, the smaller the damage in the player's life will be.

Some psychological problems we frequently encounter in life are quite complex. Professional intervention, holistic approach, and self-treatment (acceptance of the problem) have changed the lives of millions of people worldwide. Start today, and tomorrow you'll thank yourself for this decision!

Everything begins with identifying the problem. The earlier you notice it, the greater the probability that your colleague, family member, or friend will be able to recover. Here's a list of obvious signs that will help you recognize:

• Lies about gaming habits (due to fear of judgment)
• Deterioration of relationships due to excessive time dedicated to gaming
• The person may not recognize the problem or deny its existence
• Constant requests for money or incessant search for the same
• Significant increase in time dedicated to gaming – in parallel, free time decreases (the person becomes less available)
• Gaming becomes the maximum priority. The person prefers to spend money on gaming instead of basic needs or bill payments

If you've identified one or more matches from this list of gaming dependency signs, you shouldn't ignore or try to minimize the importance of observed behaviors. Some people have great difficulty recognizing the problem, are afraid to talk about it, or to ask for help. A constructive dialogue and offering help without judgments will be the best support option.

If you recognize the problem in another person and decide to help, consider some points:

• Your support is fundamental
• Make sure you don't finance the gaming (don't lend money)
• Offer your help when necessary

And remember, assuming financial responsibility for a dependent person's problems is a bad idea. The best form of financial help is paying for professional help, counselling, or psychotherapy. Only afterward should debt regularization be considered.

Convincing someone of the existence of a problem and the need for specialized help is not an easy task. However, there are some strategies you can use to make the person aware of the problem's severity and its consequences.

Intervention works very well as a help method. Its principle is based on a quite simple action. Friends and family should engage in an open conversation and discuss their concerns in the player's presence. Special attention should be given to the conversation's tone - exclusively positive and friendly, without recriminations or accusations, as the dependent person shouldn't feel attacked. The goal is that the circle of close people, who worry about their problems, awakens in them a sincere desire to understand the importance of others and the path ahead.

You can practice this technique alone, however, seeking specialist counselling certainly won't harm. On the contrary, it may increase the effectiveness of your actions.

The high suicide rate among people with gaming dependency is another confirmation of the psychological nature of this disease. Together with gaming addiction, the patient experiences secondary problems, such as anxiety or depression. All of this aggravates the situation and can lead to tragic consequences.

Suicidal thoughts should be discussed if you're certain of their existence. This conversation should be open and honest – the person shouldn't be afraid to talk with you.

Suicide is not a solution and the person needs to understand this. If you feel the situation is serious, you should call the UAE National Mental Support Line: 800-4673 (HOPE), available daily 24 hours. Through this number, you'll receive support from a specialist with whom you can talk about any problem. Alternatively, you can contact the emergency number (999) which is available 24 hours a day.

Abandoning gaming, totally or partially, is not the final point. The main objective of treatment is self-control and avoiding relapses.

The availability of online gaming significantly aggravates the dependency problem in our society. Even during treatment, the person may encounter tempting advertising and give in to its influence. Therefore, it's important to focus on finding valuable alternatives.

The gaming dependency problem hasn't affected you? Great, then you'll find excellent ideas here for alternative forms of entertainment.

Reason for Gaming	Alternatives
Fun and adrenaline	Seek similar sensations in sports, especially in group activities. Some extreme sports can help replace adrenaline. These include go-karting, kayaking, rock climbing, skiing, or mountain biking.
Social aspect and contact with others	Contact with people is a powerful tool in building personality. Have you tried participating in book clubs, lectures, volunteering, and other social events? You should definitely try!
Relaxation and escape from problems	Focus on personal development. Remember you only have one life and should make the most of this opportunity. Read books, develop yourself in all directions, and enjoy life.
Feeling of loneliness	Take advantage of the power of passions. Movies, music, books, comics - what do you like? Share this with others and you'll quickly find people with similar interests.
Search for money	Above all, gaming is a form of entertainment, not making money. There's no better way to earn money than through work or your own business. Fulfill yourself in these directions and you'll forget everything else!

Around gaming, many wrong beliefs have accumulated, among which it's difficult to determine what is truth and what is lie. If gaming has affected your life, it's important to see the real picture and ignore the myths. Top 5 myths:

Myth 1

Gaming is not a problem as long as the person can accept the lost value (doesn't lose control).

Fact: Financial problems are not the only issue, although they are one of the most important and difficult for many players. Loss is not a priority Factor in diagnosing the disease, as financial consequences are not an evaluation method. In some cases, the consequences affect personal life, business, or work, instead of the bank account.

Myth 2

Only regular players can become dependent. Occasional visits to the casino don't harm.

Fact: The frequency of visits to gaming establishments doesn't determine in any way the existence of a problem. In combination with unstable mental health, alcohol, and social problems, even occasional players can lose control over gaming. In that situation, they're no longer responsible for the night's outcome or their decisions.

Myth 3

Gaming dependency is a problem of irresponsible people.

Fact: Responsible people have the same chances of having problems with gaming as irresponsible people. Even responsible people can lose control at the gaming table, without fully realizing what's happening. This condition doesn't depend on the level of social or financial responsibility.

Myth 4

Gaming dependency is an adult problem. It doesn't affect teenagers and children because they can't legally play.

Fact: The value of money at a young age is significantly lower, so minors leave more money in the casino. The problem can have a family character, as a bad example in the family can be inherited by any of its members, even at a very young age. Age shouldn't be a determining Factor.

Myth 5

Paying the debts of a person addicted to gaming is a good deed.

Fact: Financial responsibility is one of the main problems of dependency and only the player should assume it. It's much better to pay for a consultation with a professional specialist who can solve the player's problem. Otherwise, the person will try to transfer their responsibility to others. This can worsen the situation.