Everybody is talking about pathological gambling - what is it and how do I control my game?

The downside of playing for real money may be that you lose control of your game, which can lead you to become a compulsive gambler. Addictive gambling or compulsive gambling can be defined as a dependency condition that is "characterized by frequent repeated episodes of gambling that dominate a person's life at the expense of social, occupational and family values and obligations". In other words, an addictive behavior that not only affects the individual player's own life and quality of life. The contact and presence of family, colleagues, friends and acquaintances are also at stake. And then of course there is the economic aspect in it as well!

It is not the only your neighbor who becomes a compulsive gambler, so follow this advice:

Only play for the amount of money you can afford to lose!

This is obviously much easier said than done, but do yourself a favor and get an overview of your finances before you throw yourself into the game. Decide how much money you are willing to use, before you begin playing.

When you are compulsive gambler?

Are you more interested in games than you or your loved ones find reasonable? Are you among those who believe that you will find happiness, once you win a big cash prize? Or do you think that all your financial problems will be resolved when you win? That it is just a question of being patient and persistent enough until it becomes your turn to win the big prize?

If so, you might be one of the - many - people who have problems with gambling.

Research shows that if you can answer YES to four of the following 10 questions, you have every reason to stop and seek help:

• Are you obsessed with gaming? Are you distant when you play or thinking about gambling?
• Do you need to raise your bets to feel the excitement?
• Do you become restless or irritated when you have to leave the game?
• Do you gamble to escape thinking about everyday problems?
• Are you returning to the gambling venue to win back your losses?
• Are you lying to your family and acquaintances to hide your gambling behavior?
• Have you committed crimes, for example theft or embezzlement in order to be able to play?
• Have you lost or put friendships, jobs or education in jeopardy because of gambling?
• Are you letting others, families or institutions helping you out of financial problems that you only have ended up because of gambling?
• Have you repeatedly tried to bring your gambling under control or attempt to completely stop your game without success