Importance of Self-Control When Choosing an Online Casino

The advent of the internet has had a remarkable impact on how we source information and how we control our emotions. In many ways, it has reduced our ability to filter truth from fiction and identify behavioural tendencies that impact our day to day lives. One behavioural tendency on the rise is self-control, and nowhere is this more prevalent than with time management and out-of-control spending.

Since the endless number of on-demand entertainment options include everything from video games to social networks and gambling, understanding self-control is directly correlated to living a healthy lifestyle. This is even more relevant while understanding the importance of self-control when choosing an online casino.

However, before you jump the gun, it is important to understand which casinos put you at risk of developing self-control problems. Generally, these are casinos do not monitor and look for any addictive patterns or behavioural issues. However, those that do are highly regulated and offer numerous options to reduce the risk of developing self-control issues. Overall, according to Silentbet these are the best casinos operating online as they look after a player’s well-being and not solely the casino’s profitability.

Understanding and Combating Impulse Gambling

Above all else, discipline is the most important factor when combating the urge to gamble. By definition, impulse gambling is an emotional response that makes you take risks you normally would not make. The two main contributing factors that trigger this response, especially when gambling, is adrenaline and dopamine.

The problem for those who gamble is that adrenaline is a physical response fueled by excitement. It tends to create tunnel vision and reduce our ability to consider the options at our disposal. The only way to combat that is to control our breathing and send more oxygen to our brains. In doing so, we regain control of our bodies and regain control of our emotions in a relatively short amount of time.

Dopamine is also a physical reaction in our brains that drives us to repeat the same actions without considering the potential results. How often have we all been in a situation where we question our responses. This is a normal reaction when gambling, and while we may recognize it, we feel helpless to control our urges based on the environments we find ourselves within.

Unfortunately, most gambling games are designed to tap into the release of adrenaline. While someone who recreationally gambles can control urges, those with impulse or addictive gambling behavioural tendencies cannot.

Addiction Control Measures

Most people are aware they repetitive actions that stimulate their brains and release adrenaline and dopamine can be unhealthy. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that allows us to identify if we are predisposed to developing addictions. While answering a series of behavioural questions can help, it is not the responsibility of the casino to require the completion of a behavioural questionnaire.

The reality is some people are more susceptible to developing addictive tendencies. However, the fact remains, gambling is known to create an environment that often finds people dealing with situations they feel helpless to control. The only way to prevent this from happening is to stop gambling outright, or at a minimum, consider the following:

• Identify what makes you want to gamble
• Know the triggers and avoid them at all costs
• Control your emotions and take regular breaks
• Limit your budget for recreational spending

We as humans are more intelligent than we think and have the skills to overcome addictive behaviour. We are not oblivious to our behaviours, especially when they become harmful in our everyday lives. Moreover, by managing ourselves appropriately, we can continue to enjoy gambling activities without developing addictive behaviours.

Controlling Recreational Spending

The first step to identifying and accepting you have a gambling addiction is self-awareness. Our natural response is to deny that gambling activities impact their lives or financial well-being. The underlying problem with that is our impulse cause us to spend more than is affordable in hopes of recouping losses.

In order to assist gamblers with those impulses, online casinos are required to offer a variety of responsible gambling initiatives. These are designed to help control recreational spending and ultimately limit the impact recreational spending has on our financial well-being. However, these are only effective if people use these tools for their intended purpose.

Fortunately, they are easily accessible and, once implemented, prevent players from depositing more than they are comfortable risking. To assist players, online casinos offer the option to set spending limits, limit the time they spend gambling and self-exclude from gambling altogether. Moreover, they include links to addiction counselling services, such as GamCare, and links to responsible gambling platforms such as Gamblers Anonymous.

However, if your recreational spending is in control, you can apply basic money management tools to avoid getting carried away. This includes appropriating a set amount for recreational spending, and when gambling, withdrawing when you balance it exceeds £100 in profit.

Summary

After everything we have discussed about social behaviours, it is easy to understand why self-control is important. Unfortunately, those who struggle with self-control management cannot control other urges. The impact can be overwhelming, whether this relates to their professional career, managing their investment portfolios or religious affiliations.

Ultimately, it is our responsibility to control our actions and be aware how they impact us and those around us. It is a skill that is often avoided in favour of denial, and that makes it critical we understand the importance of self-control when playing at an online casino. Therefore, when choosing an online casino, use the responsible gaming tools at your disposal. Doing so will prevent gambling from becoming a burden versus an enjoyable activity.