Online betting has become an increasingly common practice in Brazil, especially with the advancement of regulatory processes . However, it is important to remember that, despite being a form of entertainment, online betting carries risks.

In several countries, this practice is prohibited or severely regulated precisely because of the potential associated dangers, which range from financial losses to the development of addictions.

In order to enjoy online gambling in a healthy and responsible way , it is crucial to be aware of the warning signs that indicate when entertainment may be turning into a problem.

Here are 10 signs that deserve your attention:

1. Constant preoccupation with gambling: If you find yourself thinking about gambling frequently, even during everyday activities or times when you should be focused on other things, this is a warning sign. This phenomenon is known as “salience,” and it can lead to an almost irresistible urge to gamble, even when you know the risks involved.
2. Increased time and money spent gambling: When you find yourself spending more time and money on gambling than you originally planned, this is a sign of “Tolerance.” As with substances like alcohol, your body and mind may demand increasing amounts of it to achieve the same level of satisfaction or excitement as before.
3. Failure to stop or control gambling: If you have tried to reduce or stop your gambling activities without success, this is a clear sign that you may be developing an addiction. When someone finds themselves unable to reduce or stop gambling activities despite conscious efforts to do so, it indicates that gambling is no longer a free choice but a compulsion.
4. Gambling as an escape: Using gambling as a way to escape from personal problems, stress or depression is an indicator that gambling has ceased to be a leisure activity and has become an inappropriate coping mechanism. This occurs when gambling is seen as a temporary solution to alleviate negative emotions or escape from unpleasant realities. Such behavior is worrying because it masks underlying issues without actually resolving them, and can lead to a vicious cycle where gambling becomes the “solution” but remains the cause of the problem, increasing dependency and aggravating existing emotional and psychological problems.
5. Chasing losses: The behavior of trying to win back money lost on previous bets by betting more is known as “chasing losses” and is a classic symptom of problem gambling. This behavior indicates a dangerous spiral of increasingly desperate attempts to reverse financial losses. Rather than accepting the loss and stopping, the person mistakenly believes that their next bets will make up for the losses, which can lead to even more debt and financial problems.
6. Lying and hiding: Feeling the need to lie about how much time or money you are spending on gambling is a sign that you know there is a problem but are trying to hide it from yourself and others. This hiding behavior reflects an internal conflict between the desire to continue gambling and the awareness of its negative effects. This warning sign points to a state of denial and the need to address the problem openly.
7. Debt or financial problems caused by gambling: Facing financial difficulties due to money spent on gambling is an alarming sign that gambling is out of control. This situation not only highlights the seriousness of the addiction, but also its direct and devastating consequences, affecting financial and emotional stability and social relationships. The recommended course of action in this situation is to stop gambling completely.
8. Conflicts or problems in relationships: When your gambling begins to negatively affect your relationships with friends, family or partners, it is time to reevaluate your priorities. This moment of reflection is essential to understand the negative impact that gambling is having not only on your personal life, but also on those around you, suggesting the need to seek help and readjust priorities to preserve and repair these important relationships.
9. Neglect of Responsibilities: Failing to fulfill professional, academic, or family obligations because of gambling indicates a serious problem. It shows that gambling has taken on a disproportionate priority in your life. This deviation from fulfilling obligations can lead to long-term negative consequences, such as job loss, deterioration of family relationships, and compromised academic performance. This scenario signals an urgent need to reassess the impact of gambling and seek appropriate interventions.
10. Using gambling to celebrate or relieve negative feelings: If you find yourself gambling as a way to celebrate good news or to “forget” negative feelings, this may be a sign of emotional addiction to gambling. This behavior suggests that gambling has become a primary strategy for coping with emotions, replacing healthier methods of emotional processing. When gambling is the preferred means of experiencing joy or escaping sadness, the relationship with gambling may have crossed the line from entertainment to addiction, requiring intervention to reestablish a healthy emotional balance.

If you recognize any of these signs in your behavior, it’s important to seek help. There are several organizations and resources dedicated to helping people with gambling-related problems, including therapy, psychiatric help, and support groups.

Admitting that there may be a problem is the crucial first step to regaining control over your life and ensuring that gambling remains a healthy and responsible form of entertainment.

Remember, gambling responsibly means setting clear limits for yourself in terms of the time and money you spend on gambling, and never viewing gambling as a solution to financial or emotional problems. Gambling should always be a conscious choice, never a necessity.

If you’re going to play, do so responsibly! Here are some tips:

• Set a betting budget and stick to it.
• Only bet what you can afford to lose without compromising yourself financially.
• Set a time limit for each betting session and stick to it.
• Avoid gambling when you are tired, stressed or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Take regular breaks whenever you notice one or more of the signs we have highlighted. Two weeks without contact with gambling may be enough to reduce some symptoms.
• Seek professional help if you feel like you are losing control.

Do not forget:

You are not alone. Pathological gambling is a treatable mental disorder. Seeking professional help is the first step toward building a future free from gambling addiction.