National Problem Gambling Awareness Month is in March.

Since the inception of the Hoosier Lottery in 1989, gambling has been on the rise in Indiana.

Since then, things have significantly progressed, with Hoosiers now having the option to bet on sports online.

As the industry grows, it’s crucial to examine the shared responsibility of both Hoosiers and gambling companies.

Currently, the industry views problem gambling from three primary perspectives.

1. Problem gambling prevention

Arguably, the first category for problem gambling is the most important.

The key to ensuring the safety of gamblers is to prevent problem gambling before it occurs.

How does the industry manage that? What measures must gamblers and gambling businesses implement to avoid issues?

Much of this boils down to being a knowledgeable gambler.

Keeping informed can assist Hoosiers in maintaining gambling as a leisure activity, instead of a stress trigger.

Don’t expect to make it rich

Primarily, gamblers should regard the activity as a form of leisure.

Don’t wager money you’re unwilling to lose and don’t anticipate making a profit from gambling.

It’s important to remember that most gamblers tend to lose in the long run.

As the saying goes, the house always comes out on top.

Naturally, a minor percentage of gamblers do earn their livelihood from betting.

Nonetheless, these should be considered as deviations from the rule.

First and foremost, casinos and sportsbooks are businesses, and they are structured to ensure your loss over time.

For many people, gambling serves as a fantastic form of entertainment.

If you approach gambling without expecting to become wealthy, you won’t be shocked if you lose. This mindset is an excellent initial step to avoid gambling addiction.

Set limits for yourself

Establishing gambling boundaries is an excellent practice to adopt. They will assist you in maintaining self-control and ensuring that your gambling activities are carried out responsibly.

An example would be setting a personal budget when visiting a casino.

If you consistently exceed your budget during trips, it’s an evident indication that gambling is turning into an issue for you.

After establishing a budget, ensure you hold yourself responsible to not exceed its boundaries.

Should that task prove challenging, gambling may not be suitable for you.

Setting limits is an excellent method to monitor your spending and ensure you don’t overstretch your finances.

This can be aided by some of the tools provided by gambling companies.

Use the tools that sportsbooks provide

Online gamblers can utilize numerous resources provided by sportsbooks to help prevent problem gambling.

Many companies, bearing a responsibility to help combat gambling addiction, provide tools for prevention.

Take PointsBet, for example.

The company dedicates a whole page solely to the prevention of problem gambling. The sportsbook offers several helpful tools such as:

• Deposit Limits: Establish a cap on the amount of money you can deposit into your account at any given time.
• Time Limit Settings: Restricts the duration you can stay logged into your sportsbook account each day.
• Spend Limit Setting: Restricts the amount of money you can gamble at one time.
• Cool Off Periods: Pause your betting activities. This essentially secures your sportsbook account for a predetermined duration such as three, seven, or 30 days.
• Cancellation of Withdrawals: You have the option to cancel a withdrawal from your account prior to its completion. However, you also have the ability to disable this feature whenever you wish.

Should you establish these types of limits for your account, a specific duration of time will be required before you can modify them again.

These tools are accessible on all of Indiana’s online sportsbooks, meaning you don’t have to be a PointsBet user to benefit from these useful features.

2. Recognizing gambling addiction

Regrettably, addiction issues will eventually affect 2-3% of gamblers.

Identifying the warning signs is the initial step towards addressing the problem.

Recognizing the signs of gambling addiction can assist Hoosiers in identifying problem gambling at its early stages.

Chasing your losses

If you find yourself frequently trying to recover lost money through gambling, it’s a clear indication that you might be developing a gambling problem.

There’s no denying it, losing a bet is awful.

This is the negative aspect of gambling, and nobody takes pleasure in losing money.

Nonetheless, attempting to “compensate for” your previous loss is not a good idea.

Betting again won’t rectify your previous loss. In fact, the chances are high that you might lose this bet too, pushing you further into debt.

Avoid putting yourself in a difficult position by pursuing your losses.

Should you or someone you know frequently engage in this behavior, it is probable that a gambling problem is developing.

Gambling spending shame

Do you feel guilty about your excessive gambling? That’s not a positive indication.

Many individuals with gambling issues often experience some form of guilt regarding their expenditure.

That sign of problem gambling is common, but not everyone experiences the associated internal guilt.

For certain problem gamblers, this can result in deceiving their loved ones or friends about their spending habits.

Should you discover that you’re concealing your gambling activity, then it’s likely time to cease.

Compulsive gambling

Feeling compelled to place bets is another common sign of gambling addiction.

Some individuals liken their issue with problem gambling to an “itch” they must scratch in order to feel normal.

You might have a problem if you don’t feel like yourself until you gamble upon waking up.

Naturally, this isn’t an exhaustive list of warning signals for problem gambling.

Potential warning signs might include:

• Borrowing money to gamble
• Selling possessions to gamble
• Gamble being led by frustrations
• Engaging in gambling to evade troubles or concerns
• Betting until your funds are depleted
• Growing hesitant to use your “gambling money” on other expenses

Be vigilant for possible warning signs, as problem gambling can manifest differently in everyone.

Fortunately, Indiana offers numerous treatment options for problem gambling.

3. Treating problem gambling

Should gambling turn into a detrimental factor in your life, numerous professional assistance options are readily available.

Identifying problem gambling is the initial step, however, obtaining treatment is a crucial component of the process.

Take a self-assessment

If you suspect that gambling might be an issue for you, but you’re not entirely certain, a self-assessment can aid in clarifying the situation.

These brief assessments pose various questions concerning your feelings towards gambling.

After you complete the assessment, it calculates your score to help determine your relationship with gambling.

Your score could potentially classify you as a problem gambler.

While self-assessments aren’t a foolproof method to determine your relationship with gambling, they can be an excellent move towards the right direction.

Call the problem gambling hotline

Another resource for seeking help is the problem gambling hotline.

The hotline phone number in Indiana is 1-800-9-WITH-IT, alternatively, it can be dialed as 1-800-9-994-8448.

The number is available 24 hours a day; feel free to call anytime.

The hotline can be utilized to obtain a confidential referral for assistance with any potential problem gambling symptoms you might be experiencing.

Use voluntary exclusion

The system of voluntary exclusion allows you to self-impose a ban on gambling in Indiana.

This can be an excellent method for holding yourself accountable if you are battling with gambling addiction.

Once you sign up, you will effectively be barred from all casinos and online sportsbooks in Indiana. This eliminates the state’s two primary gambling options.

You can sign up for voluntary exclusion by visiting any Indiana casino, the Indiana Gaming Commission office in Indianapolis, or a designated treatment provider.

The self-imposed restriction can endure for one year, five years, or even a lifetime. Seek professional advice to establish the most suitable duration for you.

Take advantage of other problem gambling resources

There is a comprehensive list of problem gambling resources available in Indiana that anyone can utilize.

If you’re battling problem gambling, starting with that list is an excellent initial step.

Since everyone’s needs vary, examining all available options could assist in identifying the one that is most suitable for you.

Don’t hesitate to seek professional help, as gambling addiction is a problem that can be treated.

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Problem gambling recap

The three main stages of problem gambling are prevention, recognition, and treatment.

Approaching gambling with the correct attitude can aid in preventing issues before they arise.

Knowing the signs of problem gambling and setting limits for yourself can make a huge difference.

Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step if you, or someone you know, are part of the 3% of gamblers dealing with addiction. Be vigilant for indications that your gambling habits are becoming unmanageable.

Indiana offers numerous treatment options to assist problem gamblers.

Should you suspect that you’re developing a problem, it is recommended to consult a professional to ascertain your subsequent actions.

The issue of gambling addiction can be both prevented and treated.

For the vast majority of Hoosiers, gambling is a fantastic way to enjoy themselves.

Nonetheless, during National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, it’s crucial to pause and ensure that your approach is correct.

The most effective way to ensure your safety during all your gambling activities is to stay informed.