Important Notices
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment and never a way to make money or solve financial problems. If you feel that your gaming behavior is getting out of control, do not hesitate to seek professional help.
What does responsible gaming mean?
Responsible gaming means maintaining control over your gaming behavior and ensuring that gambling remains a fun leisure activity that does not negatively impact your life.
- Set clear limits for time and money before you start playing
- Never play with money that you need for important expenses like rent, bills, or food
- Consider losses as the cost of entertainment, not as money you must win back
- Never play under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Do not use gambling as an escape from personal problems or negative emotions
- Take regular breaks and maintain a balanced lifestyle
- Be honest with yourself about your gaming behavior
- Never try to recoup losses by placing higher bets
🎯 Basic principles for safe gaming
To maintain a healthy relationship with gambling, you should follow these basic principles:
Set a budget: Decide how much money you are willing to spend before playing and stick strictly to it. This money should be viewed as an entertainment budget, similar to a trip to the cinema or a concert.
Time management: Determine how long you want to play and use alarms or timers to remind yourself of your limits. Long gaming sessions can lead to fatigue and poor decisions.
Emotional control: Only play when you are in a good mental state. Avoid playing when you are stressed, depressed, or angry.
⚠️ Warning signs of problematic gaming behavior
It is important to recognize the signs of problematic gaming behavior early on. If you notice one or more of the following warning signs in yourself, you should reconsider your gaming behavior and seek help if necessary:
💰 Financial Problems
You play with money that you actually need for important expenses, or you borrow money to play.
⏰ Loss of Time
You spend more and more time gambling and neglect family, friends, work, or hobbies in the process.
🔄 Chasing Losses
You constantly try to compensate for losses by further playing, which often leads to even greater losses.
🤥 Secrecy
You hide your gaming behavior from family and friends or lie about the amount of your losses.
😰 Emotional Burden
You feel guilty, anxious, or depressed because of your gaming behavior.
💫 Loss of Control
You cannot stop playing, even if you want to, or you play longer than planned.
💭 Constant Preoccupation
Gambling dominates your thoughts, even when you are not currently playing.
📈 Development of Tolerance
You have to play with higher and higher stakes to feel the same excitement.
😤 Withdrawal Symptoms
You become restless or irritable when you cannot play.
🚫 Ignoring Limits
You regularly exceed the limits you have set for yourself.
🏃 Escapism
You use gambling to escape from problems or unpleasant feelings.
⚖️ Legal Problems
Your gaming behavior leads to legal or financial consequences such as debt or theft.
🔍 Self-Assessment: Do you have a problem?
❓ Have you ever spent more money or time playing than you intended?
❓ Have you ever tried to win money through gambling to solve financial problems?
❓ Have you ever felt that you should reduce or stop your gaming behavior?
❓ Have you ever lied about your gaming behavior or hidden it from others?
❓ Has gambling ever had negative effects on your relationships, work, or health?
❓ Have you ever borrowed money or sold something to be able to continue playing?
❓ Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to quit playing?
❓ Have you ever tried to compensate for losses through further playing?
🛠️ Tools for Responsible Gaming
Use these tools to maintain control over your gaming behavior:
Time Limits
Set fixed time limits for your gaming sessions and stick to them consistently. Use alarms or timers as reminders.
Budget Control
Set a fixed budget that you are willing to lose. Never play with more money than planned.
Gaming Diary
Keep a diary of your gaming activities, including time, money, and emotions. This helps you recognize patterns.
Self-Exclusion
If you feel you are losing control, use self-exclusion programs to temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from playing.
Confidant
Talk to a trusted person about your gaming behavior. External perspectives can be very helpful.
Apps & Software
Use apps or software that help you monitor and control your gaming behavior.
🆘 Help and Support
You are not alone. There are many organizations and resources that can help you:
🇩🇪 Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA)
Free and anonymous counseling on the subject of gambling addiction.
Phone: 0800 1 37 27 00 (free)
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-6pm
Visit Website🎲 Gamblers Anonymous
Self-help group for people with gambling problems following the 12-step program.
Phone: 089 260 233 96
Find a group near you and exchange experiences with those affected.
Visit Website💚 Addiction & Drug Hotline
24-hour hotline for addiction counseling, including gambling addiction.
Phone: 01805 31 30 31
Availability: 24/7
Anonymous, competent, and accessible at any time.
Visit Website🏥 Specialist Clinics and Therapists
Specialized facilities offer professional therapy for gambling addiction.
Your GP can refer you to suitable specialist clinics or therapists in your region.
Many health insurance companies cover the costs of therapy.
👨👩👧👦 Relatives of Gambling Addicts
Relatives also need support. Special counseling for families and friends.
Many of the aforementioned organizations also offer help for relatives.
Visit Gam-Anon🌍 International Resources
Further help offers can be found at international organizations such as:
• GamCare (UK)
• Gambling Therapy (worldwide)
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
📚 Further Information
🧠 How does gambling addiction develop?
Gambling addiction is a recognized behavioral addiction that affects the brain's reward system similarly to substance-based addictions. Factors such as genetic predisposition, mental health issues, social environment, and the availability of gambling can contribute to the development of gambling addiction.
💪 The Path to Recovery
Recovery from gambling addiction is a process that requires time, commitment, and often professional help. The most important steps include:
- Acknowledging the problem and making the decision to seek help
- Taking advantage of professional counseling or therapy
- Regaining financial control and addressing debts
- Developing new, healthy coping strategies
- Seeking support through self-help groups or relatives
- Relapse prevention: Identifying and avoiding triggers
- Building a fulfilling life without gambling
🌟 Life without Gambling Addiction
A life without gambling addiction means freedom: freedom from financial worries, from lies and secrets, from fear and shame. It means having real relationships again, finding joy in other activities, and regaining control over your life.
Remember: It is never too late to ask for help, and you are never alone on this path. Thousands of people have managed to overcome their gambling addiction – you can too!