When you play online slots, it’s easy to get caught up in the enticing graphics and pulsating sounds. You might find yourself playing for longer than you planned or chasing bonus games, hoping to hit the jackpot. It’s important to recognize this type of gambling behavior and take steps to stop it. If you are a heavy gambler, you should consider seeking professional treatment for your gambling addiction.
Identify Your Triggers
Gambling triggers are the situations, thoughts, and feelings that cause you to gamble. They can include outside stressors like work, family problems, and financial difficulties. They can also be internal factors such as the illusion of control, irrational beliefs, and the gambler’s fallacy. It’s important to identify your triggers and avoid them when possible. For example, if your route to and from work takes you past a casino, try taking an alternate route. If watching sports triggers your desire to gamble, change the channel. You can also plan ahead by avoiding high-risk situations by leaving credit cards and nonessential cash at home or only carrying small amounts of money.
Aside from identifying your triggers, you need to create an action plan. This should include ways to distract yourself, like calling a friend or practicing mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing. You should also set aside time to do activities that you enjoy, and focus on spending quality time with your friends and family. For example, you could volunteer at a local charity or join a hiking club. This will allow you to connect with people who aren’t involved in gambling, and you’ll experience an endorphin rush while supporting a cause that is meaningful to you.
Another important aspect of an action plan is setting limits on your gambling. Ideally, you should not exceed your bankroll when gambling. It’s important to realize that the chances of winning on an online slot machine are based on random numbers, and it’s impossible to know whether you will win or lose. Therefore, you should set a limit on your gambling and stick to it.
Invest in a Gambling Therapy App
A gambling therapy app can be a powerful tool to help you quit online gambling. It can block your access to gambling sites on your computer, tablet, or mobile device. It’s easy to use and customizable, so you can block certain websites or limit how much time you spend on them.
The best gambling therapy apps use a combination of algorithms to track your behavior and detect patterns. They can even notify you if they suspect you are losing control of your finances. Some of them even have features that let you set a specific amount of money you’d like to gamble with, and they can alert you when you reach that amount. They are also compatible with all major operating systems, and you can install them on multiple devices. Some of them even offer recurring block sessions that repeat at the times you choose.
