Responsible gaming is a fundamental pillar around which the sports betting market must develop, especially in a rapidly growing market like Brazil. For both bettors and operators, seeking a healthy relationship with gambling is an essential step toward creating a sustainable ecosystem where users view the activity as entertainment and are fully aware of the risks involved.
StarsPay has already prepared a guide with the main measures consumers should take to stay in control. However, if you suspect that your own relationship with gambling, or that of someone you know, might be crossing the line, it is important to recognize some of the warning signs.
Here are six key warning signs:
- Chasing Losses: One of the concerning signs is when a person tries to recover their losses, often by increasing the size of their bets, in an attempt to return to a previous balance.
- Time and Money: When someone starts dedicating more and more time and resources to betting, it’s time to raise an alert. A healthy relationship with gambling requires clear limits on the money and time spent on the activity.
- Lies and/or Concealment: When a gambler feels the need to lie or hide their gambling activities from friends and family, it is a sign that the situation may be getting out of control. This can also lead to breaches of trust and relationship problems.
- Use as an Escape: Sports betting is a form of entertainment. If it starts being used as a way to escape reality or alleviate negative emotions, it is time to reassess the behavior.
- Excessive Focus on Gambling: Another warning sign is when a person seems completely immersed in gambling, constantly worrying about bets throughout the day. This is even more concerning if accompanied by anxiety or difficulty staying away from the activity for any period of time.
- Debts and/or Loans for Gambling: As a form of entertainment, sports betting should only be done with money that the person is willing to lose and that won’t impact their budget. If someone is accumulating debts and financial problems due to gambling or taking out loans to bet, it’s a clear sign that action needs to be taken.
What to Do?
If you find that you fit some of these factors or know someone who might be having problems with betting, it is important to seek help. Betting platforms themselves offer options such as self-exclusion or setting time and money limits, which are essential for users to step back from gambling and reassess their behavior. Seeking organizations that deal with gambling addiction is also a crucial step on the path to responsible gaming.
