By Allan
At least 30% of the adult population in Kenya has at one time placed a bet or currently runs an active betting account. With the advancement of mobile technology, it’s now even much easier to participate in Sports Betting. Most bookmarkers also have ‘Jackpots’ that they use to attract gamblers.
At least 3% of the Kenyan population has a gambling disorder which is defined as “ an increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, ‘chasing’ losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences”
Here then are the 8 warning signs that you have or might be developing a gambling disorder
- You Can’t Stop
Individuals who bet for fun know how to limit themselves in terms of how much they spend and the time they use to gamble. On the contrary, problem gamblers have no control over the time and money they use in betting. They usually try to quit but they can’t as gambling becomes part of their lives
- Gambling with Money they can’t afford to Lose
The cardinal rule of Sports betting is BET WITH AN AMOUNT YOU CAN AFFORD TO LOSE. If you find yourself borrowing to place a bet, you really do have a problem
- Your Betting Goes Beyond Entertainment
Responsible gamblers treat Betting as a form of Entertainment just like going to watch a movie-they bet for fun. Problem gamblers have other reasons such as trying to escape from anxiety-and for most young gamblers-to get an extra coin! Always know that gambling is never a solution to any of your problems-It is a problem itself
- Chasing Bets
Simply Put, this is trying to Win Back Money lost through a failed bet by trying to Bet more and with bigger amounts.
- Gambling with More and More money
At the start, most gamblers bet with smaller amounts-but rushes usually from small wins convince them to place higher stakes. If you find yourself here, know there is a problem
- Going to Extremes to Obtain More Money to Bet
Problem gamblers always find a way to bet when they don’t even have a stake including stealing, using school fees, heavy borrowing etc.
- Only the Next Bet Matters
Problem gamblers allow gambling to take priority over other aspects of their lives. A problem gambler will be found placing a bet at work instead of working
- Gambling affects your Emotions
Gambling should be a leisure activity. Problem gamblers experience mood swings with every passing loss. They get irritated; they get remorseful especially when chasing bets