Gambling is a serious problem that can ruin your life. At first, it feels thrilling to gamble without needing to leave your house. Online gambling comes in many forms. Some of the most common include betting websites, gambling apps and websites, social media platforms, and live streams. 

This highly addictive activity eventually takes over every aspect of your life, such as your career or relationships. You might notice that you’re losing money or friends. If that’s the case, you might have a gambling problem. A gambling problem or addiction mostly originates from mood or personality disorders. That’s because some gamblers suffer from anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression. 

Understanding Gambling Addiction

The first step to determining your problem for gambling addiction is to understand the problem. Gambling is sometimes referred to as compulsive gambling, gambling disorder, or pathological gambling. This term means you’re not able to control your impulsive gambling habits. 

This can cause serious consequences for your emotional and mental health, financial problems, and relationships. Some individuals can have a notable gambling problem without it being an addiction. Even with problem gambling, your habits can still disrupt your life. You may spend hours on the platform, as you focus on winning above all else. 

Signs of gambling addiction or problem 

Gambling addiction can be easily hidden since there are no obvious signs or symptoms like alcohol or drug addiction. However, the most common signs include:

• Struggle to control compulsive gambling habits. 

• Desire to gamble even while losing money.  

• Friends and family notice that you miss out on important events or your mood has changed.

• Anxiety, depression, and stress as a result of your financial problems. 

You can take the steps to stop your gambling addiction or problem. However, temptation will still come up, especially with smartphones and social media. In some regards, it is similar to an alcoholic always having a bottle in their pocket and taking it to bed, the bathroom, the office, etc. The vehicle to fuel the problem is always at your fingertips. The positive news is that using a Stop Gambling app can help if you've struggled with quitting. 

Quitting gambling has several benefits. It regulates your mood and stress levels. It also boosts your confidence and self-esteem. You’ll have more time for hobbies and interests you enjoy, which contribute positively to your emotional health. 

Rising trends in online gambling

According to a recent report from Grand View Research, the online gambling industry will grow by 12% into 2030. Smartphones make it easier for users to gamble online. Pop culture has also shifted towards online gambling, as evidenced in recent years.

According to a report from iSport, there was a rise in sports betting ads on television in 2023. Ad impressions increased by 25% from January through August. Most of these sporting ads feature famous faces like Rob Gronkowski, Jamie Foxx and Wayne Gretzky. 

There’s been a changing cultural view of online gambling. It’s no longer taboo. These celebrities make it seem fun and appealing as if everybody does it. Legalization also increased accessibility to online gambling apps. This ease of access leads to the widespread use of games. 

Also, there are new technologies such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence and machine learning have pushed developers to create immersive and interactive gaming environments. No longer do you feel alone in your gambling habit. You’re playing among a community of gamblers, which makes it feel less taboo. 

Lack of effective self-control measures

According to a study titled Gambling Self-Control Strategies: A Qualitative Analysis on the National Institute of Health, there are little to no self-control measures available on gambling apps. The most common self-control measures include avoiding certain types of gambling, limiting access to funds, and keeping money allocated for gambling. Some self-control measures don’t keep track of time lost. 

The lack of effective self-control measures is what makes gambling so hard to quit. While they may warn you about gambling addiction, they don’t do anything to lessen your behavior. Once you get sucked into the platform, you don’t want to leave. 

Also, the notes that neurological research has shown that non-drug behavioral addictions can lead to impulsive decisions, cravings, impaired habits, and withdrawals -- similar to drug and alcohol addictions. 

Unfortunately, there is little research on the players who use self-control strategies to manage their gambling problems. This study shows the importance of setting clear gambling limits and developing self-control measures that can help control the frequency, money, and time spent on these platforms. 

Features and Benefits of a Stop Gambling App

A better understanding of online gambling invites a solution for self-control measures. That’s where the quit gambling app comes in. It helps reduce or control your addictive behavior. Such an app removes the barrier needed to pull out your phone and access a gambling app. 

This tool blocks gambling apps and websites permanently or as long as you need. Instead of waiting for the urge to strike, it decides for you. It blocks your ability to gamble on your phone. It can also track your awareness of your online gambling habits if you lift or bypass the blocking features. Stop gambling apps are available on all devices, including iOS and Android phones. 

Real-time tracking and monitoring of gambling activities

These real-time reports and stats give you a better idea of what areas you need to work on in your life. For instance, you might realize that you should spend less time on your phone. Or, maybe you should work on your finances. You can use this data to get the resources or help that you need to battle your addiction. 

Promoting responsible gambling behavior

A quit gambling app offers resources that encourage you to make healthier lifestyle changes. You’ll have immediate access to a community of gamblers who want to help a fellow addict. You can chat, ask questions, or get support or advice. 

Some communities allow you to communicate anonymously. Some apps might have access to groups and forums that can offer ideas and tips. As part of a well-rounded approach, these apps can include online courses and guides, which you work through at your own pace. 

These resources help promote responsible gaming behavior. You’ll learn how to overcome the hurdle that is addictive gambling. The app developers make these resources fun and engaging so that you’ll pass the time without having the urge to gamble. 

Providing resources for treatment options

Quitting gambling isn’t something that you should take lightly. That’s why these apps offer sources for treatment options. While an app can help you quit, it can do it for you. Seeking help or professional treatment is necessary if you have a severe gambling addiction. 

For this reason, resources and treatment options are available, including the most common:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you break free of your harmful thoughts and behavioral patterns. It also teaches you how to solve your financial problems and fight urges. 

• Career, credit, and family or marriage counseling. This allows you to work on the issues that were exacerbated by your gambling problems. You’ll receive the groundwork to tackle your financial issues, which will positively impact your interpersonal relationships. 

• Inpatient or residential treatment or rehab. If you have a severe gambling addiction, you can receive treatment that comes with 24/7 support. 

• Treatment for an underlying mental health issue. This might include drug or alcohol addiction, or a mental health condition, such as ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression. You’ll receive medication, treatment, therapy, and lifestyle changes. 

How a Stop Gambling App Works

By this point, you understand how a mobile app can help you stop gambling. There are so many options, that it can be hard to choose. However, only a few of them focus on addiction or recovery solutions.

You should find an app that addresses your particular problem. Some of these apps may include a calendar that tracks time spent, inspirational emails, quizzes and tests, support groups, and video courses. Some might even track your spending, but that depends on the accuracy of the information you provide. 

Setting up personalized user profiles

Gamblers benefit more from positive reinforcement in real-time. It motivates them to stay on the course of their recovery. In this case, you can create a user profile that gives you the option to remain anonymous if you prefer. 

You also don’t have to upload a personal picture if you don’t want anyone to recognize you. With a community of like-minded individuals, you won’t feel alone. This removes the hidden shame that comes with gambling. You’ll feel comfortable sharing your addiction and making positive changes. 

Tracking and analyzing gambling patterns

Some apps come with a built-in diary or journal that allows you to track your emotions, feelings, moods, behaviors, habits, or situations. From there, you can determine why you feel on edge or want to act out impulsively. This helps you become more aware of your triggers. Awareness is key to healthily handling those triggers. 

Sending alerts and reminders to users

Despite the name, a stop gambling app can be a positive tool in your recovery. It sends you alerts and reminders to stay on track in your journey. Some apps even share inspirational and uplifting messages. If you prefer, you can set up alarms and reminders that prevent you from reaching for your phone or accessing a gambling website. 

Conclusion

Gambling can cause several mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Without the self-control measures in place, it can become a serious problem. With a quit gambling app, users can improve their financial situation, reduce their stress levels, and free up more time for their interests and loved ones. 

Only the individual can decide to quit. Some people may not realize that they have a gambling problem. An app like this prevents the issue from getting out of control. You’ll take control of your life and end your online gambling addiction. 

It's worth noting that monitoring software is not perfect. People can often find ways around them or simply bet using a different device. However, they can be extraordinarily helpful and often create a barrier where the person needs to take a moment before gambling. It can help them pause. From a neurological standpoint, that pause allows the part of the brain that sees long-term consequences and helps with impulse control get more involved in the thought process.

Since these apps are not perfect, it's worth calling out that Birches Health can also help you with gambling addiction. Through Birches, you can have access to specialized virtual counseling from your phone and the comforts of home. To take the first step with Birches, you can:

• Book an Appointment with a Clinician

• Speak with a Care Specialist: Get personalized guidance for the best next steps

• Refer Someone Else: Help a friend or loved one get care

• Free Self-Assessment: Evaluate your gambling habits and determine the necessity of professional help

For more immediate connections, you can call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in contact with the Birches team right away.

Resources:

Online Gambling Market Size & Trends Analysis Report, 2023 

Gambling Self-Control Strategies: A Qualitative Analysis

How Gambling Affects the Brain and Who Is Most Vulnerable to Addiction

Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling

Report: More Sports Betting Ads in 2023 So Far 

Sports Betting TV Ad Transparency Ad Report