At Geniebet.com we enjoy gambling and we would hope that our readers do the same in a responsible manner.
However, for some people gambling holds little or no enjoyment and is merely a compulsion. They have an impulse control disorder and gambling is an addiction. This problem is very real for a large number of people.
These people are problem gamblers. If you display, or if someone that you know displays, any of the known symptoms please urge them to stop gambling right away and seek professional help from a registered authority in your country of residence.
We do not advocate any of the religiously linked problem gambling organisations as they merely encourage you to swap your over-dependency on gambling for a much more dangerous and damaging dependency.
Below are the primary authorities that can assist:
| Country | Website | Description |
|---|
| Australia | Gambling Help Online | Offers 24/7 online counseling, information, and resources for responsible gambling. |
| United States | National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) | A nationwide organization offering help for people affected by gambling addiction. |
| United Kingdom | GambleAware | Provides information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. |
| Canada | Responsible Gambling Council | Provides prevention programs, self-assessment tools, and resources for responsible gambling. |
| China (Macau) | Macau Gambling Help Services | Provides help, education, and counseling services to problem gamblers in Macau. |
| Singapore | National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) Singapore | Provides a helpline, counseling, and preventive measures for responsible gambling. |
| New Zealand | Gambling Helpline NZ | A free helpline offering support, counseling, and resources for problem gamblers. |
| Italy | Gioca Responsabile | Offers support and resources for gambling addiction prevention and recovery. |
| France | Joueurs Info Service | A French national helpline and support service for problem gambling. |
| Germany | BZgA – Gambling Addiction Help | A federal initiative that offers support and prevention services related to gambling. |
| Spain | Juego Responsable | Provides resources and support for responsible gambling in Spain. |
| Ireland | Problem Gambling Ireland | Offers help and support for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction. |
| Sweden | Stödlinjen | Provides a free helpline and resources for those seeking help with gambling problems. |
| Norway | Hjelpelinjen | Offers free helpline services and resources for problem gamblers in Norway. |
| Finland | Peluur | Provides a gambling helpline and support for gamblers and their families in Finland. |
| Netherlands | Cruks | A national exclusion register offering resources and support for problem gamblers. |
| Denmark | StopSpillet | Offers a helpline and resources for those affected by gambling problems in Denmark. |
| South Africa | South African Responsible Gambling Foundation | Offers educational resources and a 24-hour helpline for problem gamblers. |
| Hong Kong | Caritas Addicted Gamblers Counselling Centre | Offers counseling and support for people with gambling problems in Hong Kong. |
| Malaysia | Gambling Therapy | An international service that offers online support for problem gamblers worldwide, including Malaysia. |
| India | Gambling Therapy India | Provides international online support, resources, and forums for gambling-related issues. |
Self help
Geniebet strongly advocate the self-help approach. Sigmund Freud and a host of more modern psychologists have written extensively on problem gambling. Pick up one of their texts and try to understand the root of your problem.
Symptoms of problem gamblers include:
- A preoccupation with gambling.
- Needing to bet more and more in order to relive the same ‘rush’ that you may have experienced in the past. This can affect a problem gambler in much the same way as a drug addict chases a ‘hit’.
- Chasing losses.
- Loss of Control: where you may have unsuccessfully attempted to stop or reduce your gambling habits.
- Negatively affecting relationships: If gambling is negatively affecting relationships with family, friends or work colleagues then ask yourself ‘which is more important?’
- Escapism: If you are gambling only to comfort yourself or to run away from real life problems.
- You no longer enjoy gambling but feel compelled to continue doing it.
- Theft: If you have ever taken part in any kind of theft in order to fund your gambling then it is definitely time to stop.
This is by no means a fully comprehensive list but if any of these symptoms ring a bell with you please stop gambling right away and consider if you may have a problem.