Check your habits

Most people use gambling as a recreational and entertainment activity, like dancing, going out with friends, or playing video games. Unfortunately, gambling can also lead to problems for some. Therefore, it is always essential to understand your gaming habits. To get an overview and more critical insight regarding gambling, take our self-assessment test.

Take a test

Ferris, J., & Wynne, H. (2001). The Canadian problem gambling index: Final report.

NB! Please note that this test gives only an overview of protentional gambling problems. Correct diagnosis can be made only by a specialist.

This is a standardized PGSI test that can help you to identify whether your gaming is in the risk zone or not. Please try to answer the test honestly and keep in mind your actions during the last 12 months.

1. During the last 12 months, have you bet more than you could really afford to lose?
2. During the same timeframe, have you had the urge to gamble with more significant amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement?
3. Have you tried to win back the money you lost on another day before?
4. Have you borrowed money or sold anything to be able to gamble?
5. Have you felt that you might have a problem with gambling?
6. Have people criticized your betting habits or told you that you had a gambling problem, whether or not you thought it was true?
7. Have you ever felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you do it?
8. Has gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
9. Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?

To proceed, please put a score to your answers:

Never – 0 points
Sometimes – 1 point
Most of the time – 2 points
Almost always – 3 points

Then add up your scores.

Test Result:

Non-problem gambler - Score: 0
You do not have problems with your gambling.

Low-risk gambler - Score: 1 – 2
You have few or no identified negative consequences. For example, you may occasionally spend over the expected limit or feel guilty about gambling.

Moderate-risk gambler - Score: 3 – 7
You may experience a moderate level of problems leading to some negative consequences. For example, sometimes you may spend more than you can afford, lose track of time or feel guilty about gambling.

Problem gambler - Score: 8 or above
Your gambling leads to negative consequences and a possible loss of control. For example, you may often spend over your limit, gamble to win back already lost money, and feel stressed about gambling.

If you would like more information about responsible gaming or need help, please read the responsible gaming information below. If you are worried about your test results, consider setting a gambling restriction on the EMTA website. 

Play responsibly 

Gambling addiction is considered an impulse control disorder that can be treated. Most people keep their gambling under control and are not in danger of becoming addicted to gambling. Various studies have shown that among frequent casino visitors   around 5-10 percent are gambling addicts.

Rules below can help to have a safe gambling experience:

1. Gamble within affordable to you limits.
2. Do not chase losses. Don't try to get your money back quickly – it could cause more trouble.
3. Track your playing time.
4. In addition to gambling, find time for other activities. If gambling is your only entertainment, think about whether it's really worth it.
5. Take a break from time to time. If you gamble constantly, you may lose your sense of time and reality.
6. Do not gamble if you are drunk, irritated, or depressed. It can be crucial to decision-making.
7. Think about how much time and money you spend on gambling.
8. Learn about your chances of winning and how the products work.
9. If you feel that something is wrong – seek help!

Know the signs

When does a player become an addict? It is the point where the private life of a compulsive gambler suffers because of the passion for gambling. It means you're willing to risk something you value in the hope of getting something of even greater value. There are numerous simple tests that can help identify gambling compulsion by assessing the symptoms of compulsive behavior.

Signs indicating a disorder include the person's inability to stop gambling, borrowing money to gamble, and regarding money as a gaming supply rather than means of living. It also includes changes in the player's character, lying and secrecy, regretting gambling, being ashamed of it, as well as risking one's employment, family, significant relationships, etc., for the sake of gambling.

Symptoms of compulsive gambling:

- Being preoccupied with gambling, such as constantly planning how to get more gambling money
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill
- Trying to control, cut back or stop gambling without success
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression
- Trying to recover already lost money by gambling more (chasing losses)
- Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of your gambling
- Jeopardizing or losing meaningful relationships, a job, school, or work opportunities because of gambling
- Resorting to theft or fraud to get gambling money
- Asking others to bail you out of financial trouble because you gambled your money away

If you feel that any of these symptoms could be valid for you, it is advisable to seek professional help, as it is tough for people to overcome this kind of compulsive behavior on their own. Support from family and friends is also vital because compulsive gamblers generally cannot reach out and look for professional help.
 

Know the myths

Below are listed some of the common myths about gambling.

Myth: Gambling can be used as a source of earning money.
Fact: Even though you always have the chance to win, more often, it is a way of losing money. Gambling should be considered an entertaining activity, like paying for concert tickets or going out with friends. Even if you end up winning some money now and then, these winnings should not become something to depend on.

Myth: If you play long enough, you will end up winning.
Fact: “Almost” winning in no way means that a real win is just around the corner. Previous outcomes do not influence future gambling outcomes.

Myth: Tracking past results as you play can help you to predict future outcomes. 
Fact: You can use knowledge to make an informed decision, but it will not determine the end result. Past performance will not prevent you from losing your contribution - this can happen even if the statistic is certain.

Know your limits

Before you start gaming, decide how much money you can spend. This helps you stay on track financially and keeps gaming fun for you.

Self exclusion

If gambling becoming a problem for you, please use govermental block to exclude yourself from it. By registering you will block yourself from all games within the Estonian gaming license.

General Gambling Exclusion is implemented by Estonian Tax and Customs Board (ETCB) according to the legislation of Estonian Republic. There are three ways to apply for exclusion from gambling:
- Through the Estonian Tax and Customs Board portal by logging in with ID-card, Mobiil-ID, or Smart-ID

- Physically in ETCB service center

- Physically in Olympic Casino Estonia land based casinos

More information about general gambling exclusion can be found from Estonian Tax and Customs Board website.

Need help?

Always remember, it is okay to ask for help. If you feel that you need some, make sure to contact:

Center for counseling addicted gamblers
Tel: 15410
info@15410.ee
https://15410.ee/

ELULIIN
Tel 6 558 088 in Estonian (E-P 19-7)
Tel 6 555 688 in Russian (E-P 19-7)

MTÜ Peaasjad
Email: peaasi@peaasi.ee
Phone: +37251903124
https://noustamine.peaasi.ee/en

https://www.gamblingtherapy.org

Help others

To avoid gambling addiction, players are recommended to set certain gaming limits for themselves, such as “no longer than an hour”, “no more than X Euros”, etc. Once a person has become a compulsive gambler it is possible to file a written application to be banned from a casino for a certain period.

It is advisable to seek professional help as it is very tough for people to overcome this kind of compulsive behavior on their own. Support from family and friends is also vital because compulsive gamblers generally cannot reach out and look for professional help.
 

If you’ve noticed signs of a gambling problem in a friend or family member, try to encourage them to seek help from professionals:

Center for counseling addicted gamblers
Tel: 15410
info@15410.ee
https://15410.ee/

ELULIIN
Tel 6 558 088 in Estonian (E-P 19-7)
Tel 6 555 688 in Russian (E-P 19-7)

MTÜ Peaasjad
Email: peaasi@peaasi.ee
Phone: +37251903124
https://noustamine.peaasi.ee/en
 

https://www.gamblingtherapy.org