Report: EU should treat loot boxes as a consumer protection matter rather than gambling – Pocket Gamer.Biz

The European Union should handle video game loot boxes with consumer protection legislation rather than gambling.

That's the conclusion of a report conducted for the EU Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCP) committee titled Loot boxes in online games and their effect on consumers, in particular young consumers, which says that that the business model represents a specific problem with games design.

Is it gambling?

The IMCP's research also says that different countries banning loot boxes under gambling legislation as Belgium has done represents a threat to the EU's single market, given that the same opportunities aren't available to all citizens across all nations in the union. Furthermore, the IMCP says that parental controls in games aren't an effective deterrent because they are often not on by default and guardians often don't know how to use them properly.

"It is therefore recommended to broaden the perspective beyond gambling aspects and approach the issue of loot boxes and other problematic game designs from a wider consumer protection angle," the report concludes.

The UK's House of Lords has recently said that loot boxes should be regulated as gambling.

For the full story head over to PCGamesInsider.biz.

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Greece online gambling revenue fell 40% in first five months of 2020 – CalvinAyre.com

Greeces online gambling market suffered a 40% revenue decline over the first five months of 2020 as sports halted due to COVID-19.

Figures released by the Hellenic Gaming Commission (HGC) show the local online gambling market generated revenue of nearly 150m in the first five months of 2020, a 40% decline from the same period last year.

The year started out well enough with revenue of 49.3m in January, but this slipped to 45m in February, by which time the race to the bottom was well and truly on as the pandemic forced the suspension of most major sports. Revenue slipped to 36.1m in March then hit bottom in April with 29.5m before rebounding slightly to 30m in May.

The Stoiximan betting brand was the unchallenged market leader with a nearly 49% share of the overall pie. Stoiximan started the year off right with revenue of 24.3m in January but this sunk to 14.8m by May.

UK operator Bet365 started the year in the runner-up position by generating around 14.3m in each of the first two months but its over-reliance on sports betting dropped the company to third place by May with just 5.2m.

GVC Holdings Sportingbet brand was in third place for most of the year but narrowly usurped Bet365 in May. Sportingbet weathered the pandemic storm better than most, as its 6.1m score for May was only moderately below Januarys 6.3m.

Greek lottery and betting operator OPAP, which is in the process of acquiring a majority stake in Stoiximan, saw its online revenue almost entirely erased over 2020s first five months. The companys fledgling online operations didnt add casino games until May, leaving it without any options when sports shut down.

Some smaller Greek-facing operators bucked these trends by increasing their revenue over the year-to-date, including Flutter Entertainments PokerStars brand. Stars effectively doubled its revenue from January to April as the lack of sports left customers seeking online casino and poker options that the site had in spades.

Similarly, NetBet more than tripled its revenue from January to May, although the companys Greek presence was minor at the start of the year, putting its May total at only 790k.

Greece recently approved the reopening of its land-based casinos and betting shops, so while the online gambling sector may be on the rebound, its no longer the only game in town.

Meanwhile, the government is proceeding with its plans to relicense its online market after its draft regulations met with little opposition from the European Commission. The HGC is expected to publish the final regulations any week now, after which the license vetting can proceed with purpose toward this oft-delayed conclusion.

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Lyke talks football scheduling, gambling and campus returns – University of Pittsburgh The Pitt News

Victor Wu

Pitt Chancellor Pat Gallagher and Athletic Director Heather Lyke stand on the field before the game. (Photo by Wenhao Wu / Assistant Visual Editor)

Athletic Director Heather Lyke said she is not encouraged by the way the COVID-19 pandemic mitigation is progressing. As cases continue to rise across the country particularly in Pitts home of Allegheny County she offered a pessimistic, yet not definitive answer to what she called the million dollar question will college football be played in 2020?

I am an optimistic person at heart, but I wouldnt say Im overly confident, Lyke said.

Pitt football players returned to campus on June 8 and began workouts after completing a two week quarantine period. According to Lyke, the program considered expanding the number of players allowed in the same workout group from 25 to 50, but a string of several days of record-setting positive COVID-19 case tallies forced Pitt to delay.

While few games on Pitts schedule have been altered save for a week two matchup with the Colonial Athletic Associations Richmond Spiders, who, despite a canceled football season, might still try to play some games they are under threat as college footballs loose plans become even more uncertain.

National college football writer Brett McMurphy reported Thursday morning that a number of options are on the table for the ACCs football season. Whether they follow the Big Ten and Pac-12s lead and play only the normal eight conference games already scheduled or a longer 10-game schedule, the move to ACC plus Notre Dame games only seems inevitable.

Pitt still plans on hosting Miami (OH) for the 2020 season opener on Sept. 5, but that game and any subsequent contests will likely look radically different from seasons past. Lyke said Pitt and its Heinz Field roommate the Pittsburgh Steelers are working on a plan to allow 15,000 to 20,000 fans in a socially distant stadium with a mask mandate.

But even that would require approval from Gov. Tom Wolf, in addition to a rapid change in the progression of virus mitigation efforts.

And more successful mitigation seems unlikely, as Lyke openly admits that with Pitts campus reopening for classes in the fall, there is little the University can do to enforce social distancing among athletes and regular students alike.

Its impossible to keep kids away from one another, Lyke said. I expect there will be some increase in cases. Hopefully its not really exorbitant.

College football might not be in the cards for 2020, but it is, for now, a safe assumption that it will be played at some point in the future. With the games, pushes for radical reform of the pre-professional football model will resume as well.

Lyke also testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee during a hearing on Wednesday afternoon about the NCAAs policies regarding the rights players have to their own name, image and likeness, as well as state and federal college sports gambling laws.

Her testimony offered a prediction of the negative effects that gambling on college sports could have on the psyche of competing athletes.

While currently a spectators pride and team spirit might hinge on a win or loss, if sports gambling is permitted, ones livelihood could depend on the outcome of a Saturday afternoon game, she said in her written testimony. This significantly increases the pressure of student-athletes to perform or not perform depending on the current bet.

She said she is also worried about the accessibility of sports gambling today. Gamblers can submit bets online from almost anywhere, making it too easy for betters to, as Lyke puts it, turn your college football venues into a casino.

Lyke said her testimony represents an opinion shared by college athletics officials and staff, as well as the athletes themselves, from across the ACC. According to Lyke, her testimony was universally supported by the conferences presidents, athletic directors, athletic faculty representatives and student-athlete advisory councils.

I think its been well received, she said. Ive gotten a number of messages from across the country and the ACC as a sort of thanks for carrying the torch The addition of college gambling is another level.

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Gamban Operator Rolls Out Solution Targeting Unlicensed Gambling – Tunf News – Tunf.com News

A Game, an experienced marketing agency, has joined forces with Beanstalk, the firm behind Gamban, on a joint venture that will launch a new solution meant to help governments and regulators clamp down on unlicensed gambling activities.

The two chose Yield Sec as their Advisory and technical tool, and this will allow regulatory bodies to police, monitor as well as enforce their gaming and betting markets.

The tool allows access to a real-time black market database that A Game stated contains the most extensive list of this kind globally, allowing users to update and develop their operator blacklist.

A Game also stated that the tool offers features that allow for player protection by forcing unlicensed websites off the market. That implies that minors and those suffering from problem gambling have no access to sites, and bettors cannot go to sites that have not shown compliance with safeguards for social responsibility.

Jack Symons, the director, and Co-founder of Beanstalk stated that across many markets, the people at risk of Gambling harm have no clue who turn to when they have problems. Escaping compulsive, spiraling play is nearly impossible when no there is no gambling cessation tool or helpline, and no mechanisms have ever been put in place to root out the black market.

Symons added that Yield Sec would help operators achieve this and also offer meaningful player protection. Providing care and advice to the most vulnerable is not achievable if conditions are imposed on operators only while leaving out the black market.

Source: https://www.igamingbusiness.com/news/gamban-operator-launches-solution-targeting-illegal-gambling

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Beanstalk and A Game Above launch new tool targeting illegal gambling threat – Gambling Insider – In-depth Analysis for the Gaming Industry

Player protection company Beanstalk has formed a joint-venture with A Game Above to launch a tool designed to help governments and regulators block access to unlicensed gambling.

Yield Sec, the technical and advisory solution produced by customer experience specialists A Game Above, will allow regulatory bodies to monitor, police and enforce the regulated gambling marketplace, to help with player protection.

The tool is believed to have the worlds largest real-time database of black market sites, allowing it to remove the illegal market influence by blocking and removing access to black market sites, aimed to become the catalyst for a truly level, licensed playing field in the industry.

The product, part of a joint-venture with Beanstalk, the makers of gambling blocking software Gamban, will remove the easy availability those struggling with gambling related problems and minors, can have to the illegal market.

A Game Above CEO Steen Madsen, said: The operation of a sustainable marketplace, with cared-for customers and practically excluded minors and at-risk audiences, whilst raising valuable taxation revenues for society, predictably, is the perfect way to support our shared mission across A Game Above and Beanstalk: the customer experience.

Beanstalk co-founder and director Jack Symons, added: Across most markets today, those at risk of gambling-related harm do not know where to effectively turn when facing a problem. Yield Sec will achieve this and provide for meaningful player protection.

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Illinois Rolled Back In-Person Registration for Online Betting – GamblingNews.com

Gamblers that want to play online in Illinois now hove to register in-person. This is because the Executive Order which allowed online registration was effective until yesterday, July 26.

Creating an online betting account now must be done in-person in Illinois. From today, July 27, gamblers that want to open an online account must visit one of the states land-based casinos. The measure, which was previously eased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was rolled back.

This happened following Fridays announcement by Governor J.B. Pritzkers office, where some Executive Orders were extended. Executive Order 2020-41 which temporarily suspended the requirement for in-person registry of players who want to bet online was effective through July 26. However, the Order was not extended on Friday. This means that users now must visit a land-based venue in order to register for online betting activity.

Currently, one land-based operator has launched an active online gambling app Rivers Casino Des Plaines. With that in mind, some players will have to travel significant distance if they would want to open up an online betting account. Moreover, this raises a question as to how safe the registration is going to be in-person, considering the post-COVID-19 environment. With that being said, state officials may decide to roll back the relaxed measure given the recent surges in positive COVID-19 cases.

The regulated online gambling market in Illinois was launched in March this year. This was the result of the Sports Wagering Act signed into law by Governor Pritzker back in July 2019. According to the Sports Wagering Act, for the first 18 months, any player that wants to create an online betting account must do so in-person in a land-based property.

With that in mind, amid the growing COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois shut the doors of its casinos. This was an effort by the state to reduce the spread of the respiratory disease. Keeping in mind that the gaming venues were closed, early in June, the Governor introduced the Executive Order 2020-41 which relaxed the measure for in-person registry effectively allowing users to create accounts online.

Later on, from July 1, the gaming venues were allowed to reopen their doors, although operating under reduced capacity. Looking at how the COVID-19 spread has impacted the gaming industry, we can honestly say that the online betting in the state was off to a shaky start. But this is not the only industry affected by COVID-19. Last week, the hospitality industry in the state said that hundreds of thousands of jobs are threatened due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) not going away.

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UK: Gambling Addiction Treatment Halted During the Lockdown – GamblingNews.com

Treatment for people suffering from gambling addiction in the UK have been placed on pause during the months of lockdown, a report by the BBC outlined. Due to the virus outbreak, NHS personnel have been redeployed where they were needed most, jeopardizing the improvement in the treatment of gambling addicts across the country.

The research undertaken by the national media showed that 8 out of 30 members of staff from the two NHSs trusts, the Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) and the Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust (LYP), who were dealing with gambling treatment, were moved to different roles without backfill. As a result, the ongoing treatment for 33 people was placed on hold, another 29 waiting for assessment were also paused, while contact was maintained remotely for 78.

This happened during times when data showed a spike in the interest for online gambling, with searches for online casino reportedly hitting an all-time high during the lockdown. Despite the overall drop due to the lack of professional sports, data showed gamblers substituted sports betting with playing online slots, poker, casino and even betting on esports.

Gambling charities have been expressing their concern that vulnerable people are likely to reach out to gambling due to isolation, boredom, personal conflicts and financial insecurities, prompting recovering addicts into relapses. The Gordon Moody Association, a leading gambling addiction charity, pointed out the significant increase in the number of gamblers seeking help, from around 30 a month to nearly 1,000 during the period of lockdown.

The LYP which covers the north of England including north Midlands had 4 of its 18 staff redeployed, a response under the Freedom of Information Act showed. The trust had 25 out 125 people referred not progressed to assessment, with the period from contact to assessment stretching from the usual 14 days to nearly a month.

CNWL, which had previously deployed to work in substance misuse services 12 members of staff, redeployed 4 of them due to more pressing needs arising from the virus outbreak. The trust pointed out it carefully risk-assessed everyone in treatment and on its waiting lists, and only those deemed as low risk were placed on hold. CNWL outlined it kept track of the people whose treatment was halted and offered them a series of pre-treatment therapy groups, while patients who were waiting for treatment were offered information about GamCare.

UK adults who have problems with gambling addiction now have another option to receive help as a new Primary Care Gambling Service opened up in London recently. Besides offering relief for people suffering from gambling-related harm, the NHS-backed service is also looking to train general practitioners to be able to recognize the gambling addiction symptoms in the early stages.

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Bulgarian Legislature Approves the Bill to Abolish Gambling Commission – European Gaming Industry News

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Supplier partners with Croatian market leader

Casino software provider Playson has signed a content distribution agreement with SuperSport, Croatias foremost operator.

The online sportsbook will significantly enhance its casino offering by directly integrating a thrilling set of Playson titles, including Buffalo Power: Hold and Win, Solar Temple and Solar Queen.

The partnership also covers the developers Timeless Fruit Slots and Funky Fruits portfolios, which are likely to perform well in a jurisdiction where classic fruit-themed games resonate with a wide audience.

SuperSport will also benefit from access to Playsons retention-boosting suite of integration-free engagement tools, such as bonus spins and regular tournaments with daily prize drops.

The deal sees Playson further enhance its impressive player reach in regulated markets across the globe, as the games studio continues to go from strength to strength in Europe and beyond.

Blanka Homor, Sales Director at Playson, said: We are thrilled to team up with Croatias most prominent operator in SuperSport, in a move that cements our leading credentials as a premium supplier of quality slots.

With a packed game collection boasting widespread appeal, alongside an engagement toolkit that is proven to drive player retention, were ready to deliver for our latest operating partner.

Tugomil Cerovecki, Online Casino Manager at SuperSport said: Playsons absorbing portfolio is enjoyed by an ever-growing legion of global fans, so we are very pleased to partner with the company.

The providers premium quality games, in particular its Timeless Fruit Slots and Funky Fruits portfolios, will undoubtedly help us to continue standing out in a competitive commercial environment.

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Saxon Shadforth: Philippines have offered a safe space for online gambling – CalvinAyre.com

Having spent plenty of time in Manila since 2007, its fair to say that Saxon Shadforth, Director of Avalon Marketing Services, is no stranger to the online gaming market in the Philippines. Shadforth took some time out to chat with our Becky Liggero Fontana on the benefits of working from a country that has become a major hub for the online gambling industry.

Shadforth highlighted the rapid growth that had occurred in infrastructure in Manilla since 2007. The first time I went there around 2007/8 was around the time many other serviced focused industries were looking to the Philippines whether it was airlines, banks, financial services or telcos, he explained. The infrastructure evolved quite rapidly and the telecoms infrastructure and the maturity of the talent continued to improve at that time. So I think online gambling has benefited greatly from all the other industries but also has contributed to the improvement of the economy there, and certainly provided opportunities not just for financial reward but for education for many people in the Philippines.

The country offers benefits that one may not find in other areas of Asia. The Philippines does have a good hub of all different types of languages and skillsets than some other cities you might think of, Shadforth said. The Philippines has been the one that has consistently been the one thats tried to put their arms around regulation and making it a safe place for people to work and whether it be foreigners or locals and providing services to an industry that is not viewed as the same in every country that you look at in the region.

However, outsourcing businesses may need to adapt to benefit from the unique office culture in the Philippines. For some of us that have worked in traditional offices that nine to five, its quite a foreign concept to that you know professionals at a senior level will be willing to work from 10 pm to 6am, he said. Many generations of families live together in the Philippines and so, you know its an opportunity for some to spend time with the family. There are many good people not just working in call centre jobs, but there are layers and layers of people with interesting roles that work the evening shift.

In the full interview, Shadforth covers some of the mistakes that European companies have made entering the Asian market and what you can be doing to avoid issues. Also, dont forget to subscribe to the CalvinAyre.com YouTube channel to see every interview we make as it goes up.

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Spain’s online gambling ad limits to take effect in October – CalvinAyre.com

Spains harsh new online gambling marketing restrictions will likely take effect in October after the European Commission (EC) voiced no objections to the countrys plans.

On Wednesday, Spains Minister of Consumer Affairs Alberto Garzn announced that he would press the governments Council of State to approve by September the Royal Decree on gambling advertising Garzn unveiled earlier this month. Assuming that approval is secured, Garzn (pictured) believes final approval by the Council of Ministers can be obtained by October.

Spain submitted the latest draft of the Decree to the EC for approval on July 9, slapping an urgency tag on the measure to ensure the EC got his message that childrens lives were in danger (or something). On Tuesday, the EC declared that it had no issues with the Decree, clearing the way for Garzn to forward the Decree to the Council of State.

Spain is seeking to limit online gambling advertising on TV, radio and online video platforms to a narrow four-hour window starting at 1am. A previous draft of the Decree would have allowed advertising during live sports events but this exception was eliminated in the current draft.

Sponsorships of sports teams, leagues and competitions will also be prohibited, with gambling names and logos to vanish from sports jerseys and stadiums. The government is reportedly mulling whether to allow state authorities to decide if they want to permit pitch-side advertising during matches in their respective territories.

Online operators are also facing tough new limits on bonus offers, restricting them to customers who have made a minimum of three deposits, so welcome bonuses would be a thing of the past. The upper limit for acceptable bonus offers was 100 in earlier drafts but the specifics will now be left up to Spains Direccin General de Ordenacin del Juego (DGOJ) regulator.

Operators shouldnt expect much mercy from the DGOJ. Earlier this month, Mikel Arana, who was appointed DGOJ chief in May, effectively told stakeholders to either accept the governments new rules or make a run for the border.

Speaking Wednesday at a meeting of the Joint Committee for the Study of Addiction Problems, Garzn said the advertising curbs were just the first step on the path toward tackling Spains problem gambling issues. Garzn said he and other cabinet ministers were discussing the possibility of reallocating some of the license fees paid by online operators toward problem gambling initiatives.

Garzn also warned that land-based operators shouldnt rest easy, as he would be convening officials from autonomous regions with responsibility for gambling to discuss ways of curbing land-based gambling, with sports betting shops firmly in Garzns sights.

Jdigital, the trade group representing Spanish-licensed online operators, issued a seven-point rebuttal to the ECs decision to bless Spains proposals, including a challenge for the government to produce hard data proving that gambling currently represents a public health problem in the country.

Jdigital also took issue with marketing exemptions granted to the state-run SELAE and ONCE lottery operations, which effectively amount to state-aid (something the EC used to harp about quite a bit). The proposals also pose a barrier to entry for new operators, who will lack state-approved means of raising awareness of their brands.

Jdigital and its fellow trade body Cejuego have made many of these arguments before, all of which fell on deaf ears. Barring a miracle or some legal jujitsu, Spains government shows no sign of letting up on its plans to neuter the online gambling market.

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Former NFL Players to Receive Responsible Gambling and Sports Integrity Education – PRNewswire

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Problem gambling and off-field issues have plagued professional athletes across sports since their inception. Now, former NFL players will attend responsible gambling and sports integrity sessions presented by former athletes on an ongoing basis.

The NFLPA Professional Athletes Foundation, the leading Foundation providing former NFL players with financial assistance and counseling, has signed a two-year agreement with EPIC Risk Management and GVC Foundation US to create, market, and launch live and virtual educational programs for NFLPA members.

"This is the first program that the NFLPA/PAF has ever run on problem gambling education and awareness," said Andre Collins, Executive Director of the NFLPA Professional Athletes Foundation."As the first major professional sports league in the U.S. to undertake this project, we're proud to tackle this issue head-on. We urge all sports leagues to address problem gambling with the seriousness it deserves."

EPIC Risk Management and GVC Foundation US will create the program content, which will be tailored to meet the mental health needs of former NFL players, while the NFLPA/PAF will advertise, market, and coordinate the delivery of the program to its members.

"Professional athletes are highly susceptible to problematic gambling behavior. Educating these former players on how to gamble responsibly and act with integrity is a crucial step forward for all sports," said Amani Toomer, former New York Giants wide receiver. As a Trustee for GVC Foundation US, Toomer will help deliver educational sessions throughout the country alongside EPIC Risk Management.

EPIC Risk Management, a gambling harm minimization consultancy, and GVC Foundation US, a responsible gambling nonprofit launched by GVC Holdings, have an existing partnership aiming to co-host educational seminars throughout the U.S. The two groups are further partnering with the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital, to conduct research about elite athletes' relationships with problem gambling through these and other educational sessions.

"Problem gambling is often described as a hidden addiction. The signs are difficult to spot, yet the effects can be devastating. Proactive education offered to vulnerable populations is crucial for curbing problem gambling. We plan to educate former NFL players through motivational talks provided by former professional athletes who've experienced the consequences of problem gambling, first-hand," said Paul Buck, CEO of EPIC Risk Management.

"The gambling industry has a moral responsibility to look after consumers and ensure their wellbeing. Those with gambling disorders and addictive tendencies deserve our unyielding support, and this program is a perfect extension of our mission to provide that," said Martin Lycka, Trustee of GVC Foundation US and Director of Regulatory Affairs for GVC Holdings.

About NFLPA Professional Athletes Foundation

The NFLPA Professional Athletes Foundation provides financial assistance and counseling toward the well-being and benefit of former players. The organization is the leading Foundation assisting NFL Former Players, with over $21 million in financial, medical, and educational assistance granted.

About EPIC Risk Management

EPIC Risk Management (www.epicriskmanagement.com) is the world's leading independent gambling harm minimization consultancy. Working across the highest risk sectors for gambling related harm, EPIC have worked in 14 European countries on ground breaking harm minimization programs, responsible gambling training and class leading advisory. EPIC draws on lived experience to help individuals and organizations across financial services, elite sport, the military, criminal justice, education and the gambling industry to minimize the risks posed by gambling harm.

About GVC Foundation US

GVC Foundation US is a first-of-its-kind nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, sports integrity and corporate compliance in the U.S. The Foundation was launched by the GVC Global Foundation and GVC Holdings PLC(LSE: GVC), one of the world's largest sports betting and gaming groups, operating both online and in the retail sector.

SOURCE GVC Foundation US

https://gvcglobalfoundation.com

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Live Betting Betting of the Future – The Sports Gambling Podcast

Its not news that the face of betting has been changing with the continuous advancements in technology and market demands. Consequently, we can now enjoy live betting or in-play betting, as some players call it. Regardless of the name, most players would agree that live betting brings an absolute thrill to the overall gambling experience.

For these and many more reasons, we think live betting has been introducing us to the way betting is going to look in the future. Lets go over some advantages of live betting and all the possibilities that go along with it.

When talking about the future of betting, we need to consider eSports since there is a higher demand for eSports now than ever. Many professionals that play eSports compete in dozens of tournaments and championships worldwide. This makes for an exciting betting market that draws in many bettors.

So, seeing the game in action might make you change your mind about your initial bet or give you some new ideas about which bet to place. If you can easily spot trends or changing tides in a game, live betting is the right choice for you. Moreover, you will get unbelievable odds on live bets.

Creating new betting options and widening the range of betting opportunities goes hand in hand with live betting. Interestingly, many bets are simply not possible to make before a match has started. In cases like that, live betting steps in.

These options could include bets such as the next team to score, next player to score, or time of the next goal.

What makes in-play bets accessible is that most bookmakers cannot quickly change the odds on some plays, making it possible for bettors to place bets on odds that havent yet changed.

However, pay attention to some other betting options that might seem too good to be true as most of them have very high odds but are unlikely to happen, and their initial role is for players to have fun. Keep your eye on the prize and dont let your emotions get the better of you.

The combination of live betting and live streaming is a beneficial situation for any online betting site that offers this service. Although players can find many live streams on separate streaming sites, most of them prefer to have the option of placing bets while watching a live stream of the game on the same website.

Thus, betting sites that offer a combination of these two are highly profitable sites where you can find top-notch odds on individual bets while not taking your eyes off the game.

Most sites offer HD live streaming services, but hopefully, the live streams will additionally improve in the future and incorporate other features that will make them stand out among the crowd.

Ultimately, you will need to make the right decision at the right time pay close attention to the players on the field and study their every move.

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Gaming, Gambling & the Future – Geek Vibes Nation

The lines between gaming and gambling have become increasingly blurred over the past few years, with the two sectors now inextricably linked.

From a gaming perspective, advancements in technology have allowed developers to create multi-level titles that bear little resemblance to the earliest video games.

It is a similar story in the gambling industry, with tech helping to power feature-rich creations across genres such as slots, bingo and many more.

Read on as we take a closer look at both gaming and gambling, and assess where things are heading in the future.

Boom Time for Gaming and Gambling

The gaming and gambling industries are booming right now, with both sectors generating huge annual revenues.

On the gaming side of things, the likes of Sony and Microsoft have collectively sold more than 150 million units of their latest consoles.

The gambling is also in rude health, with experts predicting that that yearly global revenues could top $60 million by the end of 2020.

Advancements in technology across each sector should drive further growth, but it is the crossover between the two that perhaps offers the biggest potential.

Gamification Powering Gambling Growth

Online casinos are now unrecognisable from the original sites that sprang up during the 1990s, with tech transforming what operators are able to offer.

Gamification the process of adding more game-like features to gambling has been central to this, taking casino play into a completely different stratosphere.

Modern games are not just about winning the jackpot, but are now more about the journey a player takes to get to that point.

Gamification encourages greater engagement with the different types of casino games and undoubtedly helps to increase the level of enjoyment from playing them.

Consoles Bring Gaming into the Mainstream

Tech has driven huge growth in gambling and that has been mirrored by developments in the gaming sector too.

The launch of consoles in the 1980s took gaming into homes across the world, but it was the creation of the internet during the following decade that took things to another level.

Sony and Microsoft have been at the forefront of the charge, with various incarnations of the PlayStation and Xbox proving to be huge commercial successes.

The launch of their next-generation consoles during the latter of part of 2020 will only serve to keep gaming in the forefront of public consciousness.

Bringing the Two Sectors Together

Gamification changed the way casino games were played and modern console tech looks poised to add another layer into the mix, further cementing the crossover between each sector.

Previous consoles didnt really cater for online casino players, but the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have the potential to change that forever.

Some leading developers have already started to integrate gambling elements into their games and more are tipped to join the party over the coming months.

The prospect of enjoying an immersive casino experience on console is an enticing one, opening the door for the lines between gaming and gambling to become even more blurry.

Gaming & Gambling The Final Word

It is impossible to dispute that gaming and gambling are joined at the hip, with each one having at least one foot firmly in the other camp.

The trend towards gaming-type experiences in gambling is unlikely to slow down any time soon, while the prospect of casinos migrating onto console is an exciting prospect.

With eSports also in the mix to bring gaming and gambling even closer together, it is highly likely that the two sectors will become even more intertwined over the next few years.

A few of my favorite things include my pet dragon (Drogon), Game of Thrones, Disney movies and theme parks, the MCU, DC movies, Star Wars, sports, and my rather large Funko Pop collection. Daenerys Targaryen is my queen, Robert Downey Jr is my man crush, and Simba is my spirit animal.

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At This Point, Betting on Chesapeake Stock Is Nothing More Than Gambling – InvestorPlace

In late June, after weeks of speculation, Chesapeake Energy(OTCMKTS:CHKAQ) finally officially filedforChapter 11 bankruptcy, which allows a company to operate and work out deals with creditors while effectively wiping out common equity holders. Things dont look great for CHK stock.

Source: IgorGolovniov / Shutterstock.com

On June 29, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) suspended the company and de-listed shares. Since then, the company has moved to the over-the-counter market and is still trading publicly.

However, the Chesapeake stock is likely to remain highly volatile and long-term investors should not buy the shares.

The Oklahoma-based company voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 to facilitate a comprehensive balance sheet restructuring. It may be tempting to blame the effects of the pandemic and volatility in oil prices in 2020 for the demise of the company, its woes had started some time ago.

The group was founded in 1989 and went public in 1992. Chesapeake Energy was number309 on the 2019 Fortune 500list. It was included in theS&P 500 Mid-Cap indexuntil late February.

When the pandemic hit our shores and the oil crisis started in March, CHK stock was already in a fundamentally compromised situation. It had $9 billion in debt.

Over the past decade, management had bet aggressively on Americas natural gas boom. However, it had failed to account for the decline in the price of gas down mostly as a result of fracking.

In 2016, there had been rumors of a potential bankruptcy filing, too. But it had managed to pull through those difficult days. At the time,researchpublished by David Larcker and Brian Tayan of Stanford University highlighted poor corporate governance at the firm.

Analysts have been warning about the extremely high levels of debt for quite some time. By the beginning of 2020, the price of oil was around $60 a barrel, which already had made it difficult for Chesapeake Energy to service its debt.

Then as oil and gas prices went into free fall in March, Chesapeakes cash flow decreased. And the end became inevitable.

On April 13, the group announced 1-for-200 reverse stock split, stating: The reverse stock split is intended to, among other things, increase the per share trading price of the Companys common shares to satisfy the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on the NYSE.

In other words, without such a move, CHK stock would have been delisted in April. And CFRA analyst Paige Meyertagged the stock with a strong sell rating and a $0 price target.

Recent research led by Monika K. Sywak of Villanova University highlights, equity is the last in line to receive whats available to be distributed in a bankruptcy proceeding. Ahead of the common stockholders in line, are secured lenders, suppliers, employees and even unsecured creditors. Even if a company successfully reorganizes, the future of common stock is very uncertain.

Seasoned investors realize that such a bankruptcy filing will make Chesapeake stock worthless. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)clarifieswhat happens when a public company files for protection under the federal bankruptcy laws.

It says Bankruptcy laws determine the order of payment Stockholders owners of the company, have the last claim on assets and may not receive anything if the Secured and Unsecured Creditors claims are not fully repaid.

However, the past few months have seen many retail investors betting on bankrupt companies stocks. Other names that day traders have been flocking include Hertz Global(NYSE:HTZ), JCPenney(OTCMKTS:JCPNQ) andWhiting Petroleum(NYSE:WLL).

In an article titled Gambling on the Stock Market: The Case of Bankrupt Companies, Luis Coelho and Richard Taffler of Warwick Business School conclude that retail investors trade more extensively on the stock of bankrupt firms than sophisticated investors do. They highlight individual investors own, on average, 90% of the stock of firms undergoing Chapter 11 reorganization.

It is possible to say that most of them are simply betting on it like a lottery ticket. Believing Chesapeake stock is due for better days is daydreaming.

Most companies go bankrupt because they cannot pay their bills. Investing in bankrupt names like Chesapeake stock in effect means wagering against a legal process that wipes out shareholders.

So it is not investing, but sheer reckless speculation. If you decide to play that daily game, it is important to appreciate the risks involved fully.

Market participants see price spikes in any one of these bankrupt names quite regularly. However, long-term investors would be best served if they did not include any of them in their portfolios.

If you are a rather risk-averse investor who wants to invest for the long run, broader markets offer plenty of solid companies.

TezcanGecgil has worked in investment management for over two decades in the U.S. and U.K. In addition to formal higher education in the field, including a Ph.D. degree, she has also completed all 3 levels of the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) examination. Her passion is for options trading based on technical analysis of fundamentally strong companies. She especially enjoys setting up weekly covered calls for income generation.As of this writing, Tezcan did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.

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At This Point, Betting on Chesapeake Stock Is Nothing More Than Gambling - InvestorPlace

The Long Con: Steve Donoughue on the forces of UK gambling regulation – CalvinAyre.com

The past couple of years for the United Kingdoms gambling industry has seen escalating regulations, expectations and fear campaigns, driven by a certain type of politician. To put it all into perspective, our Becky Liggero Fontana spoke with Steve Donoughue, Founder, GamblingConsultant.co.uk, after their recent iGaming NEXT POWER Hour.

Especially as Covid-19 shut everyone inside, fears ratcheted up about problem gambling, and reports are now being delivered which suggest gambling has to be massively curbed. We believe that there should be a regulated gambling industry, he said. We obviously have different views to what extent it should be but what were not is outrightly against gambling, which is what the All Party Group Gambling Harms are.

Donoughue isnt impressed with the All Party Group, and he offered some perspective on how such groups decide on their mission. What you have to remember about select committees, there is a tendency to pick topics that are either in the newspapers or actually will make sure you get a lot of press coverage, because politicians are whores for press coverage, I know that I come from political family, he said.

There have been a lot of questions about exactly how bad problem gambling is. Donoghue explained what hes seen. We do the numbers through a variety of methods, but they are basically surveys of people of the population where they are asked questions, which is a sight screen, and dependent on their answers they are scored as being problem gamblers or lower, at risk, etc., he said. By and large, over the last 20 years, and in that time the amounts of gambling has doubled, the amounts of problem gamblers remains basically the same, with there being massive questions about the veracity of the numbers, because there are questions about the methodology, etc.

This is mostly a problem of perception, then, and Donoughue noted that theres really no other way to explain it than politicians picking a fight that no one can criticize them for. But for all the work GamCare and GambleAware have done, theres no new evidence to suggest our knowledge on problem gambling has advanced. I have asked more than once, why is it twenty years later we still dont know really anything more? And my argument is, thats because its never been really in anyones interest to nail down what causes problem gambling.

And quite simply, the government funded therapists and researchers have no interest in providing a definitive answer, and for pretty selfish reasons, Donoughue guessed. What they want is a whole load more money given to research because thats, as academics, is what pays their wages, he said. So no research, lets get more research done, obviously if you solve what the problem is that ends the research. So rather than looking at what causes problem gambling, lets look at the amounts of gambling in 16 to 17 year-olds who spend time youth offending who are over four-foot but below 6-foot, and were born on the second Tuesday in March.

Watch the full episode of this weeks The Long Con to see Donoughue offer up his wisdom on how the situation around gambling regulation came to be, and what the Industry can do next, its a lot of fun. And dont forget to subscribe to theCalvinAyre.com YouTube channelto see The Long Con each and every Monday.

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Man charged with gambling some of millions in ill-gotten PPP funds in Vegas and on stocks – CBS News

Los Angeles A California man was arrested and ordered held without bond Thursday on federal charges of fraudulently obtaining some $9 million in coronavirus relief funds and using some of the money to gamble in Las Vegas.

Andrew Marnell, 40, a resident of the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles, was accused of submitting a number of fraudulent loan applications in relation to the coronavirus pandemic and obtaining millions in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds.

Prosecutors say he used some of the money to make risky stock market trades and squandered hundreds of thousands of dollars at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino and other gambling establishments in Las Vegas as recently as last weekend.

The PPP loans were part of the unprecedented $2.2 trillion CARES Act, which provided aid for millions of Americans suffering the economic effects of the pandemic.

Authorities said Marnell, who was due back in court next Tuesday, faces up to 30 years in prison on the bank fraud charge.

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Man charged with gambling some of millions in ill-gotten PPP funds in Vegas and on stocks - CBS News

Best Online Gambling for Real Money Sites – $3000 Promo

Finding the best online gambling sites is a major challenge, especially in places where there are no regulations and licensed online gambling real money site. In this article, you will discover more about the three best real money gambling sites.

Sportsbook, poker rooms, and casinos that operate online are usually called internet gambling sites or online gambling real money sites. They are powered by software that creates various ways to gamble.

When it comes to online gambling for real money, it is always crucial to choose the most secure sports betting site. Bovada is certainly one of the safest and best gambling sites on the Internet. The platform offers several online sports real money betting options. Also, Bovada features a simple live betting platform for gamers who like in-game betting. Moreover, the desktop interface is easy to navigate.

If you are looking for more real action in your life, the site has a full-scale online casino with all the adventure you could ever need. While Bovada does have a lot of real money gaming options as compared to others, it has sufficient games for semi-serious and casual players. You will find all the best and popular games. Also, the casino has features mini-games that you can play from love betting platform.

Whether you are betting on football, basketball, baseball or any other sport MyBookie gives you a host of actions. In fact, the site provides the wagering on various things including whether or not there will be a presidential election or white Christmas. The game lets you bet on goofy things. So, is my bookie a reliable money gaming platform? Lets find out:

MyBookie is run and managed by some of the most skilled and experienced individuals in the gaming industry. To begin with, the customer support is incredible. The customer reps know how to treat customers. MyBookie is a registered operator and authorized as a platform for real online gaming. They have been existence for some time now and continue to enhance their products.

You can access MyBookie from anywhere in the world. You can bet on mobile without downloading apps, this is a good thing because you do not need to worry about space when playing on your mobile device. MyBookie is convenient for players who are always on the go.

BetOnline is famously known for its sportsbook. The site is a one-stop shop for all your gaming needs.

BetOnline is a legit and one of the best online gambling sites. So, do not believe a couple of people who may bash the site because they might have lost cash and are not happy. Apart from being secure and offering on-time payments, BetOnline offers numerous real casino games and money betting options.

Players from all the 50 states can play on BetOnline. Few websites allow players from anywhere in the world to play on their platform. Customers have had incredible success with credit card deposits. Thus, the site is easy to grade for accessibility.

Great banking options is another commendable feature of BetOnline. You can deposit money on the site and withdraw from anywhere in the world. For many other sites, withdrawing money has been a major problem, especially for US gambling.

Quality sportsbook is a feature not so many real sports betting sites offer. If you are looking to play on a real American sports platform, consider using BetOnline as it offers a great number of international money gambling markets.

While registering on the best online gambling casino may not be a requirement for non-American bettors, it is a must for all the US bettors because there is only a handful of legit sportsbook, and BetOnline is one of them.

With more than a decade in the gaming business, many banking options and betting options and good reputation, gamers should consider registering on best online gambling casino, and that is BetOnline.

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Best Online Gambling for Real Money Sites - $3000 Promo

Best 5 Sports Betting Sites Online 2020 | Top Sportsbooks

Sports betting on the Internet can be a thrilling experience for anyone. If you want your sports betting experience to go off without a hitch, however, you need to find the right website. Thankfully, the Internet is home to quite a few appropriate sites that can provide users with top-notch experiences. Be sure to check them out as soon as you get the chance.

If youre keen on sports betting online, then there arent many website options that can even compete with Bovada. People who have penchants for gambling on the Internet often cant turn away from this option. It presents users with an abundance of diverse choices as well. Some examples of these are baseball, basketball, and golf. It doesnt matter what your specific sport preferences are. Bovada can help you attain an online betting experience thats one for the record books, period. When youre on the lookout for the best sports betting sites, then Bovada without a doubt should be on your radar. Fans of sports betting online frequently gravitate to Bovada and to all of its choices. Registration with Bovada can be a delight as well. Thats due to the fact that newbies can receive thrilling perks as incentives. If you like the concept of betting on hockey, basketball and the like, then you wont be able to resist paying a visit to Bovada. Tennis bets have never been quite so pleasant online.

BetOnline.ag is another haven for people who adore wagering on their favorite sports. If youre looking to streamline and simplify your sports betting journey in a significant way, then you should go to BetOnline.ag as soon as possible, no exceptions. This website caters to individuals who adore betting on favorites such as tennis, soccer, golf, hockey, baseball, football, and basketball. The sky is honestly the limit for fans who head over to BetOnline.ag these days. BetOnline can be a true haven for individuals who are searching for all of the best sports betting sites. BetOnline accommodates individuals who wish to place efficient wagers on preferred sports of all different varieties. If youre in the mood to gamble in a productive and hassle-free manner, then this user-friendly site may be able to come to your rescue. It welcomes seemingly countless bet enthusiasts on a daily basis.

If youre attempting to pinpoint all of the greatest online sports betting sites going at the moment, then you should take the time to explore SportsBetting.ag right now. This website successfully accommodates people who are in the mood to place bets on basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, golf, and hockey. If you want to wow the planet with your basketball bet abilities, then SportsBetting.ag can make things simple and stress-free for you. Signing up with SportsBetting.ag is in no way a complex process. SportsBetting.ag is a tried and tested powerhouse among individuals who revel in bets on the Internet. If you want to place wagers without having to worry about any of your choices, then you should check this website out without a hint of delay or reluctance. When you need online sports betting sites that are 100 percent uncomplicated, then SportsBetting.ag doesnt have many competitors whatsoever. Registering for this website isnt at all overwhelming or complex. Its actually a pretty enjoyable thing. If you want to relish wagering on options that tick off all sorts of boxes, then you should take the time to learn everything you can about SportsBetting.ag as soon as possible. The website has a sizable fanbase. It has some of the most conscientious and pleasant customer service representatives out there as well.

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Gambling Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

For the most part, gambling in moderation is a socially acceptable behavior. Gambling addiction is another story. If left untreated, a gambling addiction can negatively affect your financial situation, relationships, and other aspects of your life.

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, problem gambling affects more than 2 percent of Americans. If you have a gambling addiction, you may feel an uncontrollable urge to buy lottery tickets, visit casinos, play slot machines, bet on sports, or gamble online. The specific type and frequency of your gambling behavior may vary. But in general, you will be unable to control that behavior. You will continue gambling, even in the face of negative social, financial, or legal consequences.

The majority of people with gambling addictions are men. But this type of addiction can also affect women.

People with addictions often try to hide their condition, but a gambling addiction can be difficult to conceal. You may need frequent access to casinos or online gambling pools. Even if you gamble at home when no one is around, your addiction may begin to show itself in other areas of your life.

If you have a gambling addiction, you may display some or all of the following behaviors:

You may also experience the following consequences from your gambling addiction:

People with gambling addiction dont always gamble frequently. But when they do start gambling, they may be unable to stop.

When you have a gambling addiction, an area of your brain called the insula may be overactive. This hyperactive region may lead to distorted thinking. This can cause you to see patterns in random sequences and continue gambling after near misses.

Your brain may respond to the act of gambling in the same way that an alcoholics brain responds to a drink. The more you feed your habit, the worse it will become.

With the right treatment, gambling addiction is manageable. Unlike someone with a food addiction, you dont need the object of your addiction to survive. You simply need to learn how to develop a healthy and balanced relationship with money.

Its important for you to quit gambling completely, since even occasional gambling can lead to a relapse. A program of recovery can help you develop impulse control. In general, gambling addiction is treated with similar methods as other addictions.

Although not frequently required, some people find that they need the structure afforded by an inpatient program at a treatment center to overcome a gambling addiction. This type of program may be especially helpful if youre unable to avoid casinos or other gambling venues without help. You will need to stay in the treatment facility for a set amount of time, anywhere from 30 days to an entire year.

Outpatient treatment programs are more commonly used by people with gambling addictions. In this type of program, you will attend classes at a facility. You may also attend group sessions and one-on-one therapy. You will continue to live at home and participate in school, work, or other daily activities.

Gamblers Anonymous (GA), or other 12-step programs, may also help you overcome your gambling addiction. This type of program may be especially helpful if you cant afford more intensive rehabilitation options. It follows the same model as Alcoholics Anonymous, helping you build a support network of other recovered gambling addicts. You may meet with group members one or more times per week.

In addition to group counseling or support sessions, you may also benefit from one-on-one therapy. Gambling addiction can stem from deeper emotional or avoidance issues. You will need to deal with these underlying issues in order to change self-destructive patterns, including your gambling addiction. Counseling gives you a place to open up and address these problems.

In some cases, you may need medication to help you overcome your gambling urges. Your gambling addiction might result from an underlying mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder. In these cases, you must learn to manage the underlying condition to develop better impulse control.

Dealing with the financial consequences of gambling is sometimes the hardest part of the recovery process. In the beginning, you may need to turn over financial responsibilities to a spouse or trusted friend. You may also need to avoid places and situations that can trigger your urge to gamble, such as casinos or sporting events.

If you suspect you or someone you love has a gambling addiction, talk to your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you find the information and support you need. Several organizations also provide information about gambling addiction and treatment options. They can help guide you to local or online support services.

You may find the following organizations and resources helpful:

Like any addiction, compulsive gambling can be difficult to stop. You may find it embarrassing to admit that you have a problem, especially since many people gamble socially without developing an addiction. Overcoming the shame or embarrassment that you feel will be a big step on the road to recovery.

A recovery program, one-on-one counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes may help you overcome your gambling addiction. If you dont treat your gambling problem, it can lead to serious financial issues. It can also negatively affect your relationships with family members, friends, and others. Effective treatment can help you avoid these consequences and mend your relationships through recovery.

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Gambling Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Gambling Addiction – Signs, Symptoms & Treatment for …

Medically reviewed: 06/22/2018 Last updated: 04/17/2020 Author: Addictions.com Medical Review

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Gambling addiction or gambling disorder is defined as persistent and recurring problematic gambling behavior that causes distress and impairs your overall livelihood. Gambling addiction affects roughly 0.2% to 0.3% of the general U.S. population, and tends to affects males more than females, though this gender gap has narrowed in recent years. Gambling disorder is a behavioral addiction that can be effectively treated using a range of cognitive and behavioral therapies.

The desire to buy scratch tickets, play slot machines, and visit casinos arent necessarily signs of gambling addiction. But when the desire to gamble becomes overwhelming to the point you cant stop thinking about it until you gamble on something, may be a sign you need help. Those who suffer from gambling addiction will continue to gamble despite negative financial, legal, and social consequences.

Gambling disorder is a brain disease that can cause you to do things you wouldnt normally do if you werent suffering from addiction. Behavioral addictions like gambling disorder are often difficult to manage and control without getting professional help. Addiction treatment centers can help you overcome gambling addiction and teach you important skills aimed at helping you repair problems in your life caused by your disorder.

There are no physical health symptoms associated with gambling disorder. Familiarizing yourself with common gambling addiction behaviors can clue you into whether you or a loved one may need professional help.

Chasing after losses is the most common tell-tale sign of gambling disorder. This particular symptom is marked by the urgent need to continue gambling to earn back a loss or series of losses. Individuals diagnosed with gambling disorder may abandon their usual gambling strategies to win back all losses at once and may lie to family, friends, and therapists to hide the severity of their addiction.

Those with a mild gambling addiction may exhibit between four and five of these behaviors, while those with a moderately severe gambling addiction may exhibit six to seven of these behaviors. People who suffer from severe gambling addiction will usually exhibit all nine behaviors. Moderate to severe cases of gambling disorder tend to be more common than mild cases.

Gambling addiction can produce many more negative effects than just financial hardship. Gambling disorder can affect your physical health, mental health, and social functioning, and lead to the loss of important relationships with friends and loved ones. You may also suffer a decline in work or school performance, and feel more restless and bored with all other areas of life that dont involve gambling.

Those who suffer from gambling addiction tend to suffer from higher rates of poor general health than those who dont gamble. Tachycardia and angina are common health problems among those diagnosed with gambling addiction. Many who suffer from gambling disorder also tend to experience distortions in thinking surrounding their addiction, such as superstitions, overconfidence, and a sense of power over the outcome of chance events. Nearly 50% of those receiving treatment for gambling disorder experience suicidal ideation, while an estimated 17% have tried to commit suicide.

Alcohol and cocaine are the two most common substances associated with gambling and binge gambling, respectively. Alcohol is legally available in most gambling settings such as bars and casinos and is often rewarded to gamblers for free at many of these establishments. Roughly 44% of people with gambling disorder in the U.S. also suffer from an alcohol use disorder.

Binge gambling is defined as intermittent episodes of uncontrolled gambling after long periods of abstinence. For instance, a person who practices binge gambling may only visit the casino five times per year but gamble non-stop for long periods during their stay. Cocaine use tends to be common among these gamblers since it produces stimulating effects of increased energy, alertness, focus, concentration, and confidence.

Individuals with gambling disorders tend to suffer higher rates of co-occurring alcohol and drug use disorders compared to their peers. Gambling often takes place in environments that enable and encourage alcohol and drug use. Gambling can also trigger mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which many may self-treat using alcohol and drugs like marijuana, painkillers, and other addictive substances.

Gambling addiction is commonly treated using cognitive and behavioral therapies that treat the root psychological causes of your addiction. These therapies also help you identify and change negative, unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that may have led to your gambling addiction. Treatments for gambling addiction can be tailored especially for you or your loved one based on the factors surrounding your disorder.

Gambling addiction can also be treated using community reinforcement, group therapy, and 12-step support groups like Gamblers Anonymous.These treatments help you identify your triggers that can lead to gambling and teach you ways to overcome and manage those triggers. For instance, if a stressful day at work usually makes you feel like gambling, you may learn yoga, deep breathing, or other healthy methods that relieve stress without putting your health and well-being at risk.

If you or someone you love needstreatment for gambling addiction, its important that you use a treatment approach that best suits your recovery needs.Gambling addiction treatment is available in many different settings, including inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.

Inpatient gambling addiction treatment can greatly benefit those who suffer from severe gambling disorder, and who have suffered severe financial, legal, or social problems.Inpatient treatment includes around-the-clock supervision in a hospital-like setting where you can live for the duration of your treatment program. The intense level of therapy, counseling, and supervision provided by inpatient treatment centers can help significantly reduce the risk of relapse while in recovery.

Compulsive gamblers often need support from friends, family members, and peers to help them stop gambling.Gamblers Anonymous groups can provide peer and social support for those in recovery or for those who wish they can stop gambling.These groups can provide a solid, healthy foundation for a successful and long-term recovery from gambling addiction.

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Gambling Addiction - Signs, Symptoms & Treatment for ...