Gambling
The impact of gambling has extended its reach to various segments of society, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). As a multifaceted issue with psychological, social, and financial dimensions, gambling has proven to have a distinctive impact on individuals who already face unique challenges in their daily lives.
Why Do People Gamble?
Gambling is when people play games or make bets with the hope of winning money or prizes. They usually don't know for sure if they'll win or lose. It can involve things like cards, dice, sports, or even machines. People do it for fun and excitement, but it can become a problem if they spend too much money or can't stop even when it's causing problems in their lives.
Many people use gambling as a coping mechanism or an escape from reality, to avoid dealing with personal feelings or problems. They will likely report that winning money is the vehicle, not the reason, for gambling.
Risk factors for a young person include:
• History of gambling in the family
• An early big win
• Low self-esteem, boredom or depression
• Peer pressure
The element of competition or risk may also be relevant. As there are many ways to gamble independently, many problem gamblers gamble without others knowing about it.
Why is Gambling a Problem
One big reason is that it can be addictive. This means that people might keep playing even if it's causing them trouble with their money, relationships, or other important parts of their life. They might spend more money than they can afford to lose, which can lead to financial problems.
Gambling can also affect how people feel. When they win, they might feel really happy and excited, but when they lose, they might feel sad, frustrated, or even angry. This emotional rollercoaster can make it hard to stop gambling, even when it's hurting them.
For some people, gambling can lead to isolation. They might spend a lot of time alone, playing games or betting, and this can make them feel disconnected from friends and family.
For people with SEND, gambling can be even more of a problem. They might find it harder to make good choices, and the excitement of gambling could be even more appealing. This can lead to more serious problems in their lives.
So, gambling becomes a problem when it starts to control someone's life, affect their relationships, cause financial issues, or harm their overall well-being.
Gambling and Video Games
Gambling isn’t just something that takes place in Casinos and betting shops, gambling is everywhere
Gambling in video games can be a problem because it can encourage people, especially young players, to spend a lot of money on virtual items or chances to win something. This is often called "loot boxes" or "gacha mechanics." Here's why it's concerning:
Unpredictable Costs: In many cases, players don't know exactly what they'll get when they spend money on these virtual items. It's like buying a surprise toy, but sometimes they might get something they don't want, which can be frustrating.
Addictive Nature: Just like in traditional gambling, the excitement of opening these boxes and the chance of getting something really good can become addictive. Players might keep spending money in the hopes of getting that rare item they want.
Impact on Children and Teens: Many video games with these features are played by young people who might not fully understand the value of money or the risks involved. They might use their own money or even their parents' money without realising the consequences.
Financial Strain: Spending a lot of money on these virtual items can add up quickly. Some players might end up spending more money than they intended or can afford, leading to financial problems for themselves or their families.
Focus on Winning, Not Enjoyment: Games should be about having fun, improving skills, and enjoying time with friends. When the focus shifts to spending money to win items, it can take away from the true enjoyment of playing.
Normalising Gambling: Some experts worry that these mechanics in video games can make gambling seem like a normal and fun activity, which might lead to gambling problems later in life.
Because of these reasons, many people and even governments are concerned about gambling-like mechanics in video games, especially when they are accessible to young players. It's important to make sure that games are designed in a way that promotes fun, fairness, and well-being for all players.
Protecting Yourself from Video Game Gambling
Protecting oneself from video game gambling involves being aware of potential risks and making informed choices. Here are some steps individuals can take to safeguard themselves:
Check Game Ratings: Before playing a video game, check its rating and reviews. Look for any mentions of "loot boxes" or "in-game purchases." Games with these features might have gambling-like elements.
Set Spending Limits: If a game allows purchases, set a clear spending limit for yourself. This can help prevent overspending and keep your budget in check.
Disable In-App Purchases: Many devices and platforms offer settings that allow you to disable in-app purchases. This can prevent accidental or impulsive spending.
Educate Yourself: Learn about how loot boxes and gacha mechanics work. Understanding that the odds of getting specific items might be very low can discourage excessive spending.
Take Breaks: If you find yourself getting too caught up in the excitement of opening loot boxes, take breaks from the game. This can help you regain perspective and control over your spending.
Use Parental Controls: If you're a parent, make use of parental control features to restrict or monitor in-game purchases for your children.
Discuss with Friends/Family: Talk to friends or family members about the game and its features. They might offer insights or suggestions for managing spending.
Focus on Gameplay: Remember that the primary purpose of a game is to have fun and enjoy the gameplay. Shift your focus away from purchasing virtual items and toward the actual game experience.
Know When to Stop: If you find that you're spending more money than you're comfortable with, or if the game is causing stress or negative emotions, consider taking a break from it or even uninstalling it.
Report Concerns: If you believe a game's mechanics are manipulative or harmful, you can report your concerns to the game's developer or the platform it's available on. Your feedback can contribute to changes in game design.
Remember that video games should enhance your leisure time, not create financial stress or negative emotions. By staying informed and making conscious decisions, you can enjoy gaming while protecting yourself from potential gambling-related risks.
Recognising when your gambling is getting out of control
Below is a series of questions to ask yourself if you are thinking of gambling:
Do you often find yourself thinking about gambling activities and/or planning the next time you will play?
Do you need to spend more and more money on gambling activities to get the same level of excitement? • Do you become restless, tense, fed up, or bad tempered when trying to cut down or stop gambling?
Do you ever gamble to escape or forget problems?
After losing money on gambling activities, do you ever return another day to try and win your money back?
Have you lied to your family and friends about your gambling?
Have you spent your lunch or transport money on gambling activities?
Have you taken money from someone you live with, without their knowledge, in order to gamble?
Have you stolen money from outside the family or shoplifted in order to gamble?
Have you experienced problems with members of your family or close friends because of your gambling?
Have you missed school or work in order to participate in gambling activities?
Have you ever had to ask for help because of your gambling?
If you find you gambling is becoming a problem for you or you are concerned about a friend or family member don’t wait get some advice.
Further Support
Beacon Counselling Trust
Beacon Counselling Trust provide a free and confidential service to support young people affected by problem gambling or those affected with the wider family unit.
Email – gamcare@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
Call us on 0151 226 0696
The Big Deal
BigDeal is a place for young people to find information and support related to gambling, either for themselves or for someone they care about.
Health Services in Schools Youth Workers
HSIS Youth Workers support young people in Wirral Secondary Schools, Wirral Sixth Form College and Wirral Met College.
Each school/college has a designated HSIS Youth Worker that provides young people with an opportunity to access confidential support on any issues which may be affecting them.
We provide support to young people on a wide range of issues and topics such as: building resilience, reducing risks, healthy relationships, sexual Health (including issuing condoms in some schools) drugs, alcohol, emotional health, Stress and Anxiety.
To find your youth worker visit their page.
KOOTH (Online counselling)
Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people
Monday – Friday 12pm – 10pm
Saturday – Sunday 6pm – 10pm
SHOUT
Shout is an affiliate of Crisis Text Line® in the UK that provides free, confidential support, 24/7 via text. It’s the first free 24/7 texting service in the UK for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Shout is available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Text SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer
or
Text BLUE to 85258 to get resources and sign posting information.
Every texter is connected with a real-life human being trained to bring people from a hot moment to a cool calm place through active listening and collaborative problem-solving. All of our Crisis Volunteers donate their time to helping people in crisis.