Are Young Gamers Being Primed for Gambling?

Game Quitters’ Cam Adair Joins Us to Discuss the Links Between Gaming and Gambling

<p>Game Quitters' Cam Adair joins us to discuss the links between gaming and gambling, loot boxes, black market skins gambling and more.</p><figure><div><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eN_rbP-arA0" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div></figure><blockquote><p>"Covid-19 has accelerated the convergence between gaming and gambling and the impact on individuals is felt across the globe. It's never been more important for professionals to understand the risks associated with loot boxes, skin gambling and esports betting." - Cam Adair, GameQuiters</p></blockquote><p>With younger audiences growing increasingly tech-savvy and gambling being offered in variously more complex ways, growing better understanding and awareness is crucial to protecting those who are at risk; whether that be a concerned parent or a therapy professional.</p><p>Skins gambling, esports betting and loot boxes. Learn the latest trends on the convergence of gaming and gambling by watching the replay of our webinar.</p>

The Links Between Gaming and Gambling

Game Quitters' Cam Adair joins us to discuss the links between gaming and gambling, loot boxes, black market skins gambling and more.

Danny Speaks about His Journey of Gambling Addiction.

Watch Danny's story and see how Gamban helped him with his fight against addiction.  

<figure><div><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JQpC-jiTBUk" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div></figure><p> </p><p>From as young as 18, Danny would find himself gambling every paycheck he had away. This would become a repeated cycle every month of being paid, waking up at 4 am and gambling it all away by 6 am. Danny would then have to find a payday lender, or any other way to borrow money, just to be able to afford a bus pass for the month to get into work.</p><p>Danny recounts his lowest memory is when he was sat next to his ill mother in hospital, finding himself placing bets on his phone. He came to realised he was more concerned about the bets he placed than his ill mother.  </p><p>Danny had always wanted to stop his gambling habit, but only started trying to stop in his late 20s, realising he had missed out on so much in his life.</p><blockquote><p>"I would still be gambling if it wasn't for the Gamban App and others, because I would have all the temptations there to gamble, constantly.</p><p>Life now is good. I don't worry about money, I don't have to tell lies to my friends, I've set myself targets and I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Whereas when I was gambling I used to dread waking up each day."</p></blockquote><p>Danny is just one of the many problem gamblers who have been helped, not only by Gamban, but by the number of gambling support organisations that are available.</p><p>For more information on Gamban's Gambling blocking <a href="https://gamban.com/product">click here</a>.</p><p>For more resources on how to self-exclude from online gambling <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">click here</a>.</p><p> </p>

Blocking Online Gambling - Danny's Story 

Danny speaks about his journey of gambling addiction, to receiving the help he needed to break the habit.

What Tools Do Banks Provide Their Users?

If you’re worried about how much you're spending on gambling, then there is lots of support out there to help you. Including banks. 

<p><strong>Can banks block gambling transactions?</strong> We run through the major UK high street banks and outline what services they provide to their at-risk customers.</p><p>Many banks are now working on plans to help customers restrict their spending on gambling, offering gambling blocking solutions, with some banks allowing customers to 'turn off' payments to certain types of retailer, including gambling services.</p><h2><strong>What is the Gambling Block?</strong></h2><p>While each scheme operates in their own way, fundamentally they all work the same. The gambling block is a feature that allows you to block your bank account/bank card/credit card from being used for gambling transactions. </p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/36fdc972-6d46-4b47-bbae-089c28397609.jpg" alt="gamban bank gambling block" /></figure><p> </p><h3><strong>Which banks offer a Gambling Blocking Services?</strong></h3><h4>Royal Bank of Scotland </h4><p>Offers a card locking feature to customers which include a blocker specifically for gambling transactions.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/51a5dd4b-4d73-4877-b638-b46403053823.jpg" /></figure><p>Learn more about the Royal Bank of Scotland's services below. </p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://personal.rbs.co.uk/personal/life-moments/Struggling-financially/manage-your-gambling.html" role="button"><u>Learn More</u></a></p><p> </p><h4>Lloyds Bank</h4><p>A feature within their banking app, which lets customers quickly freeze and unfreeze different types of transactions on their debit or credit cards. As well as offering their customers access to Gamban.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/e66d5dc3-1605-4fae-a6ac-7b7ae0413146.jpg" /></figure><p>Learn more about Lloyds Bank's services below. </p><p> <a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://www.lloydsbank.com/online-banking/mobile-banking/card-freezes.html" role="button"><u>Learn More</u></a></p><p> </p><h4>Halifax</h4><p>Offers customers various useful tools and support such as; financial tracking, personal support and advice and access to Gamban licences to block online gambling. </p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/52d725f5-0a51-4872-83ff-5a72377fe503.jpg" /></figure><p>Learn more about Halifax's services below. </p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://www.halifax.co.uk/helpcentre/help-with-gambling/" role="button"><u>Learn More</u></a></p><p> </p><h4>Bank of Scotland </h4><p>Offers a card freezing feature, which, include a blocker specifically for gambling transactions.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/75f2b5d9-1261-4c62-84b6-11ac75a271e3.jpg" /></figure><p>Learn more about the Bank of Scotland's services below. </p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://www.bankofscotland.co.uk/aboutonline/mobile-banking/card-freezes.html" role="button">Learn More</a></p><h3> </h3><h4>mbna</h4><p>Allows customers to keep track of their bills and spending by using their Online Card Services.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/53990d0b-af78-49ac-bf00-35987f79e142.jpg" /></figure><p>Learn more about mbna's services below. </p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://www.mbna.co.uk/support/extra-help-with-your-finances/gambling.html" role="button">Learn More</a></p><p> </p><h4>HSBC</h4><p>Allows customers to voluntarily add or remove gambling restrictions on their debit cards or credit cards (including Pay by Bank app). HSBC also offers a "Cool Off Period", this means that customers can opt to lift the gambling restriction, but transactions will still be declined until the "Cool Off Period" has completed.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/c679c5f9-ea85-4030-973e-84cff07e063f.jpg" /></figure><p>Learn more about HSBC's services below. </p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://www.hsbc.co.uk/help/card-support/gambling-restrictions/" role="button"><u>Learn More</u></a></p><p> </p><h4>Monzo</h4><p>Allows customers to block gambling transactions on their Monzo account, straight from the app. To turn off the block, customers will need to talk to Monzo's customer support team. Where they'll ask questions to see if their situation has changed since first switching on the restrictions.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/176c267a-79c4-4e7b-8a2a-b03450865938.jpg" /></figure><p>Learn more about Monzo's services below. </p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://monzo.com/blog/2018/06/19/gambling-block-self-exclusion" role="button">Learn More</a></p><h3> </h3><h4>Starling Bank</h4><p>Allows customers to block online payments, including gambling transactions, easily from their banking app.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/3568215d-da71-4fc8-9441-09a2be492bc6.jpg" /></figure><p>Learn more about Starling Bank's services below. </p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://www.starlingbank.com/features/card-controls/" role="button"><u>Learn More</u></a></p><p> </p><h4>Natwest </h4><p>Offers customers a card locking feature, which includes a gambling transactions blocker, within the banking app. </p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/adfb2c99-2d5e-49d6-8c9d-d69be139bdfe.jpg" /></figure><p>Learn more about Natwest's services below. </p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://personal.natwest.com/personal/life-moments/Struggling-financially/managing-your-gambling.html" role="button"><u>Learn More</u></a></p><p> </p><h4>Barclays </h4><p>Allows customers to block debit card payments to certain types of merchants, including gambling websites and apps, within their banking app.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/32be8127-36a7-4f29-9505-4c44ad17aaf0.jpg" /></figure><p>Learn more about Barclays' services below. </p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://www.barclays.co.uk/help/mobile-banking/spending/merchant-control/" role="button"><u>Learn More</u></a></p><p> </p><h4>Santander</h4><p>Allows customers to block specific transaction types without freezing their Mastercard entirely.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/e82a6903-1b53-49bf-b31e-60f2f928bf0b.jpg" /></figure><p>Learn more about Santander's services below. </p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://www.santander.co.uk/personal/support/ways-to-bank/on-your-mobile" role="button"><u>Learn More</u></a></p><p> </p><h4>Danske Bank</h4><p>Allows users to block transactions to licenced gambling merchants from their card. It takes at least 72 hours to lift the block.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/b78f9b39-09f3-43ad-82f4-cb60eaad3a80.jpg" /></figure><p>Learn more about Danske Bank's services below. </p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://danskebank.co.uk/personal/help/payments/block-gambling-payments" role="button"><u>Learn More</u></a></p><p> </p><h3>Why are banks doing this?</h3><p>People who have gambling problems and decide to stop can choose to self-exclude from gambling, use software to block online gambling sites and self-exclude physically from betting shops and casinos. While these are all helpful ways for people to get support, many banks believe they can do more to support self-exclusion too.</p>

Can You Block Gambling Transactions From Your Bank Account?

Many banks are now working on plans to help customers restrict their spending on gambling, offering gambling blocking solutions

Protect ALL of Your Devices for As Long as You Need

"Cool Off" with Gamban From as Little as £2.49 a month. 

<p>You've spoken, and we've listened. In order to make Gamban accessible to more users, we've decided to update our pricing.</p><p><a href="https://gamban.com/pricing">https://gamban.com/pricing</a></p><p>We now offer a monthly payment option aimed at individuals who would prefer to “cool off” after a big loss. Users can now protect ALL of their devices with one licence from as little as <strong>£2.49 per month</strong>. However, If you would prefer, you can still purchase Gamban with a yearly subscription at £24.99.</p><p>Monthly subscribers will still be able to claim all the same benefits as yearly subscribers;</p><ul><li>Protect unlimited devices*</li><li>7 day free trial</li><li>Access to Gamban resources</li><li>Technical Support</li></ul><p> </p><p>Below are the main pricings for other currencies.</p><figure><table><tbody><tr><td>Currency</td><td>Monthly Subscription</td><td>Yearly Subscription</td></tr><tr><td>UK</td><td>£2.49</td><td>£24.99 </td></tr><tr><td>US</td><td>$3.49</td><td>$34.99</td></tr><tr><td>EUR</td><td>€2.99</td><td>€29.99</td></tr><tr><td>AUS</td><td>$5.49</td><td>$54.99</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Monthly subscriptions will be charged or rebilled on the date of purchase each month.</p><p>If you have any questions regarding Gamban pricing please do not hesitate to check out our support page - <a href="https://gamban.zendesk.com/hc/en-us"><u>https://gamban.zendesk.com</u></a> or contact us at info@gamban.com.</p><p>*Subject to Gamban's <a href="https://gamban.com/eula"><u>Fair Use Policy</u></a></p>

Take a Break with Gamban's New Monthly Subscription 

We now offer a monthly payment option aimed at individuals who would prefer to “cool off” after a big loss.

How Does Blocking Software Work? And How Can It Help Me?

We Break down What It Means to Be a Blocking Software

<h2><strong>What is blocking software?</strong></h2><p>Blocking software is a computer programme which restricts internet access to websites, applications or other services.</p><p>There are two kinds of blocking software available:</p><ul><li><strong>Gambling-specific blocking software</strong>, which is designed to only block gambling websites and apps, being as unintrusive as possible.</li><li><strong>General blocking software, </strong>which is designed to block any sites you want and set access permissions or parental controls.</li></ul><h3><strong>Do I need Blocking Software?</strong></h3><p>Blocking software blocks access at the device level, so even if you wanted to create a new account, with a new email address and credentials, you would be unable to access the website on any device with the software installed on. If nothing else, then when you have impulses, it will give you time to think.</p><h3><strong>Where can I find blocking software?</strong></h3><p>If you search online you can find a number to choose from, all of varying degrees of quality. You can also search the App Store or the Android Market to find software available for smartphones and tablets. Whether you are using iOS, iPhone or iPad, you can use the built-in parental blocker that prevents gambling-related content from being accessed. You'd need someone else to set your password.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/91fb729e-1586-463e-8a7f-2a618034196e.jpg" alt="gamban what is gambling blocking software" /></figure><h3> </h3><h3><strong>Gamban - Gambling Blocking Software</strong></h3><p>Gamban provides you with a secure, effective and inexpensive alternative to stay away from gambling websites and apps, helping those with a gambling addiction battle the temptation. Our software for blocking gambling has been evaluated independently with great results. </p><p>A recent survey was conducted by independent charity GambleAware where six different software products were compared. Gamban emerged as the most effective solution to block access to legal and illegal online gambling sites in this measure, achieving as much as <a href="https://about.gambleaware.org/media/1813/blocking-software-evaluation-findings-report.pdf">99% success</a>.</p><p>Find out more information about Gamban <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/what-is-gamban">here.</a></p><p>Or start your free trial below</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary btn-flexible" href="https://gamban.com/register/account?trial" role="button">Start Your Free Trial</a></p><h3><strong>Will this stop me from gambling?</strong></h3><p>Adding blocking software is a great start, but you may find that you need additional support. If you are concerned about your gambling, Read our article on <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">self-exclusion, advice and support services, as well as self-help resources</a>.</p><h3><strong>What if I don’t want to add blocking software, what else can I do?</strong></h3><p>If you haven’t done so already, you should think about <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">self-excluding</a> from all your accounts. We would also advise you to change your bank card from a debit card to a basic bank card, or using a card from <a href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/app/uploads/2020/02/Which-banks-offer-gambling-blocks-Feb-2020.pdf">banks which allow you to block gambling transactions</a>.</p><p>Another option is contacting your <a href="https://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/features/guide-isp-web-filters">Internet Service Provider (ISP)</a> to see if they offer an option to opt-out of all Adult sites. If you want to stop receiving email or text message marketing from gambling companies, more detail can be found <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">here</a>.</p><p>You can also talk to a Gamcare Adviser on <a href="tel:0808 8020 133">0808 8020 133</a>, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.</p>

What is Gambling Blocking software?

Blocking software is a computer programme which restricts internet access to websites, applications or other services.

It’s Important to Understand Gambling Before You Start. 

Guest Blog by Derek Webb

<p>There is so much noise out there about “responsible“ gambling. It is spread by gambling operators and those acting in conjunction with them. But there is never any rational explanation of what exactly is meant by “responsible” gambling in practical terms. If “responsible” gambling means anything it must involve understanding and controlling gambling. This is an attempt to present this type of information.</p><p>Gambling can be fun but it can also be <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/casino-tricks-and-traps">dangerous</a>. It’s important to understand gambling before you start. A real understanding of gambling means having to think in theoretical terms. The easiest way to think about it is by working out how much you can afford to lose.</p><p>Of course, there are winners, but very few long-term winners and only at games there is a possible chance for the player to have an edge. For example, a strong poker player playing against weaker players.</p><h3>Financing Gambling</h3><p>Gambling losses should never be from normal savings, from borrowings, or funded by the proceeds of crime. This is precisely the route to gambling ruin. Gambling funds should be from income only, but not of course income needed for normal living. It should only come from disposable income, the discretionary spending on leisure. Poorer persons with lower incomes are likely to have less income and therefore less disposable income, so should allocate less to gambling losses. For example, if only 10% of income is disposable, then the maximum gambling loss should be say 10% of that amount, being 1% of the person’s total income.</p><p>A wealthier person might have 20% of income at their disposal and could feel comfortable allocating a maximum of 20% of that to gambling losses, being 4% of their total income. The average amount between 1% and 4% is 2.5% which is a good balance to work from. If a person has a 40-hour working week then one hour is 2.5% of that time. It does not make sense to lose at gambling at a higher rate per hour than your hourly earnings rate. So, someone earning £400 per week at £10 per hour for 40 hours can afford to lose £10 per week in one hour of gambling.</p><p>It doesn’t really matter whether the gambling activity is weekly or monthly or annually. The principle is to just apply the maximum time and loss over a longer period. In a 28 day-month, this would be a loss of £40 over 4 hours. If it’s an annual gambling trip the allocated amount would be say £500 over 50 hours.</p><h3>Understanding Casino Games</h3><p>Looking at casino table games there are differences in the pace of the games and in the house advantages in each game. If you were playing a game where there were 100 hands per hour and the house advantage is 1% then your loss per hour is 100% of your bet amount, assuming it is the same each hand. Therefore, the bet size should be £10 per hand to result in an average one hour loss of £10.</p><p>This is close to a blackjack experience if playing basic strategy with decent rules at a table with limited players. A poor strategy and / or poor rules could increase the advantage above 1%, but a full table would reduce the speed of the game.</p><p>Although the expected loss is £10, the turnover in the hour is £1,000, this means the cash funds required will very probably be somewhere between these two amounts. A common measure of loss as a percentage of funds used is known as the hold percentage. With typical hold percentage being around 20% then funds required are likely to be at least £50.</p><p>This £50 is of course only an average, so it makes sense to have a gambling bankroll far greater than the average amount needed in one session. Also, the bankroll needs to cover consecutive negative sessions. A useful guide would be to start with a gambling bankroll of £500. The way to build the bankroll is to set aside £10 per week for a year from disposable income before you ever start gambling. If you are unable to do that then maybe you are not ready to start gambling.</p><p>The type of bets placed makes a difference. Betting on red or black at odds of 1 to 1 on roulette will not be as volatile as betting on only one number per spin at 35 to 1 odds on roulette. Whilst the £500 bankroll could easily be comfortable enough for the 1 to 1 to bets it would be unlikely to be enough for the 35 to 1 bet.</p><p>In order to be able to continue gambling, you will have needed to continue to always set aside the same £10 on a weekly basis. Gambling winnings should not be spent on other items but should be added to the gambling bankroll. This is the only way to ensure that the gambling bankroll could stay intact. Remember it doesn’t matter what the actual result is in a week. It is the theoretical loss of the £10 which needs to be replaced.</p><p>Comparison of actual games makes the theory easier to understand. The numbers are rounded estimates for simplicity. Playing baccarat or punto banco at 75 hands per hour and wagering £13 per hand for a turnover of £975 at a house advantage of 1% results in an expected loss of £9.75.</p><p>The casino table game roulette with a single zero has a 2.7% house advantage on the number bets. Playing at a full table of around 37 hands per hour, at a stake of £10 per spin will generate a turnover of £370, resulting in an expected loss of £10 per hour.</p><p>Compare this with an electronic roulette game at 180 spins per hour with the same 2.7% house advantage. Now a stake per hand of £2 per spin will generate a turnover of £360, resulting in an expected loss of £9.72 per hour.</p><h3>Long Term Gambling</h3><p>Long term gambling losses are like death by a thousand cuts. If the game speed is increased then death comes sooner. Technology in most areas helps consumers by reducing costs or improving products. For losing gamblers, technology increases the cost of gambling losses by speeding the games up. The only way to <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/improving-your-odds-at-slots-is-just-a-myth">counter</a> this is to reduce your gambling stake.</p><p>Even where it is a remote gambling using alive dealer, the overall game pace will be quicker, meaning that stake size should be reduced. Keeping the same stake per spin or per hand might seem boring, but it is an important control method. Doubling the stake on one spin requires halving the stake on two spins to get back on balance.</p><p>All of this information is of course theory. In any one session, you may come out well ahead or badly down. But these are not reasons or excuses to change the way you control your gambling behaviour. When gambling you are already choosing to lose cash and time. It’s not sensible to lose control as well.</p><p>Students, the unemployed, persons on benefits, persons in part-time work and persons with similar limitations on disposable income generally cannot afford gambling losses and should avoid gambling. Persons under age 25 may have difficulties with gambling as our adolescent brain development is not fully mature until that age. The risk-reward analysis needed in gambling is an area that is one of the last to develop. So, it’s not a good idea to start gambling before age 25.</p><p>In general summary:</p><ul><li>Do not spend more than the equivalent of one hour per week (on an annualised basis) at all forms of gambling</li><li>Plan to gamble at a level that your expected loss per hour will not be more than you earn in an hour as a full-time employee</li><li>Save up a dedicated gambling bankroll before you start gambling and replenish that bankroll regularly regardless of actual results</li><li>Avoid gambling at casino games that have been speeded up technologically unless you are willing to trade down your wager appropriately</li></ul><p> </p><p>If you are unable to comply with this type of advice, then is gambling right for you? For the majority of people there really is only one “responsible” gambling message that makes any sense, which is “<a href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling"><strong>DON’T GAMBLE!</strong></a>”</p>

Understanding and Controlling Gambling

There is so much noise out there about “responsible“ gambling. It is spread by gambling operators and those acting in conjunction with them.

How the Coronavirus is Affecting Online Gambling

Now's an important time to protect ourselves and those at risk from falling into bad online gambling habits. 

<p>As the outbreak of the Coronavirus continues to impact daily life across the globe, we're seeing more and more gambling-related public spaces closing, such as casinos, betting shops and bookies. That mixed with self-isolation, some of us may even be more inclined to spend this free time gambling online.</p><p>This is a particularly difficult time for those of us who have a gambling addiction, who may need the distraction of their day to day life just to keep themselves from gambling their money away. </p><p>In lockdown or isolation, players may find themselves more vulnerable to online gambling. Given the circumstances, people are more likely to present via remote treatment resources and through digital self-help tools, rather than face-to-face channels.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/927c1821-a7ce-4ca0-af59-81bd03d47093.jpg" alt="gambling during lockdown boredom" /></figure><h3> </h3><h3>Coronavirus and Gambling Stats</h3><p>Research by Savanta reports 25% of the population have stated that their mental health has been negatively affected over lockdown.</p><p>Nearly seven out of ten (68%) increased the amount of time or money they spent on at least one gambling activity (including National Lottery). To compensate, they may have reduced spending on other products and activities, such as real event betting.</p><p>Since the lockdown began, 18-34-year-old men and women who have gambled recently are nearly equally likely to have taken up new gambling activities. Younger people aged 18-34 are much more likely, than average, to report increases in time or money spent on at least one gambling activity or to have taken up new activities. </p><p>If you or anyone you know needs that extra bit of help to avoid online gambling we offer a free trial of Gamban you can <a href="https://gamban.com/">start today</a>, as well as other online gambling self-exclusion resources <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">here</a>.</p><h3>What Support Is out There?</h3><p>For added support, you can also call the National Gambling Helpline on <a href="tel:08088020133"><strong><u>0808 8020 133</u></strong></a>, for more information visit their website <a href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/">here. </a>You can also read our blog on <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/practical-tips-for-problem-gamblers">Practical Tips For Problem Gamblers</a> where we run through some of the ways you can remove gambling temptations.</p><p>COVID-19 hasn't slowed us down, and as such, Gamban will be running as usual. For any technical or support questions, our support team is still available to help. We implore you to take some time to consider those who may be at risk of falling into bad gambling habits and support them during these trying times, as well as looking after yourself.</p>

Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Online Gambling

As the outbreak of the Coronavirus continues to impact daily life across the globe, we're seeing more and more gambling-related public spaces closing

How Casinos Enable Gambling Addicts

How Online Casinos Keep You Coming Back Again and Again.

<p>Though many of the following concepts have been academically researched, the aim of this piece is to provide a personal narrative for the commonly experienced tricks and traps from over 10 years of experience as a compulsive gambler.</p><h4><strong>Familiarity in gambling</strong></h4><p>Regression with childish cartoons and familiar characters from our youth can encourage a level of irresponsibility among players. Whether it’s Jack and the Beanstalk or the Incredible Hulk, the outcome is the same for the player – increased engagement and distraction. Homer Simpson shouting “D’oh” trivialises a losing spin, using humour to numb the pain of loss. Equally, Spiderman defeating his enemies during a bonus is immensely exciting ‘under the influence’.</p><h4><strong>Availability</strong> <strong>bias</strong></h4><p>“25 million people didn’t win the lottery last week” is not a story. “Jennifer from Birmingham changed her life and won £156m” is a story. Technically “it could be you” but you don’t focus on the fact that it’s almost impossibly unlikely. Even the internal narrative playing out in your head can over-emphasise the possibility of an optimum outcome, potentially resulting in play.</p><h4><strong>Reframing affordability</strong></h4><p>You win, you play higher stakes. Won £50 on that last £1 spin? What could you have won if you were betting £3 a spin? How about £6? You can afford it because you won the last time.</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/d5b11d34-e523-41ef-8b81-b789df8758f1.jpg" alt="traps and tricks gambling" /></figure><p> </p><h4><strong>Near-misses</strong></h4><p>“Nearly, nearly… DAMN!” Approximately 37% to 42% ‘near misses’ are programmed into slot machines and scratch-cards for <a href="https://gamban.com/blog/improving-your-odds-at-slots-is-just-a-myth">psychological effect</a>. From an industry perspective, even if manufacturers don’t add them, players tend to create them their selves, turning clearly losing situations into near-wins.</p><h4><strong>Reverse withdrawals</strong></h4><p>Even at the point where you have decided to stop playing and cash out, your money may still be available for immediate play and reversal. A second chance to lose everything!</p><h4><strong>Illogical limit-setting</strong></h4><p>It was recently revealed by a large online casino that where deposit limits are set, the average spend is much higher. This illogical situation may be due to an erroneously perceived level of control.</p>

Tricks and Traps to Keep You Hooked

A personal narrative for the commonly experienced tricks and traps from over 10 years of experience as a compulsive gambler.

Mitchell Symons Breaks Down His Relationship With Gambling Addiction.

Guest Blog by Mitchell Symons

<p>OK, so Winnie was talking about Montgomery’s victory at Alamein in World War 2 but he could just as easily have been talking about Gamban.</p><p>There will be many people who have downloaded Gamban and thought “I’ve done it: I’ve finally removed gambling from my life!”</p><h2>If only it were that simple.</h2><p>Unless you discover – and address – the reason for your addiction, it will always acquire willpower to keep it at bay. And that requires eternal vigilance. Which is why you hear alcoholics who are 20 or 30 years ‘clean’ still refer to themselves as alcoholics rather than as ‘former alcoholics’ as you’d think they would eventually be able to call themselves.</p><p>Allow me to ‘fess up a secret. I was gambling way too much on my desktop computer. Poker every evening and slots when the poker tournaments were taking a break. So I installed Gamban and it was brilliant: a real gamechanger (literally).</p><p>At the same time, I found myself increasingly disinclined to go into (high street) bookies or casinos: if I was (effectively) banning myself from my favourite form of gambling, why would I want to ruin it all by chucking away the money I was saving on fruit machines with fewer choices and lower payouts? It would be like having hypnosis to stop me eating my favourite chocolate (Lindt’s 70% dark since you ask) and then scoffing bars of Bournville</p><figure><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/59d65d67-1bf5-449e-a259-e503992f2edb.jpg" /></figure><h2> </h2><h2>This virtuous circle…</h2><p>…continued until July of last year when I had a brain haemorrhage and nearly died.</p><p>While recovering, I ‘discovered’ that I could play slots on my iPhone and also on my iPad. So I did.</p><p>If I wanted to, I could blame this lapse on the fact that my frontal cortex had filled with blood and thus removed my inhibitions.</p><p>It’s true: that’s what happened but was it the cause of my gambling?</p><p>Or was it merely the occasion?</p><p>If I’m honest, I think it was the latter.</p><p>I had been looking for a reason, a pretext, to gamble again and this terrible event provided me with it.</p><p>Yes, I was bored (and uninhibited) but there were plenty of positive, life-affirming things I could have done instead of gambling. I was like someone who’d given up smoking who suddenly lost a loved one and therefore had an excuse to start again.</p><p>The trick I had found with smoking was to go from being a smoker to becoming a non-smoker (who wouldn’t want to smoke in any circumstances) rather than an ex-smoker who felt as if was depriving himself of his pleasure and so would take advantage of anything that justified returning to it.</p><p>It turned out that my return to online gambling wasn’t enough: I started going to the bookie’s too. For six months (until I eventually saw the error of my ways and decided to stop), I would go to the bookie’s pretty well every day and spend thirty or so minutes playing the wretched FOBTs.</p><p>I did quite well, funnily enough, winning more than I lost but I found that my FOBT-use cross-fed my online addiction to the point where I was gambling more than was good for my bank balance or for me.</p><p>So I’m trying to wean myself off online gambling again.</p><p><strong>Gamban is an incredibly useful tool in this process but it’s only as good as I choose to make it.</strong></p><p>There are – and there will be until we get the legislation that many of us believe we need to protect us from ourselves and the rapacious gambling industry – always devices to gamble on and new temptations to withstand.</p><p>I do my best and I know that constant vigilance is the only sure protection.</p><h3>But I’m a work in progress, not the final article.</h3><p>The key thing, I have learned, is not to treat every lapse as though it’s the end and that, if one’s going to give in then one might as well go the whole hog and splurge until all bank accounts and reservoirs of self-respect are drained.</p>

Willpower, Gambling and Commitment to Recovery 

Gamban is an incredibly useful tool in this process but it’s only as good as I choose to make it.

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