How to tell if you're losing too much
1. Financial red flags
Over budget: You spend more than the planned 5-10% of free income on rates.
Debts and loans: continue to play using credit cards or borrowing from friends.
Lack of funds for important expenses: there is not enough money for communal services, food, transport due to rates.
2. Time markers
Frequent and long sessions: play daily for more than 1.5-2 hours or several times a day.
Inability to stop: they planned to play for 30 minutes - it takes 2-3 hours without pauses.
Neglect of other things: miss work, study or meetings with loved ones.
3. Psychological symptoms
Obsessive thoughts about betting: Constantly analyze past rounds and make plans to "recoup."
Stress and irritability: feel anxious if you don't play or lose.
Guilt and shame: after losing, regret torments, but there is no strength left to stop.
4. Objective evaluation - keep records
1. Game Log: Record date, time, deposit amount, bets and losses.
2. Analysis once a week: compare actual spending with planned limits and evaluate the dynamics.
3. Third-party trackers: connect bank statements or e-wallet to the expense accounting application.
5. Decision points
If losses exceed 30-50% of your game budget for a session or week.
If you borrow money to continue playing.
If thoughts of betting get in the way of daily life and recreation.
6. What to do when there are signs of excessive losses
1. Set hard limits for deposits and losses in your personal account (hard limits).
2. Activate a temporary pause (cool-off) for 24-72 hours to interrupt the emotional impulse.
3. Use external blockers (Gambling Block from the bank, BetBlocker extensions).
4. Contact a friend, family member, or responsible gamer for support.
Conclusion:
Over budget: You spend more than the planned 5-10% of free income on rates.
Debts and loans: continue to play using credit cards or borrowing from friends.
Lack of funds for important expenses: there is not enough money for communal services, food, transport due to rates.
2. Time markers
Frequent and long sessions: play daily for more than 1.5-2 hours or several times a day.
Inability to stop: they planned to play for 30 minutes - it takes 2-3 hours without pauses.
Neglect of other things: miss work, study or meetings with loved ones.
3. Psychological symptoms
Obsessive thoughts about betting: Constantly analyze past rounds and make plans to "recoup."
Stress and irritability: feel anxious if you don't play or lose.
Guilt and shame: after losing, regret torments, but there is no strength left to stop.
4. Objective evaluation - keep records
1. Game Log: Record date, time, deposit amount, bets and losses.
2. Analysis once a week: compare actual spending with planned limits and evaluate the dynamics.
3. Third-party trackers: connect bank statements or e-wallet to the expense accounting application.
5. Decision points
If losses exceed 30-50% of your game budget for a session or week.
If you borrow money to continue playing.
If thoughts of betting get in the way of daily life and recreation.
6. What to do when there are signs of excessive losses
1. Set hard limits for deposits and losses in your personal account (hard limits).
2. Activate a temporary pause (cool-off) for 24-72 hours to interrupt the emotional impulse.
3. Use external blockers (Gambling Block from the bank, BetBlocker extensions).
4. Contact a friend, family member, or responsible gamer for support.
Conclusion:
- Identifying signs of excessive waste in a timely manner is key to protecting your budget and mental health. Record costs, keep track of time, analyze emotions and do not be afraid to turn on hard barriers at the first symptoms.
