The difference between a casual player and a dependent
1. Game frequency and duration
Casual player: plays irregularly, 1-3 times a week for 30-45 minutes; easily takes breaks.
Dependent: enters sessions daily or more often, 2-4 hours or more; is interrupted with difficulty and can play at night.
2. Budgeting approach
Casual player: allocates a fixed "entertainment" budget, does not exceed 1-2% of the total free income per spin; stop loss - 50% microbank.
Dependent: exceeds the planned budget; uses loans and borrowings, the rate rises after losing in pursuit of "winning back."
3. Emotional reactions
Casual player: calm about losing; winnings are a nice bonus, not the goal of the entire session.
Addicted: under intense stress and irritation at losing; the wins are euphoric and reinforce the desire to keep playing.
4. Time and attention control
Casual player: uses timeouts and reminders; distracted by other matters.
Addicted: ignores reality check, plays autopilot, loses sense of time and misses big events
5. Using self-monitoring tools
Casual player: sets limits on deposits and bets, sometimes activates a timeout.
Dependent: ignores or disables limits; disabling the "reality check" and not self-excluding leads to uncontrolled sessions.
6. Motivation and goals
Casual player: the main goal is entertainment; wins are secondary, losing is taken as the price of leisure.
Dependent: the goal is to win at any cost; the game becomes a way to get away from problems, obsessive thoughts are associated with it.
7. Social behavior
Casual player: does not sacrifice communication and responsibilities for the sake of the game, does not hide the session.
Addicted: goes into the "game bubble," hides bets from loved ones, can conflict over money and time.
8. First aid and self-control
Casual player: continues to control the game, adjusts the limits according to the results.
Dependent: at the first sign (constant thoughts about the game, budget overruns) it is worth:
Understanding the difference between a casual player and a dependent allows you to adjust your behavior in time: set clear limits, control time and budget, use the tools of responsible play and do not hesitate to ask for help.
Casual player: plays irregularly, 1-3 times a week for 30-45 minutes; easily takes breaks.
Dependent: enters sessions daily or more often, 2-4 hours or more; is interrupted with difficulty and can play at night.
2. Budgeting approach
Casual player: allocates a fixed "entertainment" budget, does not exceed 1-2% of the total free income per spin; stop loss - 50% microbank.
Dependent: exceeds the planned budget; uses loans and borrowings, the rate rises after losing in pursuit of "winning back."
3. Emotional reactions
Casual player: calm about losing; winnings are a nice bonus, not the goal of the entire session.
Addicted: under intense stress and irritation at losing; the wins are euphoric and reinforce the desire to keep playing.
4. Time and attention control
Casual player: uses timeouts and reminders; distracted by other matters.
Addicted: ignores reality check, plays autopilot, loses sense of time and misses big events
5. Using self-monitoring tools
Casual player: sets limits on deposits and bets, sometimes activates a timeout.
Dependent: ignores or disables limits; disabling the "reality check" and not self-excluding leads to uncontrolled sessions.
6. Motivation and goals
Casual player: the main goal is entertainment; wins are secondary, losing is taken as the price of leisure.
Dependent: the goal is to win at any cost; the game becomes a way to get away from problems, obsessive thoughts are associated with it.
7. Social behavior
Casual player: does not sacrifice communication and responsibilities for the sake of the game, does not hide the session.
Addicted: goes into the "game bubble," hides bets from loved ones, can conflict over money and time.
8. First aid and self-control
Casual player: continues to control the game, adjusts the limits according to the results.
Dependent: at the first sign (constant thoughts about the game, budget overruns) it is worth:
- 1. Activate timeout or BetStop/Self-Exclusion.
- 2. Contact the Gamblers Help Online 1800 858 858 hotline.
- 3. Start keeping a log of bets and emotions.
- 4. Consult a psychologist if possible (CBT, motivational interview).
Understanding the difference between a casual player and a dependent allows you to adjust your behavior in time: set clear limits, control time and budget, use the tools of responsible play and do not hesitate to ask for help.
