Game triggers and how to deal with them
Introduction
Triggers are external or internal stimuli that trigger the desire to bet. Understanding their nature and developing clear responses help to avoid impulsive decisions, preserve bankroll and emotional well-being.
1. Types of game triggers
1. Emotional
Stress and anxiety: trying to "take away" negative emotions.
Boredom and loneliness: excitement as a way to fill your spare time.
Euphoria after luck: a desire to prolong the feeling of victory.
2. Cognitive
The illusion of control: the belief that your decisions will affect a random outcome.
The effect "almost won": the tendency to continue the game after a "practically" successful result.
Tendency to "dogon": the desire to win back losses immediately.
3. Social
Friends pressure: "let's make another bet together."
Marketing and advertising: pop-up banners, e-mail and push notifications with "hot" promotions.
Social networks and chats: discussion of rates and "insider" advice.
4. Situational
Device availability: smartphone at hand, quick access to the application.
Sports broadcasts: during the match there is a temptation to put "for a minute."
Bonuses and promotions: Limited-time offers bring a sense of urgency.
2. Recognizing your triggers
1. Keeping a betting diary: Record the date, time, mood and circumstances of each session.
2. Emotional state scale: Before each bet, rate on a scale of 1-10 the level of stress, boredom or excitement.
3. Pattern analysis: in a month you will see recurring situations - these are your key triggers.
3. Trigger neutralization strategies
3. 1 Emotional triggers
Alternative discharge: under stress - 5-minute breathing practice ("4-7-8").
Entertainment plan: a list of quick activities (walking, music, crossword) in case of boredom.
Pauses after winning: mandatory break of 15-30 minutes so as not to "catch up" with euphoria.
3. 2 Cognitive triggers
Clear rules: before starting the session, determine the maximum allowable "dogon" (for example, no more than 2 additional bets).
RTP and house edge reminders: Keep brief reminders of mathematical principles in notes or app settings.
Mini Challenges: If there is an "almost" effect, suggest a mini task (for example, drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes).
3. 3 Social triggers
Notification filters: Disable promotional emails and push notifications from operators.
Clear agreements: if playing with friends, agree in advance on the limits and pause time.
Activity anonymity: On social media, subscribe to responsible gaming communities, not casino promo pages.
3. 4 Situational triggers
"Remote access" technique: move the application to a folder, remove the shortcut from the main screen.
Site and application blockers: set Gamban or BetBlocker to 24-72 hours when aware of loss of control.
Betting planning: Turn on "time to stop" notifications via built-in timers in the app.
4. Develop personal action plan
1. Identification: Select the 2-3 most frequent triggers from your diary.
2. Tools: For each trigger, identify one strategy (e.g., breathing for stress, walking when bored).
3. Pinning: During the week, apply these strategies whenever a trigger is triggered.
4. Score: After seven days, analyze your diary changes - whether impulse rates have decreased.
5. Support and Resources
Gambler's Help (1800 858 858): 24-hour emergency hotline.
GambleAware online chats: 24/7 anonymous consultation.
Mobile apps: Smiling Mind, Insight Timer for short meditations and breathing practices.
Conclusion
Game triggers are activated automatically, but their strength decreases when consciously working with them. Systematic diary keeping, the use of specific neutralization strategies and the support of specialized services allow you to maintain control, making gambling entertainment safe and conscious.
Triggers are external or internal stimuli that trigger the desire to bet. Understanding their nature and developing clear responses help to avoid impulsive decisions, preserve bankroll and emotional well-being.
1. Types of game triggers
1. Emotional
Stress and anxiety: trying to "take away" negative emotions.
Boredom and loneliness: excitement as a way to fill your spare time.
Euphoria after luck: a desire to prolong the feeling of victory.
2. Cognitive
The illusion of control: the belief that your decisions will affect a random outcome.
The effect "almost won": the tendency to continue the game after a "practically" successful result.
Tendency to "dogon": the desire to win back losses immediately.
3. Social
Friends pressure: "let's make another bet together."
Marketing and advertising: pop-up banners, e-mail and push notifications with "hot" promotions.
Social networks and chats: discussion of rates and "insider" advice.
4. Situational
Device availability: smartphone at hand, quick access to the application.
Sports broadcasts: during the match there is a temptation to put "for a minute."
Bonuses and promotions: Limited-time offers bring a sense of urgency.
2. Recognizing your triggers
1. Keeping a betting diary: Record the date, time, mood and circumstances of each session.
2. Emotional state scale: Before each bet, rate on a scale of 1-10 the level of stress, boredom or excitement.
3. Pattern analysis: in a month you will see recurring situations - these are your key triggers.
3. Trigger neutralization strategies
3. 1 Emotional triggers
Alternative discharge: under stress - 5-minute breathing practice ("4-7-8").
Entertainment plan: a list of quick activities (walking, music, crossword) in case of boredom.
Pauses after winning: mandatory break of 15-30 minutes so as not to "catch up" with euphoria.
3. 2 Cognitive triggers
Clear rules: before starting the session, determine the maximum allowable "dogon" (for example, no more than 2 additional bets).
RTP and house edge reminders: Keep brief reminders of mathematical principles in notes or app settings.
Mini Challenges: If there is an "almost" effect, suggest a mini task (for example, drink a glass of water and wait 10 minutes).
3. 3 Social triggers
Notification filters: Disable promotional emails and push notifications from operators.
Clear agreements: if playing with friends, agree in advance on the limits and pause time.
Activity anonymity: On social media, subscribe to responsible gaming communities, not casino promo pages.
3. 4 Situational triggers
"Remote access" technique: move the application to a folder, remove the shortcut from the main screen.
Site and application blockers: set Gamban or BetBlocker to 24-72 hours when aware of loss of control.
Betting planning: Turn on "time to stop" notifications via built-in timers in the app.
4. Develop personal action plan
1. Identification: Select the 2-3 most frequent triggers from your diary.
2. Tools: For each trigger, identify one strategy (e.g., breathing for stress, walking when bored).
3. Pinning: During the week, apply these strategies whenever a trigger is triggered.
4. Score: After seven days, analyze your diary changes - whether impulse rates have decreased.
5. Support and Resources
Gambler's Help (1800 858 858): 24-hour emergency hotline.
GambleAware online chats: 24/7 anonymous consultation.
Mobile apps: Smiling Mind, Insight Timer for short meditations and breathing practices.
Conclusion
Game triggers are activated automatically, but their strength decreases when consciously working with them. Systematic diary keeping, the use of specific neutralization strategies and the support of specialized services allow you to maintain control, making gambling entertainment safe and conscious.
