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Pick ’em Tech: Promoting Safe and Responsible Play

At Pick ’em Tech, the well-being of our fans is our top priority. We are committed to promoting a safe and enjoyable experience for all, and we recognize the importance of preventing and addressing the risks of gambling addiction. Our goal is to provide resources and support to help those who may be struggling, ensuring that every fan can play responsibly.

1. Understanding the Risks of Gambling

a. What is Gambling?

Gambling is when you risk money or something valuable on a game or event, hoping to win more. This could be betting on sports, playing card games for money, or using slot machines. The outcome is mostly based on chance, meaning you are more likely to lose than win. Gambling is designed to make the player lose over time.

b. How Gambling Affects Your Brain

When you gamble, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine, which makes you feel happy and excited. But this can trick you into thinking that winning is within your control. In reality, gambling makes you want to keep chasing that good feeling, even when you’re losing money. This can lead to serious problems as you keep gambling to feel that same excitement.

c. What is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction happens when someone can’t stop gambling, even when it’s causing them to lose money, damage relationships, and feel stressed or depressed. People might gamble more and more, hoping their luck will change or to win back the money they lost.

d. Important Facts About Gambling

Millions of people around the world struggle with gambling addiction, and it can happen to anyone, regardless of age.

Gambling addiction often leads to losing a lot of money, going into debt, and feeling isolated and depressed.

The longer you gamble, the worse the problems can get. The odds are never in your favor, and the system is set up to make you lose.

e. Why Gambling is Dangerous

Gambling can trick you into thinking you’re in control, but the odds are against you. The more you gamble, the more likely you are to lose.

People who try to win back money they lost (called “chasing losses”) often end up losing even more, which makes them feel worse.

f. Emotional Impact

Gambling can cause extreme highs and lows. Winning may feel great, but losing leads to sadness, stress, and frustration. These feelings push people to gamble more, thinking the next bet will be different, but it rarely is.

Many people with gambling problems feel guilty or anxious and may try to hide their gambling from others.

g. Serious and Dangerous Facts

  • Since sports betting became legal in 2018, the National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that the risk of gambling addiction grew by 30% in just three years.
  • Approximately 2 million US adults are severely addicted to gambling, with another 4 to 6 million having mild to moderate gambling problems.
  • In the Online Sports Betting market, the number of users is expected to amount to 182.5 million by 2029.
  • According to the National Association of Addiction Professionals, problem gambling has the highest suicide attempt rate (up to 20%) of all addictions.
  • The annual economic cost of gambling addiction in the US is estimated to range from $6 to $7 billion, covering healthcare, job loss, and criminal justice expenses.

2. Educational Resources

a. What Makes Gambling Addictive?

Gambling is designed to keep you playing. Every time you play, your brain releases dopamine, which makes you feel good. This encourages you to keep going, even when you’re losing. The excitement of the “what if” makes it hard to stop.

Gambling companies use things like bright lights, sounds, and rewards to make you feel like you’re winning, even when you’re not.

b. How to Recognize Problem Gambling

If you find yourself thinking about gambling a lot or feeling like you need to keep playing even after losing, this could be a warning sign.

Other signs include borrowing money to gamble, lying to friends or family about gambling, or feeling sad or stressed because of your losses.

c. Tips for Staying Safe

  • Set limits: Always set a limit on the time and money you’re willing to spend before you start playing. Stick to it, no matter what happens.
  • Don’t chase losses: If you lose, don’t try to win your money back by gambling more. This is one of the biggest traps people fall into.
  • Don’t gamble when you’re upset: Gambling when you’re sad, angry, or stressed can make it harder to make good decisions.

d. How to Play for Fun Without Risk

Focus on non-gambling games or competitions, like fantasy sports or friendly competitions, where no money is involved. These can give you the fun and excitement of competition without the risk of losing money.

e. Links to Helpful Websites

f. Resources for Parents

Talking to Your Teen About Gambling:

Start early, explain the risks, and highlight the dangers using relatable examples. Encourage open communication, discuss peer pressure, and set a good example.

Recognizing Signs of Problem Gambling in Teens:

Look for behavior changes, money issues, academic/social problems, and unusual online activity.

How to Monitor Online Activity:

Use parental controls, review apps, educate about social media, and limit screen time.

Safe Alternatives to Gambling:

Encourage healthy competition, teach financial literacy, and set goals together.

Helpful Resources for Parents:

Helplines for Parents:

  • National Problem Gambling Helpline (US): 1-800-522-4700 (24/7) | Text 1-800-522-4700 | Chat
  • GamCare Helpline (UK): 0808 8020 133 (24/7) | Chat
  • Gambling Therapy Helpline (Global): Live chat and support groups
  • Gam-Anon Support Line (US): Find local meetings at www.gam-anon.org

3. Recovery and Support

a. Steps to Recovery

Admit There’s a Problem: Acknowledge gambling has become a problem.

Talk to Someone: Reach out to a family member, friend, or professional.

Set Boundaries: Limit access to gambling opportunities.

Replace Gambling with Healthy Habits: Find hobbies to replace gambling.

Seek Professional Help: Therapy or counseling can guide you through recovery.

b. How to Support a Friend or Family Member

Recognize the Signs: Notice borrowing money, hiding gambling, or mood changes.

Have an Open Conversation: Approach them with care, not judgment.

Offer Help, Not Control: Encourage them to seek help.

Be Patient: Recovery takes time.

Protect Yourself: Set boundaries to protect yourself emotionally and financially.

c. Finding Professional Support

Therapists Specializing in Gambling Addiction: Seek professional therapy.

Support Groups: Join Gamblers Anonymous or other recovery groups.

Online Counseling: Access online help if in-person therapy isn’t available.

d. Apps and Tools for Recovery

Self-Exclusion Programs: Tools like GamBan block access to gambling sites.

Spending Trackers: Apps like Mint and YNAB help monitor spending.

Self-Control Apps: Cold Turkey and Freedom block gambling websites.

Recovery Support Apps: Gambling Therapy offers forums and chat rooms.

Mental Health & Wellness Apps: Headspace and Moodfit improve mental health.

Accountability Apps: Buddy and HabitShare track goals with a partner.

e. Coping with Relapses

Understanding Relapses: Relapses happen, and they don’t mean failure.

What to Do After a Relapse: Acknowledge it, talk to someone, reassess strategy, and set new goals.

Identifying Triggers: Identify situations, emotions, or environments that trigger gambling.

Using Relapses as Learning Opportunities: Reflect on the relapse and adjust your recovery plan.

Building Resilience: Focus on positive growth, and develop coping mechanisms.

Preventing Future Relapses: Plan for risky situations, strengthen your support system, and stay committed.

4. Self-Care During Recovery

a. Prioritize Mental Health

Practice mindfulness, meditation, and journaling. Seek therapy if needed.

b. Stay Active

Engage in regular physical activity like walking, sports, or yoga to relieve stress and improve mood.

c. Stay Connected to Positive Relationships

Repair and strengthen relationships, and avoid people who encourage gambling.

d. Practice Healthy Habits

Establish a routine, maintain a healthy sleep schedule, and eat a balanced diet.

e. Celebrate Progress

Track your achievements, reward yourself, and focus on personal growth.

f. Manage Stress Effectively

Use stress-relief techniques like meditation, hobbies, or socializing.

g. Build Resilience

Learn from mistakes, stay connected to your support network, and develop coping skills.

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