Online gambling addiction is a reality for many players, exacerbated by easy access to 24-hour online casinos. But what lies behind these words? In this article, we explore the causes, symptoms and treatments of this addiction, with a focus on the help available in Belgium.
Addiction to online gambling is a form of behavioural addiction recognised by mental health authorities. It manifests itself in a loss of control, compulsive behaviour and continued gambling despite its negative consequences.
Gambling addiction has probably existed for as long as gambling itself. But the explosion of online gambling and 24-hour access to these platforms has increased the risk of addiction, particularly among young adults.
Unlike physical casinos, online gambling sites remove social, geographical and even time barriers, increasing the vulnerability of players.
Brain mechanisms and risk factors
Gambling, like drugs, activates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, a molecule associated with pleasure. It is said to activate the brain’s dopaminergic system, generating immediate and intense pleasure.
This immediate and intense pleasure gradually reinforces gambling behaviour and creates a vicious circle in which the gambler constantly seeks this feeling of pleasure.
Over time and with repetition, the brain becomes less sensitive, a phenomenon known as ‘tolerance’. To continue feeling intense pleasure, the gambler will gradually increase their bets, gamble more and take more risks.
Several psychological factors also increase the risk of addiction:
- Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem
- Seeking control or escape
- Need for thrills or impulsivity
External factors such as targeted advertising, online anonymity, or ease of access via mobile devices further increase the risks.
Symptoms to recognise
Online gambling addiction manifests itself through behavioural and emotional signs:
- Need to play longer and with more money
- Inability to stop despite efforts
- Irritability or anxiety when interrupted
- Lying about the time or money spent on gambling
- Debt
- Social isolation
- Neglect of responsibilities
According to Belgian health authorities, these signs should alert those around the gambler. Compulsive gamblers no longer gamble for pleasure. They may even have already fallen into addiction.
Consequences: beyond the wallet
The repercussions of gambling addiction are serious:
- Financial: debt, consumer credit, personal ruin
- Social: family conflicts, isolation, divorce
- Psychological: anxiety, insomnia, suicidal thoughts
The societal cost is also significant, with impacts on healthcare, employment and social cohesion. According to a study by Sciensano, serious cases can lead to criminal behaviour in order to finance gambling.
Prevention and support tools available
Do you think you have a gambling addiction problem? Here are some tips and prevention tools to help you:
- Take the self-test: A self-test is available on the Gokhulp website, which can give you an idea of your gambling behaviour.
- Ask for help from the staff at your favourite casino: in Belgium, casino staff and online casino customer support employees are trained in responsible gambling. You can talk to them about your difficulties and they will be able to direct you to the most appropriate solution for you.
- Request a break from the casino where you play: all legal casinos in Belgium allow you to pause your account for a shorter or longer period of time in order to reduce your urge to gamble.
- Join a gambling support group near you or visit websites such as gokhulp.be, which offers online support groups.
- Sign up for the EPIS voluntary self-exclusion register.
The treatment pathway: solutions exist
Addiction can be treated effectively with specialised support:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Support groups
- Medical treatments: antidepressants or impulse inhibitors in some cases
- Mental health centres or specialised units (e.g. hospitals or non-profit organisations)
How can you help a loved one in difficulty?
You don’t have a gambling addiction, but you notice that someone close to you is engaging in risky behaviour? Here are a few tips:
- Don’t judge, but express sincere concern
- Encourage them to consult a professional (general practitioner, psychologist)
- Offer concrete resources (links to GC, non-profit organisations, helplines)
- Be there for them while setting clear boundaries
- As a last resort, you can register this person in the EPIS register by following the ‘Third-party request’ procedure
A loved one cannot cure a compulsive gambler for them, but they can be an essential part of their recovery process.