Responsible Gaming

PROBLEMS WITH GAMING?

Recommendations for possibly compulsive gamblers

GAME RESPONSIBLY

We all like to take risks and gaming is a stimulating and entertaining activity. 
For the majority of people, gaming is an attractive and totally harmless experience. 

However, this experience can and should only be lived in the spirit of mere entertainment and within the strict limits of each person’s economic capacity.

EVALUATE POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WITH GAMING

If you feel that your gaming activity is affecting your life, it is advisable to make a self-evaluation of possible signs of problem gaming. 

The following questions are based on the diagnostic and statistical manual “Desk Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria, DSM-5-TR”, 5th edition, APA, 2022. 

Please check if, within the last 12-month period, at least four of the following situations are applicable to you.

1. Do you need to bet increasing amounts in order to achieve the desired excitement?
2. Do you feel restless or irritable when you think of cutting down or stop playing?
3. Did you make repeated efforts to control, cut back, or stop your gaming?
4. Are you often preoccupied with gaming?
5. Do you often play when feeling depressed?
6. Did you play again to get even, after losing your bets?
7. Did you attempt to hide your gaming from family members or others?
8. Have you jeopardized a significant relationship, your education or a career opportunity because of gaming?
9. Did you ask others for money to relieve financial problems caused by gaming?

The preceding questions are aimed at encouraging your consideration. The more positive answers you get, the more likely you are to be in serious trouble regarding your relationship with gaming. If that is the case, please refer to the following suggestions regarding the steps you may take. Face the situation quickly and, above all, don't keep it to yourself.

STEPS TO TAKE:

1. Understand the problem. Recognize the signs and symptoms and work on modifying the behaviour.
2. Pinpoint the outside situations that might be contributing to your problem gaming. 
3. Identify thoughts and feelings. The urge to play can be intense, but it will pass. 
4. Avoid high-risk situations: reduce the number of bank cards; don´t carry large amounts of cash with you; don’t take out loans.
5. Act reasonably and avoid thought patterns based on superstition.
6. Delay the decision to play and think what could happen if you do. 
7. Recognize the benefits: write down on a calendar every day when you did not play; buy a present for yourself with the money you saved.
8. Be honest with yourself and with others.
9. Discuss this problem with someone you trust: a relative, a friend, a mentor.
10. And remember: live one day at a time.

SOLUTIONS YOU CAN IMPLEMENT TO GET AWAY FROM YOUR GAMING PROBLEM:

1. Contact the Gaming Directors at the Casino, they will understand and help. The experience they have in this activity gives them enough knowledge to advise you.
2. Request a clinical diagnosis, consulting specialized professionals.
3. Dial the 1414 help line, or send an e-mail message to 1414@icad.min-saude.pt
4. You can send the Gaming Authority – SRIJ - Serviço de Regulação e Inspecção de Jogos – a written request to be the banned from the gaming rooms. The Gaming Directors at the Casino can help you formalize this request.

But above all, assume your own responsibility. Running away from problems doesn't solve anything. 

And remember, gaming can and should only be a reason for pleasure and fun. Have fun playing, but please don't go beyond the limits of your capacity.