The rise of competitive gaming in recent years has seen growing popularity in streaming, tournaments, and cross-platform gaming, the likes of which Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo would surely have not seen as possible. A new era of gaming has been ushered in, and gone are the days of the console wars between Xbox and PlayStation, with players able to play across multiple consoles in order to compete with Steam and PC gaming.
Indeed, competitive games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and CSGO have hardcore fanbases and communities driven by their will to win. Everyone wants to be the next streamer, and it’s not a surprise when prize money from some tournaments and events surpasses millions – not to mention a regular viewership when streaming that can earn revenue via subscriptions.
This also transfers to the gambling community. Players can become addicted to placing bets and the allure of slot machines, the bright lights of a live dealer game, and the thrill of trying to win big can be too much for some players, who seclude themselves from the rest of the world and spend their free time mindlessly logging into casinos and sportsbooks in pursuit of the next big hit.
In order to prepare for these events, players spend hours upon hours locked at their desks to get the best abilities possible, and that comes with its own set of drawbacks and challenges. Players can very easily get addicted to gaming and that has consequences.
In this article, we explore how much gaming is too much. From neglecting responsibilities to problematic behavior, let’s take a look at how we can avoid gaming addiction. Read on to find out more.
What are the symptoms of gaming addiction?
Competitive gamers dedicate countless hours to honing their skills. They immerse themselves in virtual worlds, especially in casino games that have so many different themes, as players strive for mastery and big wins. The allure of victory and recognition drives them forward, this pursuit comes at a cost. Excessive gaming can lead to addiction, affecting various aspects of life:
Neglected Responsibilities are caused at a variety of ages. Schoolwork can take a turn for the worst for younger players who have stayed up too late playing games. But the thrill of a win or unlocking the next gun can be a gateway to addiction in later life. Job tasks and personal hygiene may suffer as gaming takes precedence, with players who were once trying to unlock fifa coins now betting real money on casino games.
Strained Relationships are caused by players putting more time and energy in virtual realms than with loved ones, which strains their in real-life connections. Because of this, they can easily suffer from withdrawal symptoms and a range of Physical and Mental Health illnesses. Anxiety and irritability arise when gamers can’t play, and often they will find their sleep is disturbed due to the amount of light emitted late at night.
Identifying healthy gaming habits:
While younger players will often have a great support network around them, gamers and punters may struggle with developing a good group to help them tackle their addiction. While there are a range of sites to help gamble safely online in Canada and across the United States, there are some measures players can take to limit their time with the controller.
Time limits and self-discipline are crucial. You need to be able to decide how much time you’ll allocate to gaming each day, and still make time for the other people in your life. Whether that is going out and taking a walk, or engaging in other activities with your friends, like exercise, hobbies, or quality time with family. Multiplayer games foster social bonds, but try and organize a chance to meet up with your team in person and engage in activities away from the screen.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gaming or gambling addiction, there is hope. There are multiple pathways from which to seek assistance. NHS Gambling Treatment Clinics have specialist staff who can offer professional help and therapy for addiction-related issues. On top of this, there are charities and support services like the National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare) that provide free, confidential support.
Breaking free from gaming addiction requires open communication and support. Treatment options include therapy, counseling, and support groups. Remember, gaming can be enjoyable, but maintaining a healthy balance is essential. It’s important to develop a safe space to talk to people and go through those boundaries together, one level at a time!
