There is much debate surrounding online gambling. Many people feel that it is a positive step towards increased personal freedom, while others feel that it is a form of gambling that promotes bad habits.
To many, betting means taking a chance or wagering something of value (usually money or prizes) on the outcome of an event. So, in essence, you are entering into a gamble. This is usually done with the assistance of a bookmaker or betting exchange, where your credit or debit card is used to place bets. You can also use your mobile phone to access online betting apps if you are feeling particularly adventurous!
However, this definition does not quite fit the definition of betting used in online gambling. In online gambling, betting does not necessarily mean that you are risking something valuable. Let’s explore some of the differences.
Risk Vs. Reward
In gambling, risk and reward are usually intertwined. The more you risk, the more you potentially stand to gain. So, if you risk £100 on a blackjack hand and win, you will have gained £200. In other words, you have doubled your money. This is why many people see gambling as a form of investment. If you are looking to make a quick and easy profit, you would probably not go for sports betting or poker games, where the house advantage is high and the margins of error are slimmer. Instead, you would aim to place large bets on the outcome of major events, such as the Superbowl or the World Cup final.
On the other hand, if you are looking to place a long-term profitable bet, you would avoid betting on sports as the win rates with sports betting are usually not that great. Instead, you would target big events, where the payoff can be significant. For example, if you successfully place a bet on the outcome of the World Cup final, you will win a huge payout, as long as England wins. So, in this case, you will have placed a risk-free bet, as you will have guaranteed £100. In other words, you have more than doubled your money.
Keeping Score
In traditional betting, you can keep score of your wagers. So, if you bet £100 on Tottenham Hotspur to win and they end up losing, you can simply subtract the £100 from your total amount of wagered. In other words, you keep your score. This is why many people see betting as a battle of wits or dexterity. To many, it is a game that you can play for fun or for profit, but nothing precludes you from keeping score!
However, in online gambling, you cannot keep score. What this means is that if you are playing for fun and you win, you cannot tell how much money you have earned. You have no way of keeping track of your bets. Some gambling applications do allow you to keep track of your earnings and losses, but this is more of a luxury feature than something that is essential to play. Imagine playing a slot machine and not being able to keep track of how much you have won or lost. This would be extremely frustrating!
So, in essence, in online gambling, you play against the machine and not necessarily against another person. This means that the outcome is predetermined and, therefore, there is no way of accurately assessing your winnings or losses. You literally have to wait for the results to manifest themselves.
The Psychology Of Gambling
It is well-established that we are all prone to gamble. According to the National Addictions Monitoring Service, approximately 1.7 million people in Britain are classified as problem gamblers. This means that they are showing signs of addiction, be it behavioral or physical. It also means that there is a significant chance that they could develop a problem, if they do not seek help. Since 2000, the number of people seeking treatment for problem gambling has tripled.
One of the reasons why so many people are turning to online gambling as an alternative is because it is much less disruptive to your personal life. If you are a problem gambler and you want to escape from the damaging effects of betting, you can find the help and support you need through an online casino. With many casinos offering live chats with support representatives, you can get support 24/7, as you will not have to wait until the next available therapist or counselor to help you.
One of the major concerns surrounding gambling is how it can affect your mental health. In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of people developing problems, which means that there is a significant chance that you could be affected, as well. This is why many casinos have added health and wellness features to their sites. These features aim to keep their users active and engaged, as well as helping them lead healthier lifestyles.
So, in the end, it comes down to what type of gambler you are. Many people see gambling as a fun activity, but for those who already have a significant problem, it can be a way of escaping from reality and putting a stop to their addictive behaviors. If you are a gametype that does not pose as much of a risk to your mental wellbeing, then perhaps consider playing poker or other low-risk games, instead. In any case, if you are serious about gambling and want to learn more, then visit one of the premier UK-based online casinos for support. With many of the larger casinos offering online counseling and other support services, you can be confident that you are making the right choice for you.