We all know the basics of responsible gambling: set a budget, stick to a time limit, and never chase your losses. This is excellent advice, the foundation of playing smart. But a healthy relationship with gambling goes a bit deeper than just rules and numbers. It’s about understanding your own mindset and motivations.
Sometimes, the urge to have a punt isn’t just about having fun; it can be a reaction to other things going on in our lives. These are known as “triggers”—specific feelings, situations, or moods that can lead to us gambling for the wrong reasons, often leading to poor outcomes. This isn’t a lecture, mate. This is a mate-to-mate chat about recognising these common triggers and having a plan to deal with them, ensuring that the game always remains a game.
Common Trigger 1: Boredom
This is a big one. You’re sitting on the couch, there’s nothing on the telly, and you’re scrolling aimlessly through your phone. The instant excitement of an online casino can seem like a perfect cure for boredom. The risk is that you end up playing mindlessly, without real enjoyment, just to fill the time.
- The Smarter Play: Before you turn to gambling to cure boredom, have a list of other go-to activities. It could be chucking on a podcast, reading a book, calling a mate for a yarn, watching a classic movie, or getting stuck into a bit of DIY. Having alternatives ready breaks the automatic link between being bored and gambling.
Common Trigger 2: Stress or Anxiety
Had a blue with the missus? A rough day at work? When you’re feeling stressed or anxious, the immersive world of an online pokie can feel like a perfect escape. It allows you to switch off your brain and forget about your worries for a while. The danger here is significant. Using gambling as a coping mechanism for stress is a slippery slope. It doesn’t solve the underlying problem and can often add financial stress on top of your existing worries.
- The Smarter Play: Find healthier ways to de-stress. Go for a run or hit the gym. Put on some loud music. Meditate for ten minutes (there are heaps of great apps for this). Talk about what’s stressing you out with a partner or a trusted friend. These activities actually address the stress, rather than just temporarily masking it.
Common Trigger 3: Loneliness
Similar to boredom, feelings of loneliness can be a powerful trigger. The flashing lights and sounds of a casino can create a sense of companionship and excitement when you’re feeling isolated. The online chat in live dealer games can also provide a form of social interaction.
- The Smarter Play: Actively seek out real social connection. Instead of opening a casino app, open your contacts list and call someone for a chat. Arrange to meet a mate for a coffee or a beer. Join a local club or group that shares your interests, whether it’s a sports team, a book club, or a volunteer organisation.
Common Trigger 4: Drinking Alcohol
Having a few beers while playing the pokies is a classic Aussie pastime. But it’s crucial to be aware that alcohol lowers your inhibitions and clouds your judgment. That carefully planned budget can easily go out the window after a few too many drinks. Decisions you would never make when sober can suddenly seem like a brilliant idea.
- The Smarter Play: Make a clear rule for yourself: don’t mix drinking and gambling. If you’re going to have a punt, do it with a clear head. Save the beers for celebrating a win afterwards, or for another time entirely.
Recognising your personal triggers isn’t about judging yourself. It’s about self-awareness. It’s about understanding your own motivations so you can ensure you are always playing online pokies for the right reason: to have fun.
