While playing poker is entertaining and thrilling, and appears promising at first glance, it harms the mental and physical growth of people. While it has improved the lifestyles of a few, it has mercilessly destroyed the lives of way more. However, poker and gambling in general cannot be entirely eradicated from our society, and it is a living fact. The least we can do, concerning the good health of our society and its preservation, is that backlash against problem gambling, at all measures possible. 

It is nothing short of a responsibility. The immediacy of the action is best framed when the life-crushing nature of gambling and its consequences are brought into strict view. Let's uncover the intricate challenges problem poker gambling presents. Here are some of the key aspects to consider:

• Many compulsive poker players suffer from substance abuse issues, personality disorders, anxiety, or depression. In addition to playing poker compulsively, they tend to have bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder aka ADHD may be implicated.

• It will greatly affect your relationships as you are likely to end up frustrated and get into quarrels with your friends and family.

• You will become unproductive spending most of your time and effort playing poker. 

• And above all, in the end, you would end up insecure, hopeless, and lost. 

Gov.uk writes about problem gambling in this way: “In recent years, concern about the harms associated with gambling has been increasing and in March 2018, the Public Health England (PHE) remit letter confirming PHE’s priorities for 2018 to 2019 included the request for PHE to ‘inform and support action on gambling-related harm as part of the follow up to the Department for Digital”.

Having all that observed, and acknowledging the dark sides as well as the strong foundation upon which gambling stands, iGaming sites have arrived at a solution – blocking software.iGaming sites have different blocking software now, helping to spread awareness and exclude problem gambling. 

Types of Software to Block Problem Poker Gambling

First, we must talk about self-exclusion schemes that seek to help you, at your deliberate will, to get rid of addiction. 

GamStop 

Using GamStop, you can monitor your online poker habits. By registering, you are forbidden to use not just poker, but all gambling websites and apps operated by companies based in Great Britain for the period you choose. For either 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years (depending on the option you select), you will be banned from playing with any online gambling company, betting platform, or poker site licensed in Great Britain.

Despite the wide popularity of the GamStop scheme, there are still many poker players who prefer NonStopCasino sites to play poker without GamStop self-exclusion. That means that players who want to take a break from playing online poker can do it directly through specific poker sites just by contacting its staff.

However, not all punters play at casinos responsibly, so for some, it will be tough. That`s the reason why GamStop should be used more widely on UK territory.

AAMS  

A self-exclusion scheme was developed to assist problem gamblers in taking control of their habit. According to AAMS, it is mandatory to own a license, like other national self-exclusion programs. The scheme requires that all licensed sites in Italy participate to keep their licenses. When a player registers on AAMS, they cannot access real money games or bets offered by Italian licensed casinos.

SpelPaus

Swedish bingo operators are required to have SpelPaus. It doesn't work with independent websites. Despite being blocked from Swedish gambling platforms; you can continue playing at many other casino sites without SpelPaus. You can self-exclude with SpelPaus for free. If your term expires, you are free to take a month off and then return. These schemes have similar rules that must be followed. Casinos licensed in Sweden are not accessible through SpelPaus.

GamBan 

Gamban is a great tool for playing poker responsibly (as well as other casino games). It blocks black market products as well as products in all licensed jurisdictions. Fortunately, our impressive system for detecting gambling sites automatically determines potential gambling websites and compares them to our blacklist. One of our experts reviews newly discovered sites to eliminate false positives. After identifying and verifying gambling sites, we add them to our blacklist, which syncs with our customers' devices in no time.

BetBlocker 

The BetBlocker software tool can be downloaded as a desktop program or as an app on your mobile device. When installed on your device, BetBlocker can be configured to block access to nearly 6000 gambling websites.

Why Online Poker Sites Should Provide Blocking Options

Let's understand why iGaming operators should embrace blocking options as a crucial element of their responsibility to both their customers and the industry at large.

To Maintain Reputation 

They must maintain their reputation. Well, operators do not earn their names just like that. A shared investment of money, time, and marketing gets them where they are. Although they promote gambling, they can be charged and shut down, if found to brand problem gambling. 

To Promote Healthy Gaming  

Take breaks during gaming and perform antagonist movements as one way to prevent injury, aches, and pains. When you are gaming, you sit still. So, move when you are taking a break. Below are some antagonistic movements you can use to break up your gaming time. Needless to say, healthy gaming results in fewer losses of property.

Law 

A gaming attorney must analyze the legal elements of consideration, chance, and prize in the context of a gaming operation, which are common law concepts for gambling. Problem gambling remains strictly prohibited, iGaming operators provide gambling options. 

The Role of Poker Players

With all the gambling sponsorships, promo campaigns, attractive advertisements, and other marketing, playing poker and other games responsibly can be tricky. However, players can promote “Responsible Gaming” which refers to a much broader concept that includes several policies and requirements for gambling stakeholders to follow to maintain the highest standards of quality and prevent people from being adversely affected by online gambling.

They must avoid sites without simple exclusion services. Players shall, at all costs, if they mean to promote and embrace responsible gambling, avoid sites that do not come under GamStop, SpelPaus, or AAMS. 

Conclusion 

We must realize what is at stake. It is a mental health. This realization itself will suffice our understanding which seeks to prohibit problem gambling against all descending causes. Gambling is good. However, we must not gamble with our lives.