Online gaming has captured people’s attention in droves due to its convenience, realistic graphics and sounds, and social features. And with more casino operators relying on emerging technologies to make their platforms more accessible, it’s only a matter of time before more people get access to online casinos. What’s more, the increased variety in the best real money slots has further fueled interest in this multi-billion-dollar industry. But away from the flashing lights and captivating sounds, various studies have looked into the psychological effects of online gaming and the risks it carries. We look at this in detail as we shed more light on how best to approach these games:

Does Gaming Carry a Risk?

A quick look at how gaming works reveals that it centers on adrenaline and dopamine surges. Players enjoy the dopamine hits they get whenever they win or whenever they are anticipating a win. At the same time, they enjoy a rush of adrenaline each time they make a wager as they know that the results are not guaranteed – it is much like living on the edge without going to the extremes of jumping off cliffs or parasailing. And with these thrill-centered hormones rushing through their systems, players cannot help but feel immersed in the games. But does this come with a risk? According to studies, these thrilling experiences do come with some potential downsides, as follows:

• Some players get addicted. While many people are able to compartmentalize gaming so that they can focus on other responsibilities, some are unable to do this. In fact, some players become so addicted to gaming that they spend almost all their time on games, thus failing to participate in social activities, work, or other areas of their lives where their presence is necessary.

• Some people cannot handle the losses. Gaming does not have guarantees. So, while players may often win, they also stand the chance of losing. For some players, such losses take a huge toll on their well-being, paving the way for mental health breakdown in the form of anxiety, depression, mood swings, and other negative outcomes. While such effects may be short-term for some players, those who show dependency or addictive traits may experience these downturns in the long term.

• Some players lose more money than they can handle. Some players approach games without a strict budget, chase losses, or engage in other financial decisions that result in losses. Such cases are more common with players who have a dependency or show addictive traits to gaming. However, they can affect any player, including beginners who make enthusiastic wagers without understanding how the games work. In such cases of financial losses, players may suffer a negative impact on their lifestyle.

In addition to these risks, players may also be subject to toxicity in the gaming communities where some members may engage in practices such as harassment and exclusion. While casinos often work hard to moderate conversations in these spaces, it is not uncommon for some players to slip through the cracks and foster toxicity in these environments.

Is it All Doom and Gloom?

While it is true that gaming carries a host of risks, it also offers numerous benefits to players who understand the risks and find practical ways to mitigate them. Such advantages include:

• Cognitive development. Many players use games as a way to improve their problem-solving, coordination, and strategic thinking skills. For example, poker is a great way to foster strategic decision-making.

• Building communities. By finding people who share their interests, many players are able to make lifelong friends through the gaming forums. For many people, these friendships exist beyond the gaming spaces.

• Emotional management. One way to truly test just how well you manage your emotions is to engage in a game where you have no control over what happens. Many players use games as a way to relinquish control, which helps them improve their emotional regulation in situations where they have little to no control.

Additionally, many players use online gaming as a stepping stone into professional gaming, where they can earn a living by streaming their games or participating in tournaments.

Who is Responsible for Managing The Risks?

It’s clear that gaming is a double-edged sword that offers both benefits and risks to players. So, who is responsible for protecting vulnerable players who may not be well-equipped to handle these risks? The best approach is one that starts at the top and runs to the bottom. Per this, the main responsibility falls on the licensing bodies that must develop policies that protect the vulnerable players. For example, the requirement for casinos to have self-exclusion features is a great way to protect players. At the same time, these bodies must conduct consumer education programs to ensure that players are aware that gaming carries a risk. Casino operators must also be part of the chain as they must design ethical games that do not encourage vulnerable players to make decisions that will negatively impact them. They should also moderate their communities to ensure that no cyberbullying, harassment, or other type of toxicity takes place. Finally, players must protect themselves by learning more about how games work, setting strict budgets for real-money games, limiting how much time they spend on games, and taking note of any signs that could indicate that they need help.