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Gambling addiction: a problem that is important to notice in time

A short guide to recognizing gambling addiction, where to get advice and how to limit your own participation in gambling.

Take the anonymous test Restrict participation in gambling external link Counseling support

What is gambling addiction?

Gambling addiction is a dependence on gambling in which a person finds it hard to control their participation in play despite the financial, family, social or emotional consequences.

How gambling affects a person

Finances

  • debts
  • loans
  • loss of savings
  • family financial problems

Psychological state

  • anxiety
  • irritability
  • guilt
  • emotional exhaustion

Relationships

  • conflicts
  • loss of trust
  • lying and hiding losses
  • social isolation

Work and study

  • reduced concentration
  • absences
  • lost productivity
  • problems at work

Myths and facts about gambling

  • Myth

    “I will definitely win it back if I keep playing.”

    Fact

    A previous loss does not increase the probability of the next win. Trying to recover lost money with new bets can lead to even greater losses.

  • Myth

    “I can control myself, so I cannot become addicted.”

    Fact

    Control over play can gradually decline, especially with regular participation and rising stakes.

  • Myth

    “To solve financial problems you just need to win a large sum.”

    Fact

    Gambling is not a way to earn a stable income.

What to do if you realize you cannot stop?

  1. Admit the problem

    Realizing that play has become uncontrollable is already an important step.

  2. Stop trying to win it back

    Every loss is money gone, not a chance to win.

  3. Limit your access to gambling

    Delete your accounts, restrict access to sites and apps on your devices, unsubscribe from advertising.

  4. Seek advice

    Specialists will answer your questions anonymously and help you find a solution.

  5. Tell someone you trust

    The support of loved ones will help reduce psychological tension.

  6. Seek professional help

    If necessary, turn to professional psychological or medical help.

How to protect yourself from gambling

Self-exclusion from gambling

external link

Restricting access to sites and apps on your own devices

Restricting financial access

Deleting apps

Opting out of promotional mailings

Asking for help

Restrict your participation in gambling external link

How to limit your participation in gambling through eGov.kz

Self-exclusion is arranged online. The steps are given as an example — check them against the official instructions on the eGov.kz portal.

  1. Log in to the eGov.kz portal

  2. Find the self-exclusion service

  3. Fill in the application

  4. Sign with a digital signature or an SMS code

  5. Receive a notification

Go to eGov.kz external link

Training of coaches in gambling addiction prevention

Training of coaches in gambling addiction prevention has been organized for work with young people: more than 800 teachers and psychologists from educational organizations and military units across Kazakhstan took part. Video lessons were prepared as a result.

Watch the video lessons external link

Source: Tourism Industry Committee of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Methodological recommendations

Methodological recommendations on preventing gambling addiction among schoolchildren, students and other groups of young people have been developed, to identify and prevent gambling addiction at early stages.
Source: Tourism Industry Committee of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Counseling support

Preliminary consultation

Helpline

  • Weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00
  • Anonymous

These numbers belong to Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health, a republican state enterprise on the right of economic management, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan