With the rise of apps like Kalshi, online gambling has become commonplace in our media consumption. For decades we’ve sought new and improved ways of squeezing entertainment onto our phone screens. But long gone are the days of Snake on that old Nokia. Mobile gaming has taken off like wildfire, with even console and PC games being ported to mobile-friendly versions.
But where does online gambling fit into those? One of the attractions of mobile gaming is the appeal of earning some sort of reward—even if that reward is a digital trophy or streak. It’s a term called gamification. Enticing you to stare at your screen and tap away at the blinking lights for just a little longer so you don’t miss out on breaking your next high score or getting to the next level.
But what happens when those digital prizes aren’t enough? What if you could play those same games while adding in the chance of making a few bucks? It’s only a few dollars, right? And just like Candy Crush has you retrying that level one more time even though you should have been asleep an hour ago, gambling apps have you adding a few more tokens into the pot (far too easily, I might add).
In the world of digital currency, our brains have lost some of the tangible connection with money. Having to hand over a $5 bill seems like a big ask. But tapping my phone on the register at Starbucks for my daily $5 latte? Without a second thought.
Online gambling has abused this gap in our processing. Once your credit card information is theirs, you’re no longer thinking about spending your actual, hard-earned money. You don’t see your account dwindling in the moment. It’s digital. It’s not real unless you win, you tell yourself, so just one more bet. This is sure to be my lucky moment.
If this sounds familiar to you and you’re looking for help breaking free from your addiction to online gambling, there are resources and organizations that can help. While many of us may associate addiction recovery groups with alcohol and drug use, organizations like Celebrate Recovery work with people through all kinds of addictions—alcohol, drugs, co-dependency, and even online gambling.
Using their simple locator, all you have to do is type in your address to find a group near you where you’ll be welcomed by people who have been right where you are and have been equipped to walk you down the path of recovery. They’re prepared for the bumps along the way; they’re familiar with the excuses you try to make as to why you don’t need help; they know the grace, mercy, and love you need to experience in order to pick yourself back up when you fall down.
Recovery is an ongoing process. But it’s not impossible and it’s always worthwhile for your health and the health of your loved ones. If you’re looking to break free from this addiction or any other addiction you have, don’t let another day pass before you take the next step forward. You can choose to have a brighter tomorrow—all you have to do is take that first step.
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