TOP-5 Gambling Myths

Game addiction feeds not only on emotions, but also on delusions that postpone help and break the rules. Below are five key myths, why they are dangerous and what to do instead.

Myth 1. "The main thing is willpower. If I want to, I'll just stop"

Why dangerous. The will is depleted under stress, lack of sleep and emotions. Habits and triggers are stronger than a "one-time decision."

Reality. Procedures that do not depend on mood work: money/time limits, autologist-out, cool-off, blockers, diary.

Reality test (2 minutes). In the last 14 days there have been:

2 + timer violations?
at least 1 unscheduled deposit?
desire to "catch up" on the same day?
If "yes" ≥2 - the will of one is not enough, external fuses are needed.
What to do instead.

1. Include monthly limit ≤1 -2% income + "deferred increase."

2. Set stop loss 2-3% BR and autologist out when reached.

3. On devices - the "gambling" blocker (code for buddy).

Myth 2. "One big win - and everything will work out"

Why dangerous. A large plus increases risk tolerance: rates and expectations grow, a "wave of luck" provokes long sessions. Debts and stalling patterns are not solved.

Reality. Without behavioral changes, big gains often accelerate escalation.

Reality test. After major advantages in the past grew: the size of the rate, the duration of sessions, unscheduled deposits? If yes, you need a "one-way valve."

What to do instead. The 50/30/20 rule for each week is plus:

50% → reserve/pillow, 30% → goals/family, 20% → bankroll (but not higher than the ceiling of 1-2% income/month).

Myth 3. "Addiction is a weakness. I have a strong character"

Why dangerous. Shame and the label "weak" lead to stealth and delaying help.

Reality. It is a behavioural pattern enhanced by unpredictable rewards, stress and ease of access. A strong step is to organize the environment, not "prove character."

Reality test. Are there repeated cycles "I will strictly limit myself → 1-2 weeks → a breakdown"? This is not about character, but about the system.

What to do instead.

An honest conversation with a loved one according to the formula "fact - feeling - request - union."

Weekly 10-minute buddy report (metrics: NED, SRL).

With 5 + risk signs - specialist consultation (CBT/motivational interviewing).

Myth 4. 'Controlling the game at any time - just don't want to stop'

Why dangerous. The "illusion of control" masks the loss of boundaries: the transfer of limits, "another 10 minutes," the catch "on emotions."

Reality. Control = adherence to predefined rules (rate, time, SL/SW) regardless of outcome.

Reality test.

Stop loss works ≥80% of sessions?

Zero unscheduled deposits for the week?

Sessions after 23:00 - less than three per week?

If not, control is weakened.

What to do instead.

Reduce the rate to 0.5-1% BR, sessions 20-25 minutes, reality check every 15-20 minutes.

With a "return" thrust - 90 seconds urge surfing + cool-off 24-72 hours.

Myth 5. "Diary, limits, blockages - bureaucracy. I already remember"

Why dangerous. Memory is selective: it remembers "almost gone" and ignores the overall distance, which leads to an increase in rates and time.

Reality. 4 minutes of recordings a day provide data instead of sensations: triggers, disorders and progress are visible.

6-line template (2 minutes before/after).

1. Plan: time, rate ≤% BR, SL/SW.

2. Facts: BR start/final, game, duration.

3. Result: +/ −, unscheduled deposits (Y/N).

4. Emotions 0-10 before/after.

5. Violations (timer/catch/limits).

6. One lesson + one correction.

Mini review once a week (10 minutes). Consider:

NED - weeks without unscheduled deposits, SRL -% of sessions with observed stop loss (target ≥80%), RCP -% of reality checks without ignoring (target ≥90%), BRV - rate spread (lower - better), ERT - seconds before applying the technique (<30 seconds).

A quick plan to "translate myths into action" (30 minutes today)

1. Money: monthly limit ≤1 -2% of income + "deferred increase."

2. Risks: stop loss 2-3% BR, rate ≤1% BR, autologist-out.

3. Time: timer 20-25 minutes + reality check; night sessions - stop.

4. Technique: 3-minute pause before entering; urge surfing at thrust.

5. Wednesday: "gambling" blocker on devices (code for buddy).

6. Transparency: "6 lines" diary + reminder for weekly review.

7. Reliance: agreement with buddy for a 10-min report on Sundays.

Red flags - replace myths with pause

Replenishment from "mandatory" money/credit card.

3 + self-tests "yes" in 2 weeks (dogon, night sessions, stealth).

Breakdowns after "tough promises."

Action: cool-off 72 hours, card limit "Game" = 0, conversation with a loved one, appointment with a specialist.

Myths promise an "easy way out," but actually support the risk. Procedures instead of sensations, data instead of memory, supports instead of loneliness - this is what returns control. Start today with one step from the plan, and in a couple of weeks you will notice fewer dogons, more stable rates and a calmer head.