How do Online Casinos handle problem gambling?

**SlotsPlayer** · 20th August 2006, 01:48 AM

Originally Posted by sjack827

I don't think they can detect "problem gambling". A couple of years ago I emailed King Neptunes and told them to close my account and not contact me again. They didn't contact me at all but months later I was able to log in without a problem.

Recently I've closed accounts with Firepay, Citadel and yesterday Click2pay. Firepay told me they will not re open another account with me and Click2pay said they will honor my request to block any attempts to open another account with them. I have to write a letter to get Citadel to re open my account with them. They seem better equiped to handle the problem gambler rather than the casino since they actually handle the monies involved. There was no problem closing these accounts and all of them seemed to understand.

I don't mean to hijack this thread but this is a timely subject with me since I myself am a problem gambler and have had to take steps to limit my ability to gamble online. One cannot count on the casino's -- no matter how reputable -- to do this for them. They can't. If a person is determined to gamble online that is what they will do and there are 100's of online casinos at which to do just that. In my case my credit cards do no work so I had to use my bank accounts to deposit monies -- with disastrous results.

Almost 2 years ago I was having the same problems except my financial situation was even more desperate. After attending GA meetings, being "clean" for over 1 1/2 years and getting back on my feet financially, I stupidly believed that I could "handle" gambling again (both online and off). Well, now I know that I cannot place a single bet anymore than an alcoholic can take a single drink -- the whole thing starts up again and ends up the same way. I do not blame the casinos or anyone else; deep down inside I knew what I was doing but I did it anyway.

I honestly love gambling and online gambling was just great. I didn't have to drive hours to a land casino and the games/payouts seemed fair. I could do this in the privacy of my own home. I am not knocking gambling online or landbased; I think it is great entertainment and the software will only get better. I just can't seem to handle it though and I know that there are others who can't either. But I do not believe that the online operators have the ability to detect a problem gambler nor the responsibility for helping them if they themselves don't ask for help.

sjack, I am one of the others who can't handle it. After quitting for five months straight, I just started up again the other day. I closed my firepay, neteller, and click2pay accts over a year ago, reopened neteller once then closed it again. I'm now using Instadebit and e-check. I think I need to close Instadebit as soon as possible. I'm not sure about e-check though, they are processed by Citadel, but since there is no actual account to close (I guess I could just have them permanently block me in their system). I figure if I take away all my payment options, I can quit for good.

**rowmare** · 20th August 2006, 04:49 AM

I was listening to talk radio the other day where the person being interviewed represented a British Columbia Responsible Gambling organization, British Columbia Partnership for Responsible Gambling - She said that they have helped a lot of people and the service is free.

Maybe there is a similar organization in your area. I've started a list of resources here, Responsible Gambling Resources , if you know of one that should be on the list, please let us know.

Once you've taken steps to control the behavior, getting involved with a group or talking with an expert would help reinforce what you have accomplished on your own.

**jetset** · 20th August 2006, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by SlotsPlayer

sjack, I am one of the others who can't handle it. After quitting for five months straight, I just started up again the other day. I closed my firepay, neteller, and click2pay accts over a year ago, reopened neteller once then closed it again. I'm now using Instadebit and e-check. I think I need to close Instadebit as soon as possible. I'm not sure about e-check though, they are processed by Citadel, but since there is no actual account to close (I guess I could just have them permanently block me in their system). I figure if I take away all my payment options, I can quit for good.

Slots Player, I believe that recognition that you may have a problem is the first major personal step forward that will enable you to keep control - hang in there and if you have not already done so I would suggest you contact one of the help outfits for further guidance.

Rowmare, that's an impressive list for US and Canadian players - congratulations!

**romosan** · 20th August 2006, 10:55 AM

Here is another option...it blocks all online gambling on your computer for a year I think.

GamBlock - We block access to online gambling

**1stworldcasino** · 20th August 2006, 11:47 AM

Denise Coats of BET365 told me that they go to great lenghs to detect problem gambling. They then refer the customers to GA. Apparently this actually costs them a lot of money in lost revenue.