Table of Content 11
In short
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Signs
Chasing losses, borrowing, hiding play and restlessness when you stop.
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First step
Tell someone you trust and block casino sites on your devices.
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Help
Gambling Therapy offers free online support; doctors in Rwanda can refer you for treatment.
So what
What it means for you
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If you are worried about someone
Talk calmly, without blame, and offer to help them find support. Protect your own money.
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If you feel in crisis
Contact a doctor or the nearest health facility straight away.
Full text
Why play can become a problem
- Wins and near misses give a quick rush that is easy to chase.
- Online casinos are open all day on your phone.
- Playing alone makes it easy to hide.
- Bonuses and promotions encourage more play.
- Play can become a way to escape stress or sadness.
- Games with choices can make you feel more in control than you are.
Signs in yourself
- You think about playing much of the time.
- You need bigger bets for the same excitement.
- You try to win back losses.
- You use savings or money meant for essentials.
- You feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down.
- You neglect work, study or family.
- You hide how much you play.
Signs others may notice
- Unexplained money problems or loans.
- Strong mood swings tied to wins and losses.
- Missed work or falling performance.
- Withdrawal from friends and family events.
One or two signs do not prove an addiction, but they are a reason to look more closely.
Steps to stop
- Admit to yourself that play has become a problem.
- Self-exclude at your casino accounts and install blocking software.
- Tell someone you trust, and let them help with money for a while.
- Fill the time with other activities: sport, family, community.
- Join a support group, online or in person.
- Talk to a counsellor or doctor about treatment.
Help in Rwanda
Addiction is treated in Rwanda's mental health services. The Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital near Kigali and the mental health services of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre and the university teaching hospitals CHUK and CHUB can assess and treat it, and your local health centre can refer you. Online, Gambling Therapy offers free support at any hour.
Recovery is possible
Many people stop for good. Setbacks happen; what matters is getting back to the plan. Our responsible gaming page covers the tools that help.
Blocking and self-exclusion tools
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Casino self-exclusion | Closes your account at one casino for a set period |
| Gamban | Blocks casino sites and apps on all your devices |
| BetBlocker | Free blocker for phones and computers |
| Bank or wallet controls | Some banks can block payments to casino merchants |
Where to get help
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a casino addiction?
A loss of control over play that continues despite harm to money, health or relationships.
How do I know if I have a problem?
If you chase losses, borrow to play, hide it or cannot cut down, talk to someone and seek help.
How can I prevent it?
Set limits before you play, keep sessions short, never chase losses and take regular breaks.
Can I recover on my own?
Some people do, but support from family, a group or a professional makes it much more likely.
Is there support in Rwanda?
Yes. Mental health services, including Ndera hospital, treat addiction, and Gambling Therapy offers free help online.