Make no bones about it, online slots are designed to keep players deeply engaged in a dark flow state that makes it hard to stop a single session, much less abstain from playing altogether. Those who are vulnerable to developing habitual or compulsive behavior are even more likely to play in greater volume (expenditure) and with greater frequency.
The most problematic online slot design feature is described as a loss disguised as a win (LDW). It is a part of what keeps potentially compromised players such as yourself stuck in endless game-play. LDW is initiated when pleasing sounds along with mood-enhancing lights and colors accompany not just a win, but a loss. It is a tactic that tricks the brain into thinking that it is being rewarded when in reality the individual has experienced the exact opposite. The most cagey LDW tactic is found with online multi-payline slots. Multi-payline slots are those that allow players to wager on more than one line at once. An LDW event occurs when a player loses the majority of their wager on the main line, but receives a smaller payout on another line. This smaller payout is accompanied by delightful animations, lights, and sounds that are delivered with almost as much fervor as a big win. Although a player has sustained a net loss, their brain is rewarded with a release of dopamine and they are encouraged to dig their heels-in and keep the reels spinning. LDW piles on to other design elements and integrations that make slots engaging, such as fantasy themes that appeal to a wide variety of tastes.
As someone searching for help on how to stop playing online slots, you’re all too familiar with the experiences discussed above. Fortunately, you have arrived here at Kindbridge Behavioral Health. As the USA’s foremost authority on the treatment of problematic gambling behavior we are uniquely qualified to advise on a course of action that is effective, sustainable, and accessible. Please keep reading.
4 Powerful Steps to Stop Playing Online Slots When Previous Attempts to Quit Haven’t Worked
STEP 1: Delete All Slot Apps + Sites from Devices
Begin with any offshore casino apps and websites that you have downloaded on your devices and saved to your web browser. Not only are they illegal, they do not adhere to Responsible Gaming practices and have zero interest in protecting the health of players. Delete apps and clear web domains from your browsing history. It’s important to note that because offshore gaming operators integrate dark pattern elements into their digital platforms, your account will never truly be closed with them. They will most certainly send you follow-up emails and SMS messages after you have emptied your accounts. They will make all sorts of “FREE CASH” and “FREE PLAY” offers to get you back. This will occur months and often more than a year after abandoning them. In response, block all offshore domains from your Chrome and Safari browsers (here’s how) and report their re-marketing emails as unwanted spam. And since these are illegal operators that you’re dealing with, feel free to take a more aggressive stance against them. The FBI encourages anyone with information about illegal gambling operations to submit a tip to the FBI online or report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). If more Americans reported illegal offshore online slots operators, they may fear the wrath of federal intervention and stop marketing to players in U.S. states.
Once you’ve cleared offshore slots providers from your periphery, do the same with regulated gaming companies. Given that they are regulated by your state (where applicable) they will honor your request for self-exclusion and not send you re-marketing communications to try and win you back for the extent of the self-exclusion period. That being said, you must still delete their apps, clear your web browsing history, and block their domains from your Chrome and Safari (etc.) web browsers to avoid exposure to triggers. This process includes sweepstakes and social casinos which are legal in practically every U.S. states. While they do not draw the same scrutiny from regulators as online casinos due to technicalities regarding what constitutes gambling, they are just as dangerous for those who are not able to control their compulsion to play online slots.
Add an additional layer of protection against all forms of online slots, replacing deleted apps with those that effectively block access to casino gaming. Apps that will prevent your smartphones and tablets from accessing slots include the following:
- BetFilter
- Gamban (download here)
- BetBlocker (Apple and Google)
- GamBlock
*Please read reviews for each app and do your homework regarding which are best suited to your needs and devices.
What if You Have Funds in Your Online Slots Accounts?
In an ideal world, you would be able to withdraw account balances with online slot providers before removing and blocking them. However, most have rollover requirements that require you to play through “x amount” of times before you can withdraw your money, when the initial deposit was attached to a promotional bonus such as a 50% boost (for example) on your initial or reload deposit. Given that you’re struggling for help on how to stop playing online slots, we do not recommend playing through the rollover requirements, because it will send you deeper into a hole of despair. We know it may sting to leave a balance in your account/s, but you have so much more to lose by playing through prior to your attempt to quit online slots for good.
STEP 2: Take a Social Media Break
Free and real-money online slots have infiltrated America’s most accessed social networks, including Meta properties (Facebook, Instagram), X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok. The algorithms of each have spent months and years tracking your online slot playing behavior and will continue to feed you related content for the foreseeable future. In addition, you have have family, friends, followers, fans, and associates on social media who likely participate in online slot play. Thus, to remove triggers to keep playing online slots, you will likely need to take a break from social media until you are able to stop playing online slots.
Easier said than done, right? In fact, given how social networking has been integrated into our livelihoods, you may not be able to outright abstain from social media for any period of time. Understanding this, Kindbridge has put together a guide for how to protect your mental health from social media when you are not able to keep off of it. In the context of online slots, this includes unfollowing any accounts (commercial and personal) associated with slot play and altering your behavior on social media to forever change how each network’s algorithm perceives your interests and content consumption habits. Click the link below to access this FREE guide in greater detail:
STEP 3: Fill Time/Thoughts w/Alternatives to Slots
You’re doing great by digesting everything we’ve recommended so far! And now that we’ve addressed defensive tactics to avoid triggers and kick online slots to the curb, we now point to proactive steps that will swap the dopamine rush from slot gaming with dopamine (and other “feel good” neurotransmitters) associated with far healthier activities. That’s right, your brain will enjoy the same relative chemical reaction produced by slots with a variety of enjoyable things-to-do that are good for the mind, body, and soul. While everyone has their own preferences for what gets their proverbial juices flowing, dopamine-producing alternatives to consider include the following:
- Outdoor recreation
- Competitive team sports
- Travel (even if just on the weekends)
- Meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Taking on a passion project (artistic and/or entrepreneurial in nature)
For further insight, click the link below to access our FREE guide:
STEP 4: Connect to Counseling for Problematic Slot Play (and cooccurring issues)
Did you know that there are virtual counselors who have extensive experience treating individuals who struggle to escape the grip of online slots like you do? These counselors are available and ready to work with you today to address your struggle along with any cooccurring mental or behavioral issues that may be related to your habit or compulsion. Click the banner below to initiate your FREE assessment and to schedule a your first official online or telehealth session with a dedicated counselor. Alternatively you can call/email first with any questions you may have. We’re here for you!
Stop Playing Online Slots, with Help from Kindbridge
CALL +1 (877) 426-4258
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