What are the risks of gaming?

Gaming can be entertaining, but certain features and behaviors may increase the risk of developing harmful gaming habits or gambling addiction. Below is a breakdown of common risk factors and how they affect players.

Key Risk Factors in Gaming

1. Fast-Paced Gameplay and Autoplay Features

• Games with a rapid pace, especially those with short intervals between actions and results, can lead to impulsive decisions.

• Autoplay functions eliminate the pause between rounds, reducing time for reflection and increasing the risk of losing track of spending or playtime.

The shorter the decision-making window, the higher the potential risk for problem behavior.

2. Stimulating Sounds and Visual Design

• Many games use exciting sound effects, animations, and visuals designed to enhance player engagement.

• These elements may be intentionally addictive, triggering emotional responses and reinforcing continued play.

Flashing lights, upbeat music, and reward animations can all increase the urge to keep playing.

3. Extended Play Without Breaks

• Playing for long periods without breaks can significantly increase the risk of overspending and loss of control.

• When players lose track of time, they are more likely to exceed their planned budget or time limits.

OlyBet offers responsible gaming tools to help you monitor your playtime and spending. These include session timers, spending limits, and reality checks.

4. Raising Stakes to Prolong Excitement

• To maintain the same level of excitement, some players may gradually increase their bets.

• This behavior can lead to riskier decisions and eventual loss of control during gameplay.

Escalating bet sizes is a common red flag for risky gambling behavior.

5. Illusion of Increased Winning Chances

• Frequent small wins can create the illusion that big wins are more likely, even when the actual odds remain unchanged.

• This false perception can increase the risk of compulsive play and chasing losses.

Feeling “close to winning” can be deceptive and may reinforce unhealthy gaming patterns.

Stay Informed, Play Responsibly

Understanding the structure of games and how they can influence your behavior is a key part of responsible gaming. Use the available tools to set limits, take breaks, and stay in control.

If you have any additional questions or need assistance, please contact our customer support team using your preferred method. Choose your option HERE.