Problem Gambling – Spot The Signs
The vast majority of people gamble for enjoyment and do it safely. However, a small number get over-absorbed leading to problems and sometimes, ultimately, addiction. In turn this can lead to problems with relationships, health, mental and physical, and of course, finances.
Spotting the signs early – in yourself or someone else – is important and can help towards curbing increased or worrying gambling behaviours. In some occasional instances it can literally be a life saver.
This guide looks at the various signs and symptoms – some quite obvious, some not so.
We look at this from both the perspective of identifying symptoms in your own behaviour or someone else’s.
Worried about money?
There are a number of situations and/or behaviours that indicate or suggest problem gambling. It can be a combination of these signs or just one:
- Being in debt
- Often or always struggling for money
- Spending more money than you/they can afford on gambling
- Neglecting financial responsibilities to spend on gambling – rent, bills, food, essentials
- Bills mounting up
- Borrowing money (openly) to gamble
- Borrowing (secretly) from other accounts – bills, mortgage, children’s’ accounts etc
- Gambling to get out of financial trouble
- Money going missing / theft from family, friends, employers
- Selling possessions to get money to gamble with
Behaviour with money when gambling online
Attitude and behaviour towards money while gambling are an indicator as to possible problems developing. Things to look out for:
- Exceeding budget or limits (time, loss, win)
- Chasing losses
- Gambling with larger amounts of money or for longer to get the same excitement or 'buzz'
- Gambling until all your money is gone
Changed personality and behaviours
Changes in behaviour, attitude and personality are indicators of preoccupation or worry. When it comes to problems developing for those gambling online things to look out for include:
Talking or thinking about gambling all the time
Do you think or talk about gambling all the time? Or more than you do for other interests or responsibilities such as work or study?
Changed behaviours
Signs to look out for that could indicate a developing gambling problem:
- Being overly self-absorbed, anxious, worried, irritable, moody, suffering from a sleep disorder or depressed
- Spending a lot of time alone
- Getting angry or flying off the handle easily
- Showing a lack of interest in other social or recreational activities
- A lack of interest in family, friends and socialising
Neglecting responsibilities to gamble
It’s a big red flag when someone spends time gambling while neglecting personal responsibilities and commitments such as:
- Work
- Study / education
- Family and friends
- Personal needs such as eating and hygiene
- Household responsibilities
Family, friends, people and activities
Being in denial about a growing gambling habit is a sure sign that it is something to worry about. This will likely show up by:
- Lying about gambling habits (how much time, how much money)
- Hiding gambling habits altogether
- Ignoring family or friends who may have flagged concerns
- Arguing with family or friends about money and gambling
- Losing interest in other activities or hobbies – going out or spending time with friends and family or taking part in social activities
What to do / how to get support
There are a number of organisations that support problem gamblers. In most instances that support, advice and guidance is free. Many also support problem gamblers’ families and friends. Don’t be afraid to talk to them – they’ve heard it all before.
Refer to our Get Support guide for a full list of organisations and contact details.
Summary
Gambling should be a bit of fun. It is not the answer to any problem, and should never be seen as a way to make money, or as an escape from personal issues. If you, or anyone you know is experiencing problems with gambling there is help at hand.
This guide is part of our collection of responsible gambling guides. The others are:
