Problem Gambling

Problem gambling is a serious condition that affects millions worldwide. Recognizing the signs early and seeking help can prevent devastating consequences for you and your loved ones.

What is Problem Gambling?

Understanding the difference between recreational and problematic gambling

Problem gambling, also known as gambling disorder or compulsive gambling, is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite negative consequences. It's recognized as a behavioral addiction by major health organizations worldwide.

Unlike recreational gamblers who set limits and can walk away, problem gamblers lose control over their gambling behavior. The activity becomes compulsive, leading to significant problems in personal, family, and financial areas of life.

Problem gambling exists on a spectrum. Some people may show early warning signs that, if addressed, can prevent progression to severe addiction. Others may already be experiencing serious consequences requiring professional intervention.

Recreational Gambling

  • • Gambles for entertainment
  • • Sets and respects limits
  • • Can stop when planned
  • • No negative life impact

At-Risk Gambling

  • • Sometimes exceeds limits
  • • Occasionally chases losses
  • • Minor financial stress
  • • Early warning signs present

Problem Gambling

  • • Cannot control gambling
  • • Constant chasing losses
  • • Significant life problems
  • • Professional help needed

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Recognizing these signs in yourself or a loved one is the first step

Behavioral Signs

  • Spending more time gambling than intended
  • Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money
  • Lying to family or friends about gambling habits
  • Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative feelings
  • Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
  • Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble

Emotional Signs

  • Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
  • Experiencing guilt or shame after gambling sessions
  • Feeling hopeless or depressed about gambling debts
  • Anxiety about finances related to gambling
  • Mood swings tied to winning or losing
  • Using gambling as the primary source of excitement

Financial Signs

  • Unexplained financial problems or debt
  • Missing bill payments or rent
  • Maxed out credit cards from gambling
  • Borrowing from family, friends, or loan sharks
  • Selling personal items to fund gambling
  • Taking out loans or second mortgages

Relationship Signs

  • Conflicts with family about money or time spent gambling
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Broken promises to stop or reduce gambling
  • Secrecy about whereabouts or spending
  • Neglecting partner or children
  • Loss of trust from loved ones

Self-Assessment Questions

Answer honestly — if you answer 'yes' to 4 or more, consider seeking help

1

Have you ever felt the need to bet more money to achieve the same excitement?

2

Have you tried to stop gambling but found you couldn't?

3

Do you feel restless or irritable when attempting to cut down gambling?

4

Do you gamble to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness or depression?

5

After losing money, do you often return another day to try to win it back?

6

Have you lied to family members or others to hide your gambling?

7

Have you jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or opportunity because of gambling?

8

Have you relied on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?

Note: This self-assessment is based on criteria used by healthcare professionals but is not a diagnosis. If you answered "yes" to several questions, we strongly encourage you to speak with a qualified counselor or healthcare provider.

Effects of Problem Gambling

The impact extends far beyond financial losses

Mental Health

  • •Depression and anxiety disorders
  • •Increased risk of suicide ideation
  • •Sleep disorders and insomnia
  • •Substance abuse as coping mechanism
  • •Chronic stress and burnout

Physical Health

  • •High blood pressure from chronic stress
  • •Weakened immune system
  • •Digestive problems
  • •Headaches and migraines
  • •Neglected personal health and hygiene

Financial Impact

  • •Bankruptcy and severe debt
  • •Loss of savings and retirement funds
  • •Damaged credit score
  • •Legal problems from debt
  • •Loss of home or assets

Relationships

  • •Divorce and family breakdown
  • •Loss of custody of children
  • •Damaged friendships
  • •Social isolation
  • •Trust issues that persist long-term

Getting Help

Recovery is possible — here's how to start

Steps to Recovery

  1. 1Acknowledge the problem exists
  2. 2Tell someone you trust about your gambling
  3. 3Self-exclude from casinos and betting sites
  4. 4Seek professional counseling or therapy
  5. 5Join a support group like Gamblers Anonymous
  6. 6Address underlying issues (stress, depression)
  7. 7Create a financial recovery plan
  8. 8Build a support network

Treatment Options

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps change thought patterns and behaviors around gambling

Support Groups

Gamblers Anonymous and similar peer support programs

Inpatient Treatment

Residential programs for severe cases

Financial Counseling

Help managing debt and rebuilding finances

Medication

For co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety

Help Resources by Region

Free, confidential support is available in your country

🇺🇸United States

National Council on Problem Gambling

1-800-522-4700

Gamblers Anonymous

Local meetings nationwide

National Problem Gambling Helpline

24/7 confidential support

🇨🇦Canada

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

Provincial helplines available

Gamblers Anonymous Canada

Local meetings in all provinces

ConnexOntario (Ontario)

1-866-531-2600

🇬🇧United Kingdom

GamCare

0808 8020 133

National Gambling Helpline

24/7 free support

BeGambleAware

Online chat and resources

🇦🇺Australia

Gambling Help Online

1800 858 858

Gamblers Anonymous Australia

Local meetings nationwide

State-based counselling services

Free and confidential

For Family & Friends

How to help someone with a gambling problem

Do

  • • Express concern without judgment
  • • Learn about problem gambling
  • • Encourage professional help
  • • Protect shared finances if necessary
  • • Take care of your own mental health
  • • Join a support group for families (Gam-Anon)
  • • Set healthy boundaries
  • • Be patient — recovery takes time

Don't

  • • Bail them out of gambling debts
  • • Make excuses or cover up for them
  • • Lecture, threaten, or give ultimatums
  • • Expect immediate recovery
  • • Take over their responsibilities entirely
  • • Blame yourself for their gambling
  • • Ignore your own needs and wellbeing
  • • Enable the behavior in any way

Recovery is Possible

Millions of people have overcome problem gambling and rebuilt their lives. The first step is recognizing the problem and asking for help. You don't have to face this alone — support is available 24/7 in the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia.

If you're in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact your local emergency services immediately.