15 Warning Signs of Gambling Addiction

Online gambling is more accessible than ever before — and that can cause huge problems for people addicted to gambling. From the beginning of casino gambling to the early 90’s, you’d have to drive to a Las Vegas casino or another land-based casino to get a taste of the action. Nowadays, most of us are connected to the internet and it’s so much easier to gamble. There are plenty of online casinos available for players using a computer, and a world of gambling that’s just a finger tap away on a smartphone or tablet.

One thing that players must do is gamble responsibly because the consequences of compulsive gambling are severe. Setting up safe boundaries and playing within them is a great start. We have compiled below a list of 10 problem gambling behaviors for you to keep an eye on that might be a sign of a gambling problem. The earlier you catch yourself, the easier it can be to fix. There are many addiction treatment facilities and programs ready to assist you with all types of gambling disorders but the first step is to see and admit to having a problem.

1) Ignoring Day-To-Day Responsibilities

Think of casino gambling as a form of entertainment: if you do it here and there, then that’s perfectly fine. If you’re starting to shirk your day-to-day responsibilities, that’s a bad sign. For example, if you skip work or do not pick your kids up from school because you are gambling, then this becomes problematic.

2) Mood Is Heavily Impacted

Gambling in the casino is supposed to be a fun form of entertainment. If you start to feel like your mood is being impacted by this, then something has gone awry. Sometimes, wins and losses can play heavily on your emotions. Players can get high when they win and conversely, get low when they lose. If you find that your gambling is negatively impacting your mood, it’s time to take a step back.

3) You’re Too Obsessed

It’s one thing to play from time-to-time and learn a bit of strategy. It’s a whole other level if you’re making detailed strategies from online gambling courses and plugging into to Twitch streams nonstop to watch people play slots. If you’re dedicating more time to gambling than you need to live a healthy and balanced life, then it’s likely becoming a compulsive problem.

4) Lying About Gambling

If you must hide what you’re doing, then that’s a sign that something is wrong. You should never have to lie about playing online or how much money you’re playing with. If you must keep the full details from your friends or family – the people who care most about you – then you’re outside the boundaries of responsible gambling.

5) Gambling More Than You Can Lose

Losing in sports betting, horse racing, or at the casino never feels good but there must be a clear line that the money you used for betting does not impact your financial responsibilities, stability, or plans. If you plan properly and lose within your gambling budget, then no impact on your financial situation should arise. If you set a gambling budget for $100 and lose $1,000, then this can signify a problem. Never play with more than you can afford to lose as that will start causing problems in your life.

6) If You’re Drinking, Smoking More

One in-depth study found that 75% of gamblers also had a drinking problem, 60% had a strong dependency on nicotine, and 38% abused drugs. If you are a drinker, smoker, or drug user, then observe your gambling habits closely as you are at a higher risk for your gambling to be out of control.

7) If You’re Male

Several studies have shown that men are much more likely to be problem gamblers than women. Obviously, you’re not a gambling addict because you are male, but just keep in mind that scientific research shows that men are more likely to have to deal with this problem.

Unfortunately, this higher rate of gambling addiction for men is well known and can be detrimental for women who think ‘oh, I’m not at risk, gambling addiction is just for men’. Perhaps a woman with a gambling problem might feel stigmatized for having a problem that is male-dominated and feel less safe going to support groups filled with men. We strongly urge women with any of the other signs of problem gambling in this list to please contact a support group listed at the end of the article.

8) You’re Afraid To Ask For Help

Gamblers should know that it is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw to be suffering from problem gambling. This is a mental health disorder that six to eight million Americans are challenged with. Many problem gamblers are successful, normal people who simply got into a downward spiral for one reason or another. If you are afraid of asking for help and are hiding your condition, this is a serious indication of problem gambling. Get the help you deserve and get back on track.

9) If Your Friends And Loved Ones Think You Have A Problem

The people closest to you tend to know you best. If they start to ask you questions about your gambling habits or wonder if you’re addicted, then maybe it’s time to seek some help. Be honest with yourself and be honest with them. If they tell you how they feel, no matter how uncomfortable it is to hear, make sure you listen and get help if they think you need it.

10) If You Experience Withdrawal

If you take a break from casino gambling or any other form of betting and you find that you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms, then you’re likely a problem gambler. This is an important sign to be aware of because it doesn’t base problem gambling on money, but how gambling makes you feel.  Some of the most common symptoms are feeling anxiety when you’re not playing, becoming more irritable, sinking into a depression, decreased sleep or appetite, or just generally feeling restless. If you go back to playing with cash and bonuses, and many of those symptoms go away, then you should look at a cool-off period and seek help. At this point, you’re likely needing some assistance.

How to get the help you deserve

The following help lines and organizations are waiting for you to contact them. They are built around giving the best support and guidance for people addicted to gambling. Reach out to them today.

The National Problem Gambling Helpline is full of local resources for those seeking help with a gambling problem: 1-800-522-4700

Gamblers Anonymous meetings are in your local area: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/locations

Here is a list of local help lines you can call directly: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/hotlines

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Gambling doesn’t need to be the end; they can help you. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To contact, simply call 988.

Gambling Industry Addiction Prevention

For casino operators and others in the gambling industry who are looking to create the safest gambling environment for their customers and develop world-class problem gambling support tools and guidance, join the American Gaming Association who are leaders in responsible gambling.

https://www.americangaming.org/responsibility/