Gambling Addiction

A trip to the casino, be it in Las Vegas, Atlantic City or online, is supposed to be a fun, enjoyable experience. For many the sights, sounds and overall atmosphere affords them a unique opportunity to just get a way from it all. For others, wagering on sports, blackjack or roulette is an action that latches on and becomes difficult to differentiate recreation from obsession. It’s not uncommon for gambling addiction to spiral out of control before the player knows he or she has a problem. This page is here to educate you on the types of gambling addictions, symptoms to look out for and how best to treat those you believe may have a problem.

Not all gambling addiction cases are created equal, specific symptoms vary from person to person. However, experts at the Addiction Center and Mayo Clinic list these as the most common signs of a gambling addiction:

• Having an obsessive preoccupation with gambling
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money just to get the same thrill
• Unsuccessfully attempting to control, cut back, or stop gambling
• Feeling restless or irritable when unable to gamble
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression
• Attempting to get back lost money by gambling more
• Jeopardizing or losing important relationships or school/work opportunities because of gambling
• Resorting to theft or fraud to get gambling money
• Being preoccupied with gambling, such as constantly planning how to get more gambling money
• Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of your gambling
• Asking others to bail you out of financial trouble because you gambled money away

While treatment for gambling addiction varies by case, most medial professionals believe the first step towards recovery is a gambler admitting they indeed have a problem. From there, behavior and cognitive behavioral therapy sessions with a psychologist is typically the next step. If needed, a doctor may prescribe medication to aid in recovery and mitigate related health issues such as depression.

It’s also common for those with gambling addiction to join support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous or ones recommended by their health care provider. By surrounding themselves with others fighting the same fight and/or those who are on the road to recovery, professionals believe this has a positive net benefit.

A good place to start one’s recovery is by calling a support hotline like National Problem Gambling Helpline via phone or text at 1-800-522-4700 or 1-800-GAMBLER. Both are 100% confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Additionally, most online casinos offer addiction resources to help their customers out in time of need: