What are the signs of problem gambling?
Problem gambling develops gradually and the signs can be easy to rationalize or dismiss. Recognizing them early — in yourself or someone close to you — makes it much easier to get help before the situation escalates.
Behavioral signs
Spending more time and money gambling than originally intended. Chasing losses by betting more to try to win back what’s been lost. Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners. Lying about how much you gamble or how much you’ve lost. Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling. Continuing to gamble despite repeatedly promising yourself to stop.
Emotional and financial signs
Feeling irritable or restless when not gambling. Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression rather than for entertainment. Neglecting work, family, or health responsibilities because of gambling. Gambling-related debt that is growing rather than manageable. If several of these apply, speaking to a gambling support service is worth doing — the National Gambling Helpline and GamCare are both free and confidential.