Problem gamblers, defined as ‘gamblers who gamble with negative consequences and a possible loss of control’ feel the need to bet more and more to feel the rush they have felt in the past.
While an occasional bet can be fun and harm-free, when betting starts to negatively impact your life, it’s time to take control, before it takes control of you
Common signs of a gambling problem
You can’t stop
According to a 2018 NHS study, over 280,000 people in the UK are problem gamblers – they spend too much time and money on gambling and when they want to stop, they can’t. As opposed to casual gamblers who might spend some of their extra money on gambling, they may gamble more than they can afford or until all their money is gone.
You lie about gambling habits
Problem gamblers often lie to their family, friends and work colleagues about their gambling habits, as well as themselves – a psychological process called cognitive dissonance. They will rationalise their behaviour, lying about how much they spend, where they are or what they are doing.
You gamble more than you can lose
3.1% of gamblers in the UK have bet more than they can lose – problem gamblers can go into debt and risk having their homes/cars taken from them. A casual gambler will either set a gambling limit or simply stop gambling when their losses become more than they can afford.
You borrow money to pay for gambling
When addicted, problem gamblers don’t stop gambling when they run out of money, they borrow from friends, family or work colleagues, or use bank loans. Some may resort to criminal activities to fund their gambling habit such as theft.
You chase your losses by gambling more
Known as ‘chasing’ – problem gamblers attempt to recover their gambling losses by having ‘one more bet’. Each bet placed that doesn’t win increases the total loss, meaning more and more money is needed to chase the total loss.
Your family and friends think you have a problem
The opinion of people that care is a good indicator that a person has a gambling problem. Family and friends are observant and will pick up on the signs of problem gambling (such as lying about gambling habits). Problem gamblers often choose to push their friends, family and work colleagues away rather than addressing their gambling problem.
What to do if you have a problematic gambling habit
Admit you have a gambling problem
Like any addiction, the first step is admitting that you have a problem and then you can begin to address the underlying reasons for your gambling. You can use the NHS problem gambling questionnaire to check if you are a problem gambler.
Get support
Involve friends, family or work colleagues that you trust in your journey to recovery – they will want to see you recover and reclaim your life. Gamblers Anonymous UK offer a free of charge community support network.
Remove temptations
Gambling triggers can often be specific people or environments (such as casinos); you should limit or remove these from your life to remove the temptation to gamble.
Seek professional help
The NHS suggests the following treatment and support groups for people who want to stop gambling:
- GamCare – providing free information, support and counselling
- National Gambling Helpline – 0808 8020 133
- Gordon Moody Association – providing residential courses to address gambling problems.