These are some of the most common warning signs:
- Spending more money than intended on gambling.
- Gambling for longer periods of time than intended.
- Getting into serious financial trouble because of gambling.
- Lying to cover up gambling losses.
- Using gambling to escape personal problems and distressing feelings.
- Thinking about gambling all the time.
- Being unable to set limits.
- Gambling in spite of losing more than can be afforded.
- Problems paying bills because of gambling losses.
- Not paying bills to cover gambling losses.
- Gambling to cover losses.
- Destroying families and relationships because of gambling.
- Borrowing or stealing money from family, friends, or employers to keep on gambling.
- Experiencing poor job performance or losing a job because of gambling.
Gambling Problem Prevention Tips
- Gamble for entertainment, not as a way to make money
- Set a budget BEFORE you start to gamble and stick to it
- Never chase losses.
- Limit your time to gamble.
- Don’t mix drinking and gambling.
- Balance gambling with other recreational activities.
If any of these warning signs describes you or someone you know, call the 24/7 free confidential helpline and speak to a counselor:
