How to Recognise a Gambling Problem
Gambling is an activity in which something of value (money, property, possessions or even time) is placed at risk in the hope of gaining something of greater value. People gamble for a variety of reasons including the adrenaline rush of winning, socialising with friends and family or as an escape from stress and worries. However, gambling can be harmful when it becomes compulsive and causes problems in a person’s life. Compulsive gambling is also known as ‘gambling disorder’ and can cause financial problems, relationship issues, debt and even suicidal thoughts.
Many people are unable to control their urges to gamble and this can lead to addiction. People can become addicted to any type of gambling including casino games, lotteries and sports betting. It is estimated that around $10 trillion is legally wagered annually worldwide (although illegal gambling may be much higher).
Problem gambling can have a major effect on someone’s life and can impact their health, wellbeing and relationships with family and friends. It can also affect work, study and their ability to look after children. People with a gambling problem may hide their behaviour from others and even commit fraud or theft to fund their gambling activities. They can also become isolated and depressed, experience anxiety or feel ashamed of their gambling behaviour.
It is important to recognise when a loved one’s gambling becomes a problem. Do they gamble until they have spent all their money, increase their bets in a bid to win back their losses or gamble for longer than intended? Are they often distracted by gambling thoughts or find it difficult to sleep? Do they argue with family or friends about their gambling habit?
Some people are at greater risk of developing a gambling problem than others. This includes adolescents, men, older adults, people who have a history of depression, anxiety or other mood disorders, and members of the Latino and Asian communities. Problem gambling can also be triggered by alcohol and drug use, and can make other mental health problems worse.
Reducing the access to money is a key way to reduce the likelihood of gambling. This can be done by getting rid of credit cards, using only those that can’t be used on gambling sites, closing online betting accounts or allowing a spouse or parent to manage the money, scheduling automatic payments with your bank and keeping only a limited amount of cash on you. It is also helpful to talk about your gambling habits with somebody who won’t judge you. This could be a trusted friend or a professional counsellor. It’s also important to replace the urge to gamble with healthy hobbies and recreational activities. Lastly, set goals for yourself to help you change your behaviour and stick to them. These may be short-term or long-term and should include reducing your spending, limiting your gambling time and finding other ways to socialise. You should also consider seeking professional treatment if you are concerned about your or a loved one’s gambling.
