What is problem gambling? Problem gambling is excessive gambling that negatively affects key areas of a person’s life: physical or mental health, school or work performance, finances and relationships.
There are a number of risky behaviours that may indicate a gambling problem. Some of these include:
- Constantly thinking or talking about gambling.
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you can afford.
- Finding it difficult to control, stop, or cut down gambling, or feeling irritable when trying to do so.
- Feeling a sense of emptiness or loss when not gambling.
- Gambling more in order to win back losses or get out of financial trouble.
- Thinking that your gambling will get under control as soon you have a ‘big win’.
- Borrowing money, selling things, committing (or considering committing) criminal acts in order to get money for gambling.
- Having increased debt, unpaid bills, or other financial troubles because of your gambling.
- Often gambling until all of your money is gone.
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money or for longer periods of time in order to get the same feeling of excitement.
- Experiencing extreme highs from gambling wins and extreme lows from gambling losses.
- Gambling to escape personal problems or to relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or loneliness.
- Getting irritated more easily or having less patience when dealing with normal, everyday activities.
- Feeling guilty about gambling or what happens while gambling.
- Getting criticized by others for your gambling.
- Having arguments with friends or family about money and gambling.
- Refusing to discuss gambling with others or lying to cover it up.
- Hiding bills, past due notices, winnings, or losses from your partner or family member.
- Gambling instead of attending family or other social functions.
- Neglecting family or household responsibilities because of gambling.
- Neglecting work because of gambling.
- Neglecting personal needs (e.g., for food, sleep, hygiene) because of gambling.
- Consistently or always planning holidays where gambling is available.