How to Deal With Problem Gambling

What You’ll Learn On This Page

• Recognising Problem Gambling –  Acknowledge when your activity has become problematic and evaluate whether you’re still treating gambling as a pastime.
• Signs of Problem Gambling – Learn how to determine if you or a person you know is suffering from a gambling problem. 
• Helping Yourself If You’re Worried About Problem Gambling – Discover how to assess your behaviour and what steps to take to regain control and adopt healthier habits.
• Helping Another Person Who You Think Might Have an Issue with Gambling – Do you suspect your loved one might have a gambling problem? Learn how you can support and help them.
• Read More About Responsible Gambling – Helpful articles related to responsible gambling and gambling addiction.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Recognising tendencies of problematic gambling in yourself requires self-awareness and honesty. To find out if people you care about are experiencing gambling issues, you must study their habits and reactions when you confront them about their gambling habits. Any signs of secrecy or defensiveness are strong indicators.

Common Signs in Yourself

There are many warning signs of a potential gambling problem.

Some are more obvious than others, but always take caution and seek help if you spot any of the following behaviours in yourself:

• You’re Secretive About Gambling: You gamble in secret or lie about how much you gamble because you feel a sense of shame or worry that others won’t understand.
• You Gamble When You Don’t Have The Money: You resort to selling possessions or using funds meant for other expenses to continue gambling.
• You Struggle To Cut Back, Or Stop Gambling:  You feel an overwhelming urge to gamble and find it difficult to reduce or stop gambling despite recognising the negative consequences.
• You Feel Restless Or Irritable When Trying To Cut Down: You feel frustrated or agitated when trying to avoid gambling.
• You Chase Losses: You gamble more aggressively to win back money you’ve lost.
• You Neglect Responsibilities: You miss work, neglect family or social obligations, and avoid commitments.
• You Borrow Or Steal Money: You borrow money from friends and family or engage in illegal activities to support your gambling habit.
• You Experience Financial Problems: You struggle to pay bills, indebt yourself, or experience other financial troubles as a result of your gambling.
• You Feel Guilt Or Remorse: You experience feelings of guilt or regret after gambling but still find yourself compelled to gamble again.
• You Gamble To Escape: You gamble as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions.

Common Signs in Others

When you believe someone close to you is suffering from gambling addiction, you must step in as early as possible.

If someone you care about shows any of the symptoms we’ve explained, it’s definitely time to take action. In addition to these indicators, there are a few common warning signs you’re likely to observe as a friend, partner or family member:

• Constantly Talking About Gambling: You notice an excessive focus on gambling, where they often discuss bets, wins, losses, or gambling strategies.
• Withdrawal From Social Activities: They fail to attend social interactions and activities they once enjoyed and choose to gamble instead.
• Asks To Borrow Money: The person regularly asks you to lend them money without explaining how they intend to use the money. And when they give a reason, it seems vague or nonsensical.
• Defensiveness When Asked About Their Gambling: They get aggressive or annoyed when you ask about their gambling habits.
• Continuous Financial Struggles: The person always seems to struggle financially for no apparent reason.

Helping Another Person Who You Think Might Have An Issue with Gambling

It’s hard to see someone you care about suffer. This is precisely why it’s crucial to know the best ways to approach this sensitive subject and, most importantly, suitable ways of being a good support system for them.

Approach the Subject

When addressing the issue of problem gambling with someone you care about, you need to be mindful and approach the conversation with a great deal of sensitivity.

Moreover, you should:

• Find a private and calm moment to talk in a distraction-free environment. Don’t choose a busy or chaotic place or one that’s packed with people. You want to have clear and open communication without interruptions.
• Avoid bringing up the topic when emotions are high or during a gambling session. This would be the least ideal time to broach the topic, as the person probably won’t be thinking clearly.
• Express your concern without being judgmental. Let the person know you care and want to help them. Remember, they’re most likely already feeling ashamed of their behaviour, so the right tone and body language make a difference.

Provide Practical Support

Aside from displaying sensitivity and empathy, you should suggest practical measures to ensure they get the help they need.

Here are some steps you can take:

• Encourage them to consult a therapist or counsellor who specialises in gambling addiction.
• Accompany them to their first appointment if they feel uncomfortable going alone. Your presence can provide the moral support they need to take the first step.
• Establish financial boundaries and find ways to stick to them. Work together to set a budget and create strategies to avoid situations where they might gamble.

Be Patient and Persistent

You must provide consistent encouragement and understanding while establishing firm boundaries to help the person in their recovery. Remember your role in all this and don’t fall into the trap of becoming an enabler.

Be firm and not lend them money or bail them out of gambling debts, since this can only encourage them to continue, making it harder for them to recognise the need to stop.

Regularly check in on their progress and offer encouragement, as recovery from gambling addiction is a long-term process. Consistent and continuous support helps them stay motivated and feel less isolated.