Recognising the Signs of Gambling Problems
Gambling involves risking money or items of value on the outcome of an event involving chance. It can be done in many ways, from betting on football matches or horse races to playing poker and online casinos. People gamble for a variety of reasons, from socialising with friends to winning big. But gambling can be dangerous and lead to addiction. It is important to recognise the signs of gambling problems and seek help if necessary.
It is also important to distinguish between different types of gambling, as there is no one type that is more addictive than others. For example, scratchcards and fruit machines are a form of gambling but so is sports betting, fantasy leagues, or DIY investing. Similarly, it is possible to gamble without spending money on a game, for example by playing poker or cards with friends. This does not necessarily exclude gambling from the definition of a game, however, as there are still a number of financial risks involved.
Some people find it difficult to acknowledge that their gambling is a problem, but there are some warning signs that you should look out for. These include:
Being secretive about your gambling, lying to friends and family or hiding evidence of it. Spending more and more time gambling and ignoring other activities. Feeling compelled to gamble even when you have lost money or are in financial difficulty. Feeling the need to increase your bets or chase losses – this is known as the ‘gambler’s fallacy’.
Feeling irritable or angry if you don’t win or have a bad streak. Having feelings of guilt or shame about gambling, or being worried that you are wasting money. Being preoccupied with gambling, to the point that it interferes with daily life and affects work and relationships.
There are many reasons why people gamble, including:
For social or entertainment reasons – they enjoy the rush and excitement of the gambling experience and the idea of becoming rich if they win. They may also like thinking about what they would do with a large sum of money, or how it could change their lives.
It is also common for people to gamble for coping reasons, such as to forget their worries or to feel more self-confident. These reasons do not excuse a person from responsibility for their gambling, but they can help us understand them and be more supportive if we are concerned about someone close to us.
Some people have an easy time giving up gambling, while others find it much harder. If you are struggling with an addiction, you can find support and information at the below links. You can also try talking to a trusted friend or a professional counsellor. Lastly, try to reduce your financial risk factors by removing credit cards, closing online betting accounts, or only carrying a small amount of cash with you. You can also try avoiding gambling venues or using other recreational activities to socialise.
