Signs of Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction (also called “pathological gambling”) is a growing problem in the United States with an estimated two million people afflicted with this condition. The majority of American adults (85%) have gambled during their lifetimes and approximately 60% will have done so in the previous year. Whereas most people know when to cut themselves off, an estimated four to six million (or 2-3% of the population) have problems with gambling. A problem gambler differs from a pathological gambler in the number of criteria they meet.  Compare your loved one’s behavior to the points that have been enumerated below.

• Borrowing Money – Someone with a gambling addiction will be willing to go into debt trying to get ahead.
• Failed Attempts to Quit – A gambling addict may realize that his or her behavior is causing problems in his or her life but may be unable to stop even with genuine effort.
• Depression and/or Suicidality – A pathological gambler gets a high from winning and tries to recreate this high with each new gambling experience.  However, as anyone who has ever gambled realizes, winning is primarily the result of luck.  When addicts inevitably lose, especially if they have wagered a large amount, they may feel despair and may consider taking their own life.
• Illegal Activity – If the person has resorted to stealing money or other illegal activities to finance his or her gambling, this is often a clear sign of addiction.
• Problems Sleeping – A person who is a gambling addict may lose sleep –because of excitement from a win, devastation from a loss, or anticipation of the next gambling experience.
• Guilt – After a gambling spree, especially an unsuccessful one, a pathological gambler may feel remorse and regret.
• Gambling to “Pay the Bills” – When an addict is desperate for money to pay debts, he or she may turn to the slots or the table instead of to an employer.
• Unable to Stop – When gambling addicts start a game, they are unable to pull themselves away, even if it is clear to everyone involved that they are on a losing streak.
• Spending Everything – An addict will keep playing until all of the money that they have with them is gone; they may withdraw money from their savings account or may spend their paycheck the day they get it.  They may also neglect their bills in an attempt to get ahead financially.
• Belief That They Can Control the Table – An addict may think that certain rituals, numbers, or strategies will help them win if they only continue to play long enough.
• Real “Gambling” – People who do not have problems with gambling are likely to only gamble money that they have set aside or deem a reasonable amount within their budget and income. Gambling addicts, by contrast, tend to take unreasonable risks; they may bet their house or a year’s income without considering the potential negative consequences for themselves and their families.

If you have reason to believe that a friend or family member is a gambling addict, consider setting up an intervention (either with a professional interventionist or by yourself) to get them help.