Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can harm your health and your relationships, and leave you in serious debt.
Gambling Isn't Always a Problem
Gambling is seen by many as a bit of fun or a hobby, and for the majority of people it can remain this way with no adverse effects. But for an increasing number of people, this isn’t the case and it can become a pathological compulsion. This in itself, however doesn’t necessarily result in problem gambling.
What is Problem Gambling?
There are people who can gamble regularly and compulsively their whole lives without any adverse effects. Gambling becomes a problem when the cost of your gambling habit outstrips your available funds and starts to create trouble in your life, such as stress, relationship problems, debt, depression, or when it causes you to lose time from work.
The need to continue gambling could drive you to use money destined for living expenses and eventually in to debt. You might then find yourself ‘chasing’, the term used for attempting to win back previous losses. This could in turn lead to you needing to beg, borrow or steal, to maintain your habit.
The Impact of Gambling
Problem gambling doesn’t just affect the gambler, the impact on family and friends is often irreparable. The tragedy is that gambling is an invisible habit and there are often no obvious indicators to those who live and work with a gambling addict, until the losses are so great that they have an impact on people other than the gambler.
As part of its work, Red Card delivers presentations which discuss the impact of gambling.
The negative impact of gambling might include things such as:
- Broken friendships
- Broken marriages, or relationships, leading to divorce
- Breakdown in family relationships
- Loss of sleep
- Change in personality
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Substance abuse – drugs & alcohol
- Poor performance at work, potentially leading to loss of empmployment
- Debt/bankruptcy
- Criminal activity
- Homelessness
Gambling Addiction
10 Tips for Safe Gambling
- Gamble for fun not for financial gain
- If you gamble set yourself a limit and stick to it!
- Always remember gambling can become addictive
- Understand the risks before you gamble
- Never borrow to gamble
- Never chase losses
- Never gamble to solve financial or emotional problems
- Be aware of the warning signs of gambling addiction
- If you have a problem don’t be afraid to seek help.
- Gambling ruins lives so treat it with RESPECT!
Spotting The Signs
Being a compulsive gambler can harm your health and relationships, and leave you in serious debt. Therefore, it is vital, not only for an addict but also for their peers, colleagues, friends and family, to recognise the early warning signs that may signal that they are suffering a relapse.