Problem Gambling
Gambling is the activity of risking money or other bets of value on something with an uncertain result in hope of winning extra money or something of value. Gambling can go from a fun, harmless diversion to an unhealthy obsession with profound consequences. Problem gambling occurs when gambling behaviors become disruptive and damaging to your life. Whether you bet on sports, scratch off lottery tickets, loot boxes, roulette, poker, or slots—in a casino, at the track, or online—a gambling problem can strain your relationships, interfere with work, and lead to financial disaster. You may even do things you never thought you would, like running up huge debts or even stealing money to gamble.
Anyone who gambles can develop problems if they are not aware of the risks and do not gamble responsibly. The amount of money lost or won does not determine when gambling becomes a problem. Gambling becomes a problem when it negatively impacts any area of the individual’s life.
Problem Gambling Signs and Symptoms
Problem gambling may be referred to as a “hidden illness” since there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms like there are with other serious addictions such as drug or alcohol addiction. Problem gamblers also typically deny or minimize the problem—even to themselves. However, you may have a gambling problem if you:
- Feel the need to be secretive about your gambling.
- You might gamble in secret or lie about how much you gamble, feeling others will not understand or that you will surprise them with a big win.
- Have trouble controlling your gambling.
- Once you start gambling, can you walk away? Or are you compelled to gamble until you’ve spent your last dollar, upping your bets in a bid to win lost money back?
- Gamble even when you don’t have the money.
- You may gamble until you’ve spent your last dollar, and then move on to money you don’t have—money to pay bills, credit cards, or things for your children. You may feel pushed to borrow, sell, or even steal things for gambling money.
- Have family and friends worried about you.
- Denial keeps problem gambling going. If friends and family are worried, listen to them carefully. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. Many older gamblers are reluctant to reach out to their adult children if they’ve gambled away their inheritance, but it’s never too late to make changes for the better.
Take the Problem Gambling Quiz!
Dealing with Gambling Urges
Feeling the urge to gamble is normal, but as you build healthier choices and a strong support network, resisting cravings will become easier. When a gambling craving strikes:
- Avoid isolation.
- Call a trusted family member, meet a friend for coffee, or go to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.
- Postpone gambling.
- Tell yourself that you’ll wait 5 minutes, fifteen minutes, or an hour. As you wait, the urge to gamble may pass or become weak enough to resist.
- Visualize what will happen if you give in to the urge to gamble.
- Think about how you’ll feel after all your money is gone and you’ve disappointed yourself and your family again.
- Distract yourself with another activity, such as going to the gym, watching a movie, reading a book, or practicing a relaxation exercise for gambling cravings.
Helplines for Problem Gamblers
The Michigan Gambling Helpline offers free, confidential, one-on-one support through trained, experienced professionals available 24/7 at 1-800-270-7117.
The National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline offers a confidential, 24-hour helpline for problem gamblers or their family members at 1-800-522-4700. Text 800GAM to connect with a trusted source for services related to treatment options, referrals to support groups and peer-support programs, and financial counseling to assist in managing and addressing financial problems that may have arisen due to problem gambling.
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling is an organization that provides assistance to those who need help managing debt and regaining control of their finances. Call 1-800-388-2227 to connect with a counselor one-on-one to create a personalized financial action plan.
Visit GamTalk for assistance, support, and to read stories of hope and recovery from peers on the community wall.
Preventing Suicide in Problem Gamblers
When faced with the consequences of their actions, problem gamblers can suffer a crushing drop in self-esteem. This is one reason why there is a high rate of suicide among compulsive gamblers and their family members. Problem gamblers who have mental health problems or who heavily use drugs and alcohol have a higher risk of attempting suicide. If you or someone you know feels suicidal or is making plans to end their life, get help now. Call 911 or 988 immediately, go to your local emergency department, or use the resources listed below.
If you suspect your loved one is feeling suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the U.S. at 1-800-273-8255 or 988 or visit Befrienders Worldwide.
Tips for Family Members
- Start by helping yourself. You have a right to protect yourself emotionally and financially. Don’t blame yourself for the gambler’s problems or let his or her addiction dominate your life. Ignoring your own needs can be a recipe for burnout.
- Don’t go it alone. It can feel so overwhelming coping with a loved one’s gambling addiction that it may seem easier to rationalize their requests “this one last time.” Or you might feel ashamed, feeling like you are the only one who has problems like this. Reaching out for support will make you realize that many families have struggled with this problem.
- Set boundaries in managing money. To ensure the gambler stays accountable and to prevent relapse, consider taking over the family finances. However, this does not mean you are responsible for micromanaging the problem gambler’s impulses to gamble. Your first responsibilities are to ensure that your own finances and credit are not at risk.
- Consider how you will handle requests for money. Problem gamblers often become very good at asking for money, either directly or indirectly. They may use pleading, manipulation, or even threats to get it. It takes practice to ensure you are not enabling your loved one’s gambling addiction
CALL: The Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline
1-800-270-7117
The Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline is a toll-free, confidential, one-on-one helpline that can give you the help and support you need to overcome a gambling addiction. Trained, experienced counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.