Signs of problem gambling include:
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement
- Becoming restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Making repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
- Lying or getting defensive about gambling
- Gambling to escape problems
- Risking your job, relationships and freedom
- Having an urge to return as soon as possible to win back losses after losing at gambling
- Feeling guilty or remorseful about gambling
- Being preoccupied with gambling and how to get more gambling money
- Losing interest in other hobbies and ignoring family responsibilities
Responsible Gaming
While it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of gaming, players should always keep these guidelines in mind:
- Play for fun
- Make sure the game does not affect your work or family environment
- Define a gaming budget, wager limits and loss limits — and stick to them
- Establish game times and do not exceed them. ...
- Do not continue gambling to try to win back losses
- The game should not cause stress or anxiety but serve only as a form of entertainment
While most people visit casinos for entertainment, there are others who view gambling as a necessity in their lives. These people suffer from problem gambling, an urge to gamble continuously despite harmful and negative consequences. Otherwise known as compulsive gambling or pathological gambling, this addiction exhibits behavioral patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits.
A person suffering from a gambling addiction will have an increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, “chasing” losses and restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop. In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family or even suicide. The consequences of a gambling addiction can be devastating but there is help available for those people who need it.
The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700). The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem. The network consists of 28 call centers that provide resources and referrals for all 50 states, Canada, and the US Virgin Islands. Help is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network also includes text and chat services. These features enable those who are gambling online or on their mobile phone to access help the same way they play. One call, text, or chat will get you to problem gambling help anywhere in the U.S. 24/7/365. Help is also available via an online peer support forum at www.gamtalk.org.
If you or anyone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Problem Gambling Helping at 1-800-522-4700.
