It’s not pleasant to think about the possibility that you, or someone you love, is displaying problem gambling danger signs.
Having said that, it’s so important that you don’t ignore problem gambling danger signs when they do crop up. It can help you get the support you need to quit gambling before it becomes a major problem in your life.
Gambling problem danger signs
Now I’m going to list out some of the most common gambling problem danger signs. However, if you don’t think any of these fit you and you still feel like you have a gambling problem, please continue to get help. That nagging feeling should never be ignored.
1. Friction in your closest relationships
Our friends, family and partners are the people we rely on the most for support. They’re the people who know us best.
If you can see your relationships with your loved ones deteoriting, especially if you often fight about your gambling, it’s time to take a look inside and honestly ask yourself if you need to stop betting so much or stop altogether. This is one of the key gambling problem danger signs that you should never overlook.
2. Gambling more than you can afford
At the end of the month, do you find it hard to make ends meet? If you regularly blow your gambling budget and/or the money you spend on gambling is making it more difficult to afford rent, mortgage repayments, or any other living expenses, then you need to stop gambling.
3. Putting bets on credit
An essential basic for anyone who gambles, online or offline, is that you should only ever gamble will money you have.
Never put your bets on your credit card or take out a loan to pay for gambling. If you find yourself taking out loans in order to bet, or even if you’re tempted to do so, this is one of the strongest gambling problem danger signs.
4. Betting to make up for losses
You’ve suffered a big loss, or perhaps a series of small ones. And you think to yourself, I could really turn this around with one big win. So you keep betting. This is never a good idea. Chasing your losses is a really unhealthy behaviour that can lead to huge financial problems.
5. Always betting more and more
Maybe you’re not exactly spending more than you can afford on gambling. But you still find your gambling totals at the end of the month creeping up? Do you feel like you need to place bigger bets to get the same thrill as before? This is one of the major gambling problem danger signs.
6. You feel restless when you don’t bet
If you’ve haven’t placed a wager for a while, perhaps you start to feel a bit antsy. You know that restless feeling won’t go away until you relieve it with betting. This shows the harmful effect betting is having on you psychologically. Essentially, this is your brain signalling that gambling problem danger signs are already thriving in your mind.
7. Lack of concentration
Many people with gambling problems notice that their interest in many things begins to wane. That can be hobbies, which is a bad sign indeed. Or it could be at work or studies.
When you notice your performance at work slipping or your grades falling, you need to ask yourself why. If you think gambling might be playing a part, you need to stop before you do serious damage to your future prospects.
8. Nagging feelings of guilt
Do you feel guilty about gambling? Perhaps you regret how much time or money you spend on your habit. Don’t ignore these feelings. They are a sign that you’re doing it too much for your own comfort. One of the more subtle gambling problem danger signs, but still a key one to keep in mind.
9. Stressed out and anxious
Everyone goes through days when they feel stressed and anxious. But oftentimes people with gambling addictions find themselves much more stressed and anxious. Perhaps it’s a general feeling or maybe it specifically relates to gambling. Either way, you need to stop gambling and seek professional help.
Do you have gambling problem danger signs?
If any of these gambling problem danger signs sound familiar, the first thing you should do is stop all forms of gambling.
Go to your online sites and self-exclude or, at the very least, take a time out.
Then get further support to quit for good and deal with your problems from an independent organisation, such as Be Gamble Aware. This organisation serves those based in the United Kingdom. There you’ll find lots of resources to get help and effective tips on how to move forward.
If you’re not in the UK, there are lots of other organizations you can reach out to. See a comprehensive list of international problem gambling help organisations to get help close to where you are.
