Mental Health

Gambling Problems

For most people, gambling is a social event done responsibly. For as much as 4% of all adults, though, gambling can disrupt their lives. About 2 million (1%) of adults in the U.S. meet the criteria for pathological gambling.

 

Another 4 to 8 million persons (2–3%) are problem gamblers. They are not pathological gamblers, but have problems due to gambling.

Signs & Symptoms

For Pathological Gambling

Pathological gamblers are addicted to gambling. They do 5 or more of these things:

•  They are pre-occupied with gambling. They dwell on past gambling events, plan future gambling bouts, and/or think about ways to get money to gamble with.

•  They need to increase the amount of money to gamble with to get a desired level of excitement.

•  They have tried to control, limit, or stop gambling without success.

•  They are restless or very cranky when they try to limit or stop gambling.

•  They gamble to escape problems or to relieve negative feelings.

•  They gamble to get even for past gambling losses.

•  They lie to others to hide how much they are involved with gambling.

•  They have stolen or done another illegal act to get money for gambling.

•  They have lost a job, a relationship, etc., due to gambling.

•  They rely on others to bail them out from money problems due to gambling.

Other Problems Pathological Gamblers Have

•  They abuse alcohol or drugs.

•  They sleep poorly.

•  They are prone to stress-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, headaches, and mood disorders, such as depression.

•  They have thoughts of suicide.

•  They gamble constantly.

•  They want to have wealth and material goods without working hard to get them.

•  They think that money is both the cause of and solution to all of their problems.

•  They feel important or “in control” and over-confident while betting.

Causes

Problem gambling occurs when gambling can’t be controlled. It may follow years of social gambling, but then may be set into motion by a stressful event or greater exposure to gambling.

 

Problem gamblers report that one or both parents had a drinking and/or gambling problem.

Treatment

Problem gambling is an illness. It needs professional treatment.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

Along with professional treatment:

•  Learn all you can about gambling and its effects.

•  Contact Gamblers Anonymous (GA).

•  Ask your family and friends to help you take part in non-gambling activities.

•  When you feel compelled to gamble, do something else. Exercise. Take a warm bath or shower. Spend time on a hobby.

•  Get involved in school, church, and community activities. These can help distract you from gambling.

Resources

Gamblers Anonymous International Service Office

213.386.8789

gamblersanonymous.org

Download an offline pdf file.

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