While we see all sorts of fun and games relating to gambling on this blog I think it’s important to address that some people might have a problem when it comes to gambling. While 99% of us are OK with it the few that aren’t might not even know they have a problem until its too late! Here are ten signs that you might need to seek some gambling help or advice…
Ten Signs You Might Have a Hidden Gambling Problem
10 – Are you always thinking or talking about gambling?
These days gambling is just about everywhere with so many ways to have a flutter that it would be almost impossible to block yourself from them all. So why not take a step back from your own life and consider if you have even the smallest of gambling problems. Having a gambling problem is not just about spending more than you can afford to lose, it is about losing a little bit of yourself due to gambling as well.
9 – Have you ever lied about the amount of money you spent?
Maybe you have lied about where you are or how you lost some money. If you do start lying to your friends and family it’s a sign that gambling is starting to overtake your life and at that point, you need to stop and seek advice or ask for some from friends and family.
8 – Have you ever borrowed or moved money from one account to another just to get more to gamble?
If you have it might be an early warning that you are gambling more than you can afford to lose. Sure, you might be OK with the losses but is your family OK with it? Never, ever spend more than you intended to spend on a night out at a casino or at home online. Set a limit and stick to it, once that limit is gone you need to stop immediately.
7 – Have you been having arguments with family or friends about money or gambling?
If you have you need to stop what you are doing. At the end of the day there is plenty of help and advice out there, even watching some videos on YouTube might put your mind at ease, but whatever you do never let gambling rule your life, it should always be a bit of fun and when the fun stops…STOP!
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6 – Have you tried to win back the money you have lost?
This is called ‘chasing losses’ and it is one of the most obvious signs you might have a gambling problem. A bet or flutter should be about the chance of winning a little bit extra. The moment it becomes about winning enough to cover the amount you have already lost its a real issue.
5 – Have you ever gambled more to get a ‘bigger buzz’?
If you start to gamble more and more to get a bigger and bigger buzz you really need to stop and try and soft-ban yourself from any future gambling. If you can afford to lose big amounts and feel OK with big losses then go for it, but the moment you are not ‘OK’ with it is the moment you need some help.
4 – Have you ever questioned your own gambling habits?
If you have it might be your subconscious trying to get you to stop. Even if you slightly feel something is not right with the amount of time and money you gamble you should get some help.
3 – Has anyone else suggested you have a problem?
If they have maybe they are seeing something that you might not. Most people with a gambling problem don’t even know they have a problem until it is too late! So take your friends advice and consider stopping and getting some advice.
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2 – Who does gambling make you feel?
I’m not talking about those high-feeling wins, I am talking about the losses. Do you feel upset or even mildly depressed when that happens? If you do feel that way it is best to take a break from gambling or at least start to try and understand while you feel that way.
1 – Are you gambling more than you can afford to lose?
This is a sure-fire sign that something is not quite right. Gambling should be a little bit of fun but it if starts to become an addiction it is hard to shake off with so many opportunities for online poker games and mobile slot apps. If you start to gamble even a little bit more than you can afford the best course of action is to stop and seek some guidance from a close friend or relative. Do seek out sites like “Gamblers Anonymous UK” or something similar in your own country.
