Warning Signs of a Gambler

Most people can buy a lottery ticket or place a bet on a football game and enjoy a little harmless fun. But for about 3 million Americans, gambling is an serious addiction that destroys families and futures. Health experts estimate an additional 12 million people suffer with a less severe form of the impulse control disorder that leads to problem gambling. Although it is not as apparent as other types of addictions, there are signs that a person may be struggling with a gambling problem.

Preoccupation With Gambling

• People who spend a lot of time thinking about gambling may be showing the first signs of a problem. People who are always thinking ahead to a trip to the track, a visit to a casino or a quiet hour alone when they can gamble online may have an unhealthy preoccupation with gambling.

  A continual search for money to gamble or juggling a schedule to make time for gambling are ways a problem gambler begins shifting priorities and responsibilities to accommodate the desire to gamble.

Mood Swings

• Mental health experts believe gaming gives problem gamblers a sense of security and comfort that's lacking in other parts of their lives. Despite the financial damage gambling often causes, problem gamblers use a casino or race track as an emotional anchor. Gambling reduces the stress that accumulates from other parts of their lives.

  Problem gamblers can become angry, irritable or depressed when they try to stop or when opportunities to gamble are not available.

Chasing Losses

• Determination to win back lost money is a classic sign of a problem gambler. People who lack control over their gambling are often unable to cut their losses and walk away. They see getting even through a big win as the solution and often risk money earmarked for mortgage payments or tuition bills to try to recoup what has been lost. Often, they try to borrow money sincerely believing it's a temporary, short-term loan that will be repaid as soon as their luck changes. Even when problem gamblers are able to win back their losses, they are rarely able to stop betting.

Character Traits

• According to Gamblers Anonymous, many problem gamblers are unwilling to face their responsibilities. Rather than accept the need to work and earn the things they need, they see a winning wager as a legitimate short cut.

  Gamblers Anonymous takes the position that the desire to avoid responsibility is a subconscious obsession and a root cause of problem gambling. Other mental health organizations suggest problem gambling is a disorder that can be triggered by stress from a major event such as a divorce, job loss or retirement.

Relationships

• Problem gamblers often hide their habit from family and friends. The constant search for cash for wagers and debts can sometimes lead to theft, forgery and other crimes. Problem gamblers will sometimes take such risks rather than raise a warning flag by asking a friend for yet another loan.

  Compulsive gamblers also become gradually more undependable and unable to maintain friendships and relationships because they lack the money to participate in normal activities or gambling has become their primary focus leaving little time for anything else.