What Are the Symptoms of Problem Gambling?

Gambling is a worldwide problem. According to overcominggambling.com, 15 million people display some form of gambling addiction. Gambling can involve any type of betting real cash for a game or lottery. There are more than 260 gambling casinos nationwide and at least 37 states that offer a lottery. Gambling is considered an addiction, and, if left untreated, it can cause devastating effects on an individual's personal and work life.

Increased Debt

• One of the first signs that someone may be gambling their money and losing is by an increased debt load. This can mean opening new credit cards, taking out personal loans, increasing credit limits on credit cards and obtaining a second mortgage on a home. Increased debt does not always involve commercial credit loans from a bank; it can also mean loans from family members and friends. If a problem gambler borrows money to pay off a gambling debt, he may pay it off only to ask for another loan elsewhere. This makes it almost impossible to ever pay off the loan.

Secrets

• Most people who have problems with their gambling are secretive about their gambling and their finances. One of the first things they may do is lie about going to the casino, horse race track or bingo hall. They make up excuses as to why they miss dinner dates and other important family events when they are really gambling. Secrets could be as simple as saying they had vehicle trouble or ran into traffic problems. Being late once in a while can quickly turn into missing events completely. Some problem gamblers use excuses to be late for work to stop off and gamble at the casino first. Hoarding money is also a trait of problem gamblers. They may receive a bonus or income tax refund and keep the money to themselves to feed their gambling habit rather apply it toward debts and bills.

Stealing

• Another very serious symptom of problem gambling is when someone steals money or merchandise to get money for their gambling habit. This can hit as close to home as taking money from spouses or even children. Some gamblers will drain their family member's bank account in the hopes they will win big and replace the money before anyone finds out. Generally the money is not won back but lost---forcing the gambler to lie about why he took the money.

Blame and Anger

• When problem gamblers are on a strong losing streak, they can often be heard blaming other people. Oftentimes they do this out of anger. They may blame the gambling casino, the machines or even the card dealers. They may also blame themselves and then dive directly into another addiction or pattern of bad behavior such as an alcoholic binge, drug use or overeating. They may suddenly develop anger in the main relationships in their life such as family, friends and co-workers. They may show symptoms and signs of depression combined with angry outbursts for no apparent reason.

Competitiveness

• Another symptom of problem gambling revolves around competitiveness. This trait can be brought out while gaming but may also lead into other aspects of personal and career life. The gambler may expect to win and succeed in his work life. These people can show complete opposite personalities at work by missing several days, being late or having a real down day only to be counteracted by a highly productive day. They may even begin to turn into binge workers---working overtime and countless hours to meet deadlines. They may become competitive at work and in personal relationships to try to be the winner under any circumstances.