Symptoms & Signs
The following are some signs that a person may have a gambling problem:
• Gambling for longer periods of time-spending long or increasing amounts of time at gambling venues
• Preoccupation with gambling-constantly thinking about and preparing for gambling
• “Chasing losses”-gambling more often and playing higher stakes to “win back” lost money
• Frequent, unexplained absences-from home or work and undue secrecy
• Gambling to escape from obligations or life’s daily pressures
• Growing debt from gambling
• Lying
• Criminal activity to finance gambling
• Neglecting family/personal needs-e.g., nutrition, sleep, schooling or general well-being
• Intimacy issues / emotional & physical distance
• Children exhibit guilt and shame (overvalue money materialism)
• Child takes role of pseudo-parent (loyalty to parents vs. blowing the whistle)
• Problems with substance abuse (drugs and alcohol)