13 Early Signs of Problem Gambling: Recognise the Main Symptoms

Here are ten warning signs that you or someone you know might be struggling with gambling addiction. The main warning signs of gambling addiction include obsession, rising bets, failed attempts to quit, secrecy, and gambling to escape stress. Financial problems, chasing losses, and emotional distress also signal a deeper issue. Recognizing the warning signs of gambling addiction is the first step toward recovery. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these behaviors, seeking help from a professional treatment center is essential. Gambling addiction is treatable, and with the right support, individuals can regain control of their lives.

Life’s complex, we get it – we’re here to help make things simpler

This article outlines eight signs that gambling may be causing more harm than you think and how to tell when it’s time to seek help. Getting professional help for gambling addiction is paramount, but there are strategies you can use at home to help you cope while you go through treatment. The first step to stopping gambling addiction is recognizing the problem. Once you realize you have a problem with gambling, it’s time to reach out for help.

• You may be able to catch an addiction before it becomes severe or avoid any future harm by addressing problem gambling as soon as possible.
• In severe cases of gambling addiction, the addict may engage in illegal ways of getting gambling money, especially if their gambling addiction has led to job loss.
• Gambling addiction can cause individuals to neglect their responsibilities at work, school, or in their personal lives.

She’s been an avid sports bettor for many years and has experienced success in growing her bankroll by striking when the iron was hot. In particular, she loves betting on football and basketball at the professional and college levels. Gambling addiction can show mostbet apk up in all different forms, like high-stakes poker, it’s sports betting, slot apps, crypto casinos, or fantasy sports. The format doesn’t matter nearly as much as the pattern, and that’s when gambling becomes hard to control and starts taking way more than it gives.

Social Warning Signs

The breach of trust caused by a gambling addiction can lead to a deterioration of relationships and, in some cases, an irreversible breakdown. The addiction also causes difficulties in the gambler’s professional environment and with their social engagements. As the addiction takes hold, a compulsive gambler might start to hide their behavior. Concealing receipts, lying about one’s whereabouts, or being evasive about financial situations are common practices. They might also find it hard to admit to their problematic behavior due to denial, leading to more secretive acts. As discussed in my most recent post, the face of gambling — and gambling addiction — is changing.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. Gambling problems won’t appear overnight—they’ll come in smaller increments, build slowly, and be accompanied by rationalizations and excuses. What started out as entertainment can turn into something that causes you to disappear from your life due to stress, secrecy, and regret. Asking for help isn’t something to feel shame about—it shows that you are holding yourself accountable and are ready to make a change. True Link Financial, Inc. is a financial technology company and not a bank. Banking services are provided by Sunrise Banks N.A. Your funds are FDIC insured up to $250,000 through Sunrise Banks, N.A., Member FDIC.