How will I know if I have a gambling addiction problem?

The behavioral patterns of an addictive gambler are as follows:

• Persistent involvement with gambling, anxiety and irritability when gambling is interrupted or reduced.


• Tendency towards borrowing money in order to temporarily address financial problems.


• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control, reduce or interrupt gambling.


• Long or unwarranted periods of absence from home and work.


• Duplicate loans, overused credit cards, bounced checks and unjustified lack of money from the family budget.


• Intensive study of sports schedule and sports picks from television, newspapers, radio and the internet.


• Isolation to focus better on the ways to gamble.


• Refusal to accept advice or remarks made by others about how to deal with gambling.


• Decline in work efficiency.


• Discomfort, anger and staggering tension if an occurrence prevents gambling.


• Happy mood, inflated self-esteem and relief in case of profitable gambling.

If you think you have a gambling addiction issue, the following questions can help you verify it:

• Does gambling prevent you from being consistent in your work or studies?


• Do you bet just to pass some time or because you feel bored?


• Do you gamble to pay debts or solve some financial problems?


• Do you gamble until you lose all your money?


• Have you ever lied to hide the amount and time you spent in gambling?


• Do you gamble alone and for long periods of time?


• Has anyone criticized you for your gambling?


• Have you lost interest in family, friends and other entertainment activities?


• Have you lied, stolen or borrowed to maintain your gambling habits?


• Have you lied, stolen or borrowed to try to get even?


• Are you reluctant to spend gambling money on something else?


• After a loss, do you feel you have to try to win back your losses as fast as possible?


• Do you want to bet after a quarrel or a disappointment?


• Do you ever feel depressed or consider harming yourself as a result of gambling?

The more positive answers, the greater the probability of having a gambling addiction problem.