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Are You or is Someone You Know a Problem Gambler?

Gambling is a pastime that millions and millions of people enjoy all over the world but it’s also one that can become dangerous for a small percentage of players. If you are worrying that you may be a compulsive gambler there is a good chance you are one.

Some of the signs of a problem gambler:

Constantly thinking of betting

Spending beyond your means at the track or casino

Irritable or feeling a sense of loss when not able to get to the betting palaces

Sure that one the “big win” is achieved it’ll be easy to quit

Committing crimes, pawning belongings and borrowing just to have money to bet

Ignoring bills to spend the money at the racetrack

The feeling that bigger bets need to be placed to get the rush back

Feelings of guilt about betting while still betting

Persistent arguments concerning money and gambling

Lying to cover up gambling activities

Skipping out on important work or family functions to spend time betting

Neglecting personal needs (e.g., for food, sleep, hygiene) because of gambling

There are many different forms of gambling, some take place in casinos some not.

To list just a few:

Sports Betting

Horse Races

Lotteries

Stock Market

Bingo

Poker

Craps

Blackjack

Slots

Other casino games

Just about everyone who has gambled or placed any type of bet can tell you it’s a rush and it’s this euphoric feeling that can turn people into a problem gambler. If feels good, why wouldn’t they want to do it more often, right? That is why most people do it after all. The problem is that for some people it’s too hard to resist and even when it comes time to stop because they have lost so much already, they can’t help but keep gambling.

Just like unchecked drinking can turn into alcoholism, unchecked betting can turn into compulsive gambling. It’s is so all encompassing that for some people, they only feel alive when they are at the track or in the casinos. The obsession for “just one more win” tears apart marriages and entire families, people lose their savings accounts, their cars and even their homes through the need to place higher and higher bets.

If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction it’s important to stress that you are not alone and there is hope. Just like drinkers have Alcoholics Anonymous, gamblers have Gambling Anonymous. There are groups in just about every city and town that you can take part in to get the support you need to stop betting. It takes some work, getting over any addiction does, but you can do it with help from those who have been where you are and who know what you are going through.

To learn more about gambling addiction and support alternatives you can check out the following links:

Gambling Therapy is a great resource for those struggling with a betting addiction. The site can be found in 33 different languages so no matter where you are from you can get the support you need to kick your gambling habit. They have forums, resource lists, as well as advisors who are there to talk you through the tough times. You can also find meetings near you and recovery houses if you want to choose that route.

Responsible Gambling is another great website that you can use to learn more about compulsive gambling and how to tackle it. It helps with money management tips, help and recovery and even tips for safer gambling. It’s a site that is not strictly for compulsive gambling, but it does have an entire section dedicated to resources as well as one for research and information.

Canadian Safety Council has a section where you can find a list of gambling helplines set up to help Canadians.

National Council on Problem Gambling is where Americans can find a host of help for betting issues. At the NCPG can find, assessment tools, state by state help, directories of counselors as well as treatment centers.

There is no shame in needing help, we all do from time to time so if you have a problem gambling, reach out and get the help you need so that you can live a better life.