Everyone likes putting the lottery on sometimes or picking up a scratcher while grabbing milk at the shops.
However, there’s a difference between a bit of occasional gambling and an addiction, and it’s a thin line that’s easier to cross than you might think. If you’ve started to suspect that you might be becoming dependent on gambling — or if people in your life have suggested it — here are a few warning signs that you might have a problem.
1. You gamble to escape your problems.
Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional struggles is a major red flag. If you’re turning to it to distract from tough feelings, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate why you’re using it as an escape.
2. You’re constantly thinking about gambling.
If your mind is always on your next bet, or you’re planning your day around when you’ll get to gamble, it suggests that gambling is taking up too much mental space. A healthy relationship with gambling involves balance, and if it’s consuming your thoughts, it may be time to reassess.
3. You’re chasing losses.
One of the most dangerous signs of gambling addiction is the urge to “chase” your losses. If you find yourself gambling more in an attempt to recover what you’ve lost, it’s a sign that your gambling habits are spiralling out of control. This behaviour often leads to even bigger losses and more stress.
4. You’re lying about your gambling habits.
If you’re hiding your gambling or lying about how much time or money you’re spending on it, it’s a clear indication that you’re aware that your behaviour is problematic. Honesty with yourself and other people is key to addressing any addiction.
5. Gambling is affecting your relationships.
If gambling is causing tension in your relationships with family, friends, or significant others, it’s time to reassess your habits. Relationships thrive on trust, and gambling can undermine that by causing financial strain or emotional distance.
6. You’re neglecting responsibilities.
If your gambling habits are causing you to neglect work, school, or personal obligations, it’s time to take a serious look at how it’s impacting your life. A healthy balance means prioritising responsibilities over entertainment, and gambling shouldn’t come at the expense of your day-to-day obligations.
7. You’ve lost more than you can afford.
Gambling is only a problem if it’s causing you to lose more money than you can afford. If you find yourself dipping into savings or borrowing money to fund your gambling, it’s time to reassess your behaviour. You should never gamble with money that could affect your financial security.
8. You’ve tried to quit, but keep returning.
If you’ve attempted to quit gambling but find yourself returning to it, even after making promises to stop, this is a sign of a deeper issue. Breaking free from addiction is hard, but recognising the pattern is the first step toward getting help.
9. You’re isolating yourself to gamble.
Gambling may start as a social activity, but if you find yourself gambling alone or isolating from friends and family to gamble, it’s a warning sign. Isolation can be a way to hide your gambling habits and avoid confrontation, but it’s unhealthy and unsustainable in the long run.
10. Gambling gives you a temporary high.
If you feel a rush of excitement or a “high” from gambling, it may be triggering the same reward system as other addictive behaviours. This temporary feeling can encourage more gambling, even if the long-term consequences are negative.
11. You feel guilty or ashamed after gambling.
Feeling guilt or shame after gambling is a sign that you recognise it as a problem. If you’re feeling bad about your gambling habits, it’s important to address those emotions and take proactive steps to break the cycle.
12. You’ve experienced financial trouble because of gambling.
When gambling affects your financial stability, it’s a serious issue. If you’re racking up debt, missing bill payments, or struggling to pay for necessities, gambling is clearly taking a toll on your life. Financial trouble is one of the clearest signs that gambling has become an addiction.
13. You’re relying on gambling for excitement.
If you’re using gambling as a way to feel excitement or fulfil a need for adrenaline, it’s time to rethink your approach. A healthy life is about finding excitement in ways that don’t put your financial and mental health at risk.
