Problem Gambling


Overview

Being a compulsive gambler can harm your health and relationships, and leave you with serious debt problems. Some examples of gambling include: Betting shops, Bingo, Online Bingo, Casinos, Slot machines, Sport betting, Lottery cards, and Poker games.

Many people like to place the odd bet or play the lottery, but it only becomes a problem for about 9 people in every 1000. However, a further 70 people out of every 1000 gamble at risky levels that can become a problem in the future.

If you have a problem with gambling and you would like to stop, support and treatment is available.

Are you a problem gambler?

Please try this questionnaire:

Quiz Scoring

Score 0 for each time you answer 'never'

Score 1 for each time you answer 'sometimes'

Score 2 for each time you answer 'most of the time'

Score 3 for each time you answer 'almost always'

Quiz

  1. Do you bet more than you can afford to lose?

  2. Do you need to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling?

  3. Have you tried to win back money you have lost (chasing losses)?

  4. Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?

  5. Have you wondered whether you have a problem with gambling?

  6. Has your gambling caused you any health problems, including feelings of stress or anxiety?

  7. Have other people criticised your betting or told you that you had a gambling problem (regardless of whether or not you thought it was true)?

  8. Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?

  9. Have you ever felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?

Assess your score

If your total score is 8 or higher, you might be a problem gambler.

Help for Problem Gamblers

There is evidence that gambling can be successfully treated in the same way as other addictions. Cognitive behavioural therapy usually has the best results.


Treatment and support groups are available for people who want to stop gambling:

GamCare

GamCare offers free information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK.

It runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and also offers face-to-face counselling.

National Problem Gambling Clinic

If you live in England or Wales, are aged 16 or over and have complex problems related to gambling, you can refer yourself to this specialist NHS clinic for problem gamblers.

See if you meet the criteria for this service.


Gordon Moody Association

The Gordon Moody Association offers residential courses for men and women who have problems with gambling.

Email: help@gordonmoody.org.uk or call 01384 241292 to find out more.

It also runs the Gambling Therapy website, which offers online support to problem gamblers and their friends and family.


Gamblers Anonymous UK

Gamblers Anonymous UK runs local support groups that use the same 12-step approach to recovery from addiction as Alcoholics Anonymous.

There are also GamAnon support groups for friends and family.

You can visit the Gamcare Recovery Diaries to see real life stories and post in the forum.

Self-help Tips for Problem Gamblers

Do:

  • pay important bills, such as your mortgage, on payday before you gamble

  • spend more time with family and friends who don't gamble

  • deal with your debts rather than ignoring them

Don't:

  • view gambling as a way to make money – try to see it as entertainment instead

  • bottle up your worries about your gambling – talk to someone

  • take credit cards with you when you go gambling

For more self-help tips, see the Royal College of Psychiatrists website.

Support for Family and Friends

If you are experiencing problems because of another person's gambling, it is best to be honest with them about it. They need to know how their behaviour is affecting you.


Support is also available to people who are worried about someone else's gambling:

GamCare

Gamcare offers support and information for partners, friends and family of people who gamble compulsively.


GamAnon

Local support groups for anyone affected by someone else's gambling problem – find your nearest group.