gamblingAID

So what is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling (also referred to as "gambling addiction" or "compulsive gambling") is an impulse-control disorder that gives a person the urge to gamble continuously despite harmful and negative consequences or a desire to stop. Problem gambling leads to major disruptions in all areas of life: social, psychological, financial and even physical.

Gambling have been around for much time now and games usually also included a social factor like gatherings, making gambling addiction easier to spot or easier to control due to social restraints. With the advances in Internet services however, online gambling may create similar manifestations to users with tendency to gambling problems. What makes online gambling even more dangerous is the privacy and anonymity a user enjoys over the Internet, making gambling problems more difficult to spot from the early stages.

Remember: gambling shouldn't be more than a recreational activity, done with control and without affecting ones' daily life. If you or someone you know shows any of the below sign of gambling problem, please seek help in our Helpline section:

Signs of Problem Gambling

• Gambling for longer than intended
• Gambling with increased amounts of money to achieve desired excitement
• Gambling up to the last money or even with money you don’t have
• Gambling with savings or money that were intended for paying bills
• Gambling with money borrowed specifically to continue this activity
• Gambling as a way to relieve feelings of depression
• Gambling with the hope of winning back losses
• Neglecting family, friends and professional responsibilities because of gambling
• Tendency to steal, cheat or sell household things to get gambling money
• Becomes restless or irritable when attempting to stop gambling

Those addicted to gambling should seek help. Fortunately there are many organizations that aim at providing advice and counselling on these problems. Many of them are also free of charge, non-profit associations that anyone can approach. See gamblingAID Helplines.