Warning Signs Of Problem Gambling

Posted on 4/7/2022 by admin

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Most people who gamble do so with no harmful effects. They set limits and stick to them. However, for a small percentage of the population, gambling can become more than a game, and lead to serious consequences for both the gambler and their family. Here are some of the warning signs: For the Gambler: Gambling to escape worry. If you answer yes to ONE of these statements, you may have a gambling problem. → I have lost control over gambling → I am playing for longer periods than I had planned on. → I am often gambling when I should be doing other things. → I am not able to stop thinking about gambling. → I am lying about may gambling to family and friends. Gambling is recognised as a serious addiction. For the 2018 World Cup, the amount of money spent on gambling is expected to hit £2.5 billion in the UK, and over 400,000 of us are identified as problem gamblers. People are also concerned with the rise of problematic use of social media and video games.

Signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling (gambling disorder) include: Being preoccupied with gambling, such as constantly planning how to get more gambling money Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill Trying to control, cut back or stop gambling, without success.

Gambling among college students runs along the continuum from no gambling, to experimenting, to regular gambling, to excessive gambling. “Problem gambling” is not defined by the frequency of gambling, but rather, by the disruption gambling causes in the person’s life. Aspects of life affected include: psychological, physical, social, vocational. For college students, adverse consequences might include missing classes, failing grades, sleep deprivation, and financial debt. Research on college students has been relatively recent, and findings vary from study to study. It is generally thought that 5-9% of college men and 1-2% of college women are problem gamblers.

Essential features of problem gambling include:

preoccupation with gambling
a need to bet more money more frequently
restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop
continuing gambling despite mounting serious, negative consequences

RISK FACTORS AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS

The risk of problem gambling is highly correlated with abuse of alcohol, illicit drugs, and tobacco. Heavy alcohol use is associated with loss of money beyond what a student can afford. Males are at higher risk than females. The risk is three to five times greater for a student whose parent is a problem gambler. Protective factors – ones that lessen the risk – include an interest in religion and the arts, and having parents with a college education.

THE COLLEGE SETTING

Gambling is in some ways a “norm” among college students. The most popular games are casino activities such as cards and gambling machines. Informal games with friends are also common. Easy access to online betting has certainly contributed to problem gambling. There are thought to be more than 400 online poker sites. Bets can be placed via internet, phones, cell phones, and interactive television. It is important to remember than a majority of college student gambling is benign – and does not jeopardize the student’s wellbeing.

SIGNS OF PROBLEM GAMBLING

It is, of course, important to recognize when a student is involved in problem gambling. Examples of “warning signs” include:

Being matter of fact about large losses: “But I haven’t lost that much,” or, “It isn’t as if I gamble every day.”
Gambling for a longer time period than planned
Loss of sleep due to gambling late into the night or inability to shut off thoughts of gambling
Exhausting supply of money
Using money for gambling rather than for paying bills
Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling
Breaking the law in order to finance gambling
Borrowing money to finance gambling
Feeling depressed or suicidal because of gambling losses
Feeling remorseful after gambling
Gambling to get money to meet financial obligations
Using gambling to relieve feelings of loneliness, emptiness, anxiety or depression

HOW TO GET HELP

Free, confidential help is available by calling the Counseling Center at 610-519-4050.

SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL

For informational purposes only, the University Counseling Center offers access to online, anonymous Self-Assessment Tools. These resources are provided by third-parties unaffiliated with Villanova and the results are not shared with the University. These screenings are not a substitute for a complete evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. For personal assistance, please call the Counseling Center at 610-519-4050 for an appointment.

In an emergency, call Villanova Public Safety at 610-519-4444.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK)

You think there might be signs of problem gambling brewing in your home. You’ve noticed one whose activity occurs behind closed doors or in secrecy. One whose consequences are starting to show up when money goes missing and bills aren’t being paid by your partner.

But you aren’t quite sure.

Or, maybe you’re worried about your child and where their lunch money is going every day. Influenced by television, movies and online, your child is bragging about new possessions and has a constant focus on “winning.”

Or, maybe you’re worried about excessive gambling of your own. How much is too much?

Problem gambling is a widespread issue faced by hundreds of thousands of New York residents every year. Nationwide, millions of people battle the addiction of gambling through common methods such as online gaming, lottery tickets and casino spending.

Like many addictions, gambling is not always recognized immediately, and the consequences often reach a staggering level before any attempts to control it are made.

Signs of Problem Gambling

We understand not everyone wants to ask for support, and diagnosing a gambling problem of your own or of someone else is stressful and can cause fear of embarrassment or shaming and labeling. While we strongly encourage you to seek help as soon as gambling activity seems questionable, understanding recognized warning signs of problem gambling may help you identify whether there is a problem and reinforce your decision to seek assistance.
Concerned about yourself?
When seeking to understand your own potential gambling problem, ask yourself the following questions:

Do you gamble to escape worry, boredom or trouble?
Do thoughts of gambling disrupt your sleep?
Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations cause you to gamble?
Have you ever had self-destructive thoughts because of problems resulting from gambling?
Have you noticed a personality change since you began gambling?

Answering questions like these is a good first step in identifying your own gambling problem.

Concerned about others?

While you may not be the one gambling, you can observe changes in the personality and behavior of someone with a gambling addiction. Asking your child, loved one or coworkers questions such as the ones provided below:

Does your loved one ever gamble longer than originally planned?
Do you hide the rent/mortgage or food money because your loved one gambles it away?
Is your child borrowing or stealing money?
Does your child have an unusual interest in newspapers, magazines, periodicals and other outlets containing odds and scores?
Does your employee or coworker spend an excessive time away from his or her job using the telephone to place bets or spending time reviewing formsheets, racing, sports or stock pages?

Ask the Right Questions – and Get Help

Provided above were just a few examples of the warning signs that may present themselves when a gambling problem exists. For a complete list of problem gambling warning signs, read Know The Odds’ Understanding Problem Gambling e-book. Section 04 provides an extensive list of questions to ask when identifying whether you, your loved one, your child or your coworker have a gambling problem.