Recognising problem gambling early is very important. It can save time, money and a huge amount of heartache, anguish and worry. Because this issue can affect almost anyone, it is crucial that all of us are aware of what to look out for. Early signs are often subtle and harder to notice. However, stopping the problem before it develops is the most effective way to help. And thankfully, there are lots of support services and information resources available in the UK.
What Is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling is not officially or legally defined. However, the key issue, about which there is consensus, is that it is damaging in one way or another to the individual involved and/or those around them. Damage can be financial, but also personal, psychological and social. Generally, problem gambling is considered to be persistent too and characterised by a lack of control.
Problem gambling is not dictated by the size of bets, the figures lost, or the frequency with which a person wagers. It is the underlying behaviour and the impact it has that make it problematic. Moreover, there is a big difference between casual, recreational gambling, which may be very frequent, and also risky gambling, which may involve big bets, and true problem gambling.
Early Warning Signs to Watch For
As noted, recognising problem gambling is not always easy at first. But the earlier it is acknowledged and dealt with, the less harm it does. Moreover, the chance of successful treatment is far greater. These are the key signs you should look out for.
Behavioural Signs
Behavioural indicators can be the most obvious. However, problem gamblers will often try to hide the extent of their betting. If someone starts betting for longer periods, this is a warning sign. This can be longer than they did before, or longer than they planned to. Additionally, chasing losses is a big red flag, though this is easier to spot in yourself than in someone else. The frequency of betting is also important. Betting every day does not indicate problem gambling per se, but it is often a warning sign.
Emotional & Psychological Signs
The emotional impact of gambling can be the worst, and partly because of that, the easiest to spot. Problem gambling may make people irritable, impatient and bad-tempered. However, it can also lead to anxiety, introspection and sufferers becoming withdrawn. Mood swings are typical, with big wins and heavy losses seeing predictable fluctuations.
Complicating matters is that these issues can be multi-directional. For example, problem gambling can lead to anxiety and depression. But equally, anxiety and low mood can be factors causing people to gamble more for escapism.
Financial Signs
Financial signs are often more tangible. If you see a friend refusing to go on nights out due to financial issues, or struggling to pay their bills, with no obvious reason, problem gambling (or another addiction) could be the reason. Obviously, problem gamblers generally try to hide such signs. This in itself is something to look out for, with secretive behaviour around money potentially a sign of something more. More clear-cut warning signs are when a friend or relative, or you yourself, borrow, use credit, or even steal, to fund bets.
Common Myths About Problem Gambling
There are many common myths and misconceptions about problem gambling. These mean that friends and family may miss the chance to recognise problem gambling early.
- It only affects heavy gamblers – problem gambling can affect anyone. Whether you bet £1 at a time or £10,000, problem gambling can still occur. Moreover, you can place one bet a week and be a problem gambler; you don’t need to be betting every day.
- Problem gamblers lack willpower – like any addiction, problem gambling is about much more than willpower. People who suffer are not weak or stupid. They are addicted and need help.
- Winning means it isn’t a problem – winning means you don’t have a financial problem. However, if you don’t see your family, miss work to gamble and become obsessed and controlled by betting, it is definitely a problem.
- You have to hit rock bottom – says who? It is so much better never to hit rock bottom because it really isn’t a nice place. Recognising and dealing with problem gambling as early as possible is always the best way.
Why Early Recognition Is Difficult
Early recognition is difficult for several reasons. As said, problem gamblers are sure to try and hide the extent of their gambling and their financial losses. This is because gambling addiction carries a stigma. Additionally, both punters and their friends/family may be in denial about the issue.
However, while there is a stigma about gambling that is out of control, betting in general is normalised and culturally acceptable. Indeed, in the UK and other countries, there are strong links between betting and sport. Advertising, promos, and free bets make gambling hard to avoid. Moreover, the availability and ease of online and mobile betting mean that it is easy for a problem gambler to gamble in secret.
Self-Assessment: Questions to Ask Yourself
It is far easier to recognise problem gambling in yourself than to identify it in someone else. If concerned, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I gamble to change how I feel?
- Have I tried to gamble less and failed?
- Does gambling make me worried, anxious, stressed or guilty?
- Have I lied about my betting or kept it secret?
- Have I lost more than I intended to, more than I can afford or chased losses?
- Would I be uncomfortable if close friends and family knew all about my betting?
- Have I increased what I bet to get the same buzz?
If you answer yes to any of these, it might be wise to think more closely about your gambling.
Practical Steps to Take If You’re Concerned
If you answered yes to the above or are concerned in general, there are many practical steps you can take. Bookies have many tools to help you. You should first try and take a break from gambling. Try not to bet for a week and see how you feel or if you can do it. Alternatively, use deposit and loss limits to keep your betting to levels that are affordable and do not cause you stress. Additionally, let someone you trust know about your concerns.
Tools & Support Available in the UK
There are several excellent tools and services available to help you control your gambling. By law, betting sites in the UK have to be signed up to GAMSTOP. This lets problem gamblers self-exclude from all UK-licensed sites with one step.
Before things get that far, there are a range of counselling and advice services too. GamCare, GambleAware and even the NHS can provide support, advice and information. Generally, this is free and confidential.
Alternatively, try milder steps. For example, set up deposit limits on all your accounts. Whatever you do, you should expect to be treated with respect. Moreover, all parties, including bookmakers, should be keen to help you gamble responsibly.
Supporting a Friend or Family Member
If you are worried about a friend or family member, all of the above is also true. Seek advice and help, and look out for the signs and red flags we have detailed. Approaching someone is difficult, and they may be defensive. Make it clear you are coming from a place of love and are not judging them. Do not expect it to be an easy problem to solve, and try to remain calm and patient.
When to Seek Professional Help
If extreme steps like using GAMSTOP do not work, seeking professional help is advised. If the scale of your problem gambling and the harm it is causing you are escalating, you should seek specialist help. The financial, relationship and mental health problems that arise from addiction mean getting help as soon as possible is important. Any intervention you seek will be most effective the earlier you access it.
Final Thoughts: Getting Help Early Makes a Difference
Problem gambling can affect anyone. However, it is an issue that you can receive effective, successful treatment for. Early action reduces long-term harm. Ideally, it can prevent a minor problem from becoming a serious, life-changing addiction. If you are aware of the early warning signs to look for in yourself and others, this makes a big difference. Additionally, it helps if you know to ignore common myths about problem gambling. There is a lot of help and advice available in the UK. Remember, you are not alone, and addiction is not a weakness.