One or more of these changes may indicate a gambling problem:
Is absent and does not explain why
- goes out more often without saying why or where
- misses appointments, meetings, dates
Has less money than usual
- stops spending money on “optional” expenses like entertainment, gifts, clothes, repairs, life insurance
- doesn’t pay bills on time
- applies for new credit cards
- borrows money
- takes out secret loans
Is distant, preoccupied, moody
- seems less interested in family, work, friends, hobbies
- avoids some friends because of money owed
- doesn’t want to talk about money or debts: is secretive, edgy, angry, or uses double-talk to confuse you when you try to discuss it
- acts restless and jittery when not busy
- may brag about winning at gambling, but says nothing about losing
- shows physical signs of stress such as headaches, stomach problems
- develops a habit of lying and deceiving
Uses gambling to cope
- gambles to deal with stress, loneliness, boredom, depression
- starts gambling more after giving up or cutting down on cigarettes, alcohol, or other substances
Tries but fails to stop or reduce gambling
- expresses regret or guilt about lost money, promises “never again” but doesn’t hold to it
- borrows money to repay debts, but gambles the money away
Becomes desperate to keep gambling
- after being upset about losing, gambles even more in the hope of winning back losses
- lies about past gambling losses
- lies about money lost or borrowed
- steals money to gamble or repay debts