Spot The Signs Someone Is Gambling Too Much
Humans have gambled for thousands of years. The earliest six-sided dice date back to approximately 3000 BC! Gambling is part of everyday life; you take a gamble crossing the road, for example. However, gambling for money is exciting and exhilarating but can lead to addiction if you are not careful.
Most people who read these pages gamble responsibly. That is, they are in control of their gambling habits. However, some developing a gambling problem. An estimated 200,000 Australians are considered to have a high-level problem with gambling. Addiction in any walk of life is damaging to the addicted person and those around them. Spotting the warning signs of gambling addiction is relatively straightforward, thankfully.
Are You Gambling Too Often?
Someone who gambles too often is waving a red flag. We all like a flutter, be it horse racing, football, pokies, or blackjack. But someone with a gambling problem will often bet on these games to excess.
They make excuses not to attend social gatherings, for example, a two-hour trip to the casino ends up lasting seven hours, which happens more often than not. Some spend their lunch break playing pokies, either on their phone or at a pub or club. Problem gamblers almost always gamble excessively.
Are You Gambling With Money You Cannot Afford To Lose?
Gambling requires a bankroll or, at the very least, a sum of money you can afford to lose. This amount varies based on people’s personal circumstances. Someone may be able to afford to lose $10,000 playing roulette and not be considered to have a gambling problem.
Betting, playing pokies, or any casino table game with money needed for real-life expenses is a massive no-no. A responsible gambler can stop when they hit their limit, but someone suffering from a gambling addiction cannot. They burn through their bankroll and start using money needed for their mortgage etc.
In addition, the act of betting recklessly in a vain attempt to chase their losses is a sure-fire sign of that person having a problem.
A Change in Mood
Every person’s mood changes and does so frequently. It is perfectly natural. However, you may spot patterns in a gambling addict’s mood changes and general demeanour. Becoming increasingly happy when a gambling session is either upcoming or taking place is a sign to look for. Of course, gambling should be a happy time because it is fun but observe if the person’s mood dramatically changes when they cannot gamble.
Extreme highs followed by lows are signs of a problem developing or having taken hold.
What To Do If Someone You Know Has An Issue?
It is never easy telling someone you think they have an addiction to anything. It often leads to arguments because the person with the problem denies there is an issue at all. This is perfectly normal because denial is one of the first stages of accepting an addiction.
Please speak to the person and ask them how they see their gambling habits. Do they think it is a problem? Why not if they say no. Calmly point out your observations, and ask them if they see the same problem. They probably will not at first, but it will get them thinking.
There are several gambling help organisations throughout Australia that are trained in this type of addiction. Lifeline Australia, Gambler’s Help, and Gambling Help Online are just three great charities. Speak to one of them, or all of them, and ask for their expert advice.
Furthermore, if the person with the problem is you, you must try to fix things immediately—self-exclude from all online casinos and venues where you can gamble. Reach out and ask for help because that help is there. Nobody should suffer in silence; everyone should be able to enjoy life to the full.
