Most people who gamble occasionally do so for entertainment. They know that they are likely to lose and if they win it is luck. They understand that gambling is a game of chance.

Problem gamblers believe that they can forecast the outcome of a game. They think they can govern chance: if something has not happened for a long time it will eventually happen. They believe that a big win will solve all their problems and that they deserve to win.

Problem gamblers spend more than they can afford to lose. It is no longer entertainment and it replaces all other interests in life. Betting has become a compulsion and the gambler is preoccupied with their next bet, thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble. There are family problems due to arguments, lies and the gambler’s denial. It’s common to become depressed and experience feelings of shame and guilt. The gambler feels isolated and hopeless.

Known as a ‘behavioural’ or ‘process addiction’, gambling eventually leads to serious financial difficulties, problems at work, dysfunctional family life and sometimes suicide. Whether you buy lottery tickets, bet on sports, play poker online or visit casinos, gambling can become compulsive.

• An escape from pressure, stress, or boredom;
• A relief from sadness, loneliness or emptiness;
• An escape from abusive relationships;
• Substituting another addiction: cross-addiction.

• The winning phase
• The losing phase
• Desperation
• Hopelessness

• Spend unlimited time and money on gambling;
• Experience financial problems;
• Chase their losses (after losing money the gambler will return another day to get even);
• Take out frequent loans;
• Be preoccupied with gambling;
• Believe that a win must be about to happen;
• Ask for money from family and friends or steal to fund their habit;
• Pawn belongings to raise funds;
• Lie to friends and family about the extent of their losses;
• Experience mood swings, depression, hopelessness;
• Constantly think about the next bet;
• Become restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling;
• Deny the extent of the problem;
• Have had repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling.

Gambling, especially online gambling, is one of the fastest growing addictions in the world today. As gambling addiction progresses, a person’s life becomes focused on the next gambling “fix” and this can lead to desperation, depression and feelings of shame and fear. Unfortunately many gamblers do not seek help until the problem is severe and they are facing financial ruin.

Very often another addiction such as alcohol dependence may co-exist along with gambling and it is essential that these other addictions are also treated.