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Problem gambling often develops gradually. We explain the early signs of problem gambling in yourself and others, and what to do when you recognise them.
Problem gambling often develops gradually. A player who gambles responsibly can develop unhealthy patterns over months or years, often without realising the shift.
This guide covers the early signs of problem gambling in yourself and others, what to do when you recognise them, and where to find help.
Problem gambling is gambling that negatively affects your life. The harm can be:
• Financial (spending more than you can afford, borrowing to gamble)
• Relational (lying to family, conflict with partners)
• Occupational (missing work, distraction on the job)
• Emotional (anxiety, depression, shame)
• Health (sleep problems, physical symptoms of stress)
Most people who gamble experience some losses. Problem gambling is different: the gambling itself becomes the problem, not just the outcomes.
The clearest sign is spending money on gambling that should go to essentials like rent, bills, or food. If you're choosing between gambling and other obligations, gambling has become a problem.
A common pattern: lose, then gamble more to "win it back." Chasing losses is one of the strongest indicators of problem gambling. Responsible gamblers accept losses as the cost of entertainment.
Using credit cards, loans, or borrowed money to gamble is a serious red flag. The combination of debt and gambling creates a cycle that's hard to break.
Using gambling as a way to avoid thinking about problems, stress, or boredom. Gambling becomes an emotional escape rather than entertainment.
Hiding gambling activity from family or friends. If you're hiding gambling, it's because you're aware it's a problem.
Skipping work, family events, or social activities because of gambling. The gambling is taking priority over things that should matter.
Repeatedly trying to reduce or stop gambling but failing. The repeated attempts indicate the gambling has a hold on you.
Feeling anxious, depressed, or guilty about gambling behaviour. The negative emotions about gambling are a sign that gambling has become problematic.
A common pattern: you sit down for a quick game, lose track of time, and play for hours. The "just one more spin" mindset is a red flag.
Gradually increasing the size of your bets. What started as £1 spins becomes £5, then £10, then £20. The escalation is a sign of growing tolerance.
Sudden mood changes: irritability when not gambling, anxiety about gambling outcomes, depression after losing sessions.
Hiding bank statements, getting defensive about money, not wanting to discuss finances.
Long sessions, late-night gambling, gambling during work hours, missing work or social events.
Having accounts at multiple casinos. Responsible players typically use one or two casinos. Multiple accounts often indicate attempts to bypass limits.
Asking to borrow money, frequent small loans, missing items they used to own (sold to fund gambling).
Talking about "winning back" recent losses, expressing frustration at "unfair" outcomes.
Increased conflict with partner or family. Withdrawing from relationships. Lying about whereabouts.
Sleep problems, fatigue, stress-related health issues. Gambling problems often manifest physically.
Problem gambling typically progresses through stages:
The player gambles for entertainment. Wins and losses are accepted. No significant impact on life.
The player gambles more often. Bets increase. Some early signs of chasing losses or gambling longer than planned.
The player is gambling more than they can afford to lose. Relationships are strained. Some debt or borrowing.
The player has lost control. Significant financial, relational, occupational, and emotional impact. The player recognises the problem but can't stop alone.
The player has experienced major losses. Bankruptcy, broken relationships, job loss, mental health issues. The player needs professional help.
Early intervention at Stage 2 or 3 is most effective. The longer problem gambling continues, the harder it is to address.
Some factors increase the risk of developing problem gambling:
Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are strongly associated with problem gambling. Gambling can be a way to self-medicate.
Alcohol and drug use are common co-occurring issues with problem gambling.
Divorce, job loss, bereavement, and other stressful events can trigger or worsen problem gambling.
Impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and difficulty managing emotions are associated with higher problem gambling risk.
Frequent gambling opportunities (multiple online accounts, casinos near home) increase risk.
Family history of gambling problems increases risk. Genetics and learned behaviour both play a role.
Having risk factors doesn't mean you'll develop problem gambling. But awareness of risk factors helps with early detection.
If you're unsure whether your gambling is a problem, a few questions to ask yourself:
• Have you ever lied about how much you gamble?
• Have you ever gambled more than you intended?
• Have you ever borrowed money to gamble?
• Have you ever gambled to escape problems?
• Has gambling ever caused problems with family, work, or finances?
• Have you ever tried to stop gambling but couldn't?
If you answered "yes" to any of these, your gambling may be problematic. Consider talking to GamCare or another support service.
• Take a break. Time-out your accounts or register with GAMSTOP.
• Set deposit limits. Even if you think you don't need them.
• Talk to someone. GamCare (live chat or helpline) is free and confidential.
• Don't gamble alone. Tell a trusted friend or family member.
• Get professional help. NHS gambling clinics or private counsellors.
The earlier you act, the easier it is to address the problem. Don't wait for the situation to get worse.
• Choose a calm moment to talk. Don't bring it up during or after a gambling session.
• Express concern without judgement. Avoid accusations or blame.
• Listen. Let the person explain their experience.
• Offer support. Help them call GamCare or research GAMSTOP.
• Take care of yourself. Affected others also need support.
You can't force someone to stop gambling, but you can express your concern and offer support. The decision to change must come from them.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem:
One-to-one counselling with a gambling specialist. Available through GamCare, NHS clinics, and private providers.
CBT helps identify and change gambling-related thought patterns. Effective for many problem gamblers.
Gamblers Anonymous and similar groups provide peer support for people with gambling problems.
For severe cases, residential treatment programs are available (Gordon Moody Association).
In some cases, medication is prescribed to address co-occurring depression or anxiety.
Treatment effectiveness varies by individual. The key is finding the right combination of support for your situation.
If a family member has a gambling problem:
• Set boundaries about money (don't lend money, don't cover up for them)
• Encourage professional help (offer to drive them, help them call)
• Take care of yourself (GamCare offers support for affected others)
• Don't enable the gambling (don't pay off gambling debts without addressing the underlying problem)
You can be supportive without enabling the problem. The two are different.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, free confidential help is available:
• National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamCare: gamcare.org.uk (live chat, counselling, online forums)
• BeGambleAware: begambleaware.org
• Gamblers Anonymous UK: gamblersanonymous.org.uk
• NHS Gambling Clinics: specialist treatment, referral through GP
• Gordon Moody Association: gordonmoody.org.uk (residential treatment)
You can also talk to your GP about problem gambling. The NHS offers specialist gambling clinics in many areas.
The sooner you seek help, the easier it is to address the problem. There's no shame in asking for support.