Signs of Gambling Addiction
Last modified: 1 July 2025, 13:26
Gambling often starts as a fun activity, often with friends or during visits to casinos. But for some people, it turns into a serious problem, even from a young age. Over time, it can lead to serious problems. There are warning signs. If you notice them in yourself or your family member or friend, you can take measures to stop things from getting worse. This article explains the signs of gambling addiction and shows how to find support.
What is Gambling Disorder
This is a serious condition where a person cannot stop gambling, even when it causes harm. It is also known as compulsive gambling. People with this disorder often feel a strong urge to keep gambling, even if they are losing more money than they can afford.
Someone with gambling disorder may visit betting shops often, play online games for hours, or chase losses by placing higher bets. Over time, they lose control of their gambling. They may try to stop but find it very difficult.
This condition can damage relationships, health, and finances. It can lead to stress, debt, and even lying or stealing. If you catch the early signs of gambling addiction, it’s easier to take control or help another person.
📚 Source:
UK Gambling Commission. (2023). Statistics on participation and problem gambling for the year to March 2023.
Sources: Gambling Commission, Priory Group; NICE; Gambling Commission; Gambling Commission
The Difference Between Casual Gambling and Addiction
Casual gambling is when someone places a bet now and then for fun. It might be buying a lottery ticket, playing a game at a party, or placing a small bet during a sports event. People who gamble casually usually set limits, stay in control, and can stop at any time without feeling stressed or guilty.
Gambling addiction is different. It involves a strong urge to keep gambling, even when it causes problems. A person with a gambling problem may spend too much time and money gambling, try to win back losses, or feel anxious when they can’t gamble. They may lie about gambling, skip important tasks, or borrow money to continue playing.
Some common signs of gambling addiction include hiding gambling activity, chasing losses, and trying to stop but failing. These signs often build up slowly and can lead to serious harm if ignored.
Chasing Losses
Chasing losses means trying to win back money after a loss by continuing to gamble. Many people believe that the next bet will fix the last one. They feel that if they just keep playing, they’ll get their money back. But this thinking can lead to bigger problems, because it often results in even more losses.
This behaviour is a clear sign of a gambling addiction. A person might start small, but after losing money, they feel pressure to win it back. They often ignore limits, spend more than planned, and feel angry or upset when they can’t stop. Instead of walking away, they gamble again and again, hoping for a lucky break.
Spending More Time and Money on Gambling Than Planned
It means a person sets a limit at the start — maybe a set amount of money or a short play session — but then keeps going past that point. They don’t always chase losses. Sometimes they just lose track of time or feel unable to stop, even when they’re winning.
This pattern can slowly take control of daily life. Someone might skip meals, forget tasks, or cancel plans just to keep gambling. They may keep spending money they meant to use for other things, like bills or food. Over time, this habit can lead to stress, guilt, and problems at home or work.
Lying About Gambling
A person may hide how often they play, how much money they spend, or where they have been. They might feel ashamed or afraid that others will judge them, so they keep it secret. These lies are often told to people close to them, like family members, friends, or partners.
Borrowing or Stealing Money
When someone runs out of money but still feels the need to gamble, they may start to borrow money from friends, family, or even take out loans they can’t repay. At first, it might seem like a quick solution, but the debt often grows. Some may lie about why they need the money, hoping to cover their losses or chase a win.
In more serious cases, a person may steal to keep gambling. This could mean taking money from loved ones, work, or shared accounts. If someone feels the need to borrow or steal to gamble, it’s a clear sign that the habit is out of control and help is needed.
Using Gambling to Escape Problems
Some people turn to their gambling habit when they feel sad, stressed, lonely, or angry. They use it as a way to forget about real-life problems, hoping the game will distract them. It may seem like a quick fix, but it does not solve anything. The problems stay, and the person often feels worse afterward.
Over time, gambling stops bringing the same effect. What once felt like a break becomes a trap. The person may need to gamble more often or spend more money to feel better, even for a short time.
Mood Changes
Mood swings can happen quickly and may seem out of proportion to the situation. Over time, this emotional rollercoaster can affect daily life, work, and relationships.
In some cases, gambling addiction behaves like a compulsive disorder, where the urge to gamble feels hard to control. When someone tries to stop, they may feel restless or upset. These feelings can also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, trouble sleeping, or stomach problems. If gambling is causing strong mood changes or health issues, it’s time to take it seriously and get help.
Withdrawal From Social Life
People may stop meeting friends, skip family events, or avoid phone calls. They often prefer to stay alone and focus on gambling activities. Over time, they lose interest in hobbies or daily routines that once mattered to them.
This behaviour is common among gambling addicts, who may feel embarrassed, stressed, or simply too focused on gambling to care about others. As they pull away, relationships can suffer, and feelings of loneliness or sadness may grow.
Ignoring Bills and Financial Problems
Players may spend money meant for food, housing, or transport on gambling instead. This creates serious problems in daily life and can lead to debt, stress, and even losing a home or job.
This behaviour is a major risk factor for long-term harm. The more someone ignores money issues, the increased risk of financial collapse, legal trouble, or broken relationships. Gambling takes priority, and other responsibilities are pushed aside.
Restlessness or Insomnia
People with addiction may feel nervous or tense when they try to sleep. These sleep problems often happen in problem gamblers, especially when they try to stop or cut back on gambling.
The urge to repeat gambling behaviours can be strong, like what people feel in a drug problem or other addictions. The brain starts to expect the same thrill from gambling, making it hard to relax or focus on other things. This can lead to poor sleep, tiredness, and trouble handling daily tasks.
Failed Attempts to Stop Gambling
Many people try to quit gambling but find themselves going back, even after making promises to stop. They may have tried several times over the past year, but each time they return to gambling. This pattern shows that the habit is no longer in their control.
For some, stopping gambling can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings, restlessness, or trouble sleeping. These signs are similar to what people feel during drug addiction. The urge to gamble becomes too strong to handle alone. In such cases, seeking professional help is often the best step. It gives people the support they need to break the cycle and take back control.
Neglecting Basic Needs
Daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or attending work or school can be ignored. These behaviours often grow slowly as gambling patterns change. Some people are more at risk due to stress, family problems, or other environmental factors. The more time spent gambling, the less attention is given to basic needs.
Compulsive Gambling. Find Support.
Getting help for gambling addiction is possible, and many people do recover. Some certain factors—like stress, money problems, or loneliness—can make the problem worse. The first step is to admit there is a problem and decide to make a change. It can help to talk to a loved one, someone you trust, who will listen without judging.
Support comes in many forms. A mental health professional can guide you through the first steps and suggest the right professional treatment. Some people benefit from group therapy, where they meet others facing the same issue. Others choose to join Gamblers Anonymous, a group that offers support through shared stories and encouragement. Starting a new hobby is also helpful, as it keeps your mind and time focused on something positive.
Getting better takes time, but you’re not alone. Many people have faced gambling problems and found ways to take back control.