10 Signs of a Gambling Problem and What to Do If You Recognise Them
Problem gambling often develops gradually and is frequently unrecognised by the person experiencing it. We describe 10 concrete warning signs — and the specific steps to take if you or someone you know is showing them.
Problem gambling is defined by the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 as a persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behaviour that causes significant impairment or distress. It is a recognised mental health condition — not a moral failure or a lack of willpower. Recognising the signs early significantly improves the chances of recovery.
10 warning signs of problem gambling
1. Gambling with money needed for essentials. If gambling money is coming from rent, food, bills, or savings that were intended for other purposes, this is a clear sign of disordered gambling.
2. Chasing losses. Returning to gambling specifically to try to win back money that was lost, rather than for entertainment, is one of the most consistent behavioural markers of problem gambling.
3. Hiding gambling from others. Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble, how much you have lost, or where you have been is a sign that the behaviour feels out of control.
4. Being unable to stop or reduce gambling despite trying. If you have decided to stop or cut back multiple times and been unable to follow through, this indicates a level of compulsiveness beyond recreational gambling.
5. Gambling increasingly larger amounts for the same excitement. Needing to bet more to feel the same level of thrill — similar to tolerance in substance use — is a recognised sign of disordered gambling.
6. Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling. If not gambling causes anxiety, irritability, or preoccupation, gambling has moved from recreation to dependency.
7. Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative feelings. Using gambling to cope with stress, depression, anxiety, or difficult life events represents a dependency that typically worsens both the gambling and the underlying issues.
8. Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts. Borrowing — from friends, family, banks, or lenders — specifically to fund gambling or cover gambling losses is a serious escalation.
9. Relationship or work problems caused by gambling. If gambling is causing arguments, affecting job performance, or causing you to miss commitments, it has moved beyond a hobby.
10. Gambling preoccupation. Spending significant mental time planning gambling, thinking about past gambling sessions, or fantasising about winning is a sign that gambling is not recreational.
What to do if you recognise these signs
GamCare helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7). BeGambleAware: begambleaware.org — self-assessment tools and treatment referral. GAMSTOP (gamstop.co.uk): Free national self-exclusion from all UKGC-licensed gambling sites. Gambling Therapy (gamblingtherapy.org): Free online support for international players. NHS: Gambling treatment is available through NHS mental health services — speak to your GP about a referral.