15 Signs You Might be a Compulsive Gambler

Gambling is an activity in which millions of people around the world participate. While some enjoy it occasionally, as an exciting endeavor, others are more susceptible to falling into compulsive gambling. It’s vital to know the signs of compulsive gambling to protect yourself and others from the addiction.

The more you know about compulsive gambling, the easier it will be to notice when things are going sideways. Keep reading to understand better significant indicators you or a loved one could be falling into compulsive gambling.

1. Lying to Hide Gambling

One of the most common symptoms of compulsive gambling is a tendency to lean on dishonesty in interactions. For example, an individual might choose to say they went to the bar instead of the truth - spending the evening gambling at the casino. 

Those struggling with compulsive gambling also tend to manipulate and accuse others around them. When others approach them about the issue, they might redirect or attempt to make the other individual feel bad about their questions.

2. Taking High Risks

People who are prone to compulsive gambling are more willing to take significant risks to earn more cash or have more opportunities to gamble. They are okay with putting their relationships, family, money, and more on the line with the hope of coming out on top. If there is a choice between a birthday party and time to gamble, they pick the latter.

3. Seeking Cash from Others

It’s easy for someone who gambles often to run out of money. If that happens, they could seek more money from others instead of taking the loss and stepping away before the debt grows. They may turn to friends, family members, and even spouses and children in the most intense instances.

Asking others for money can lead to a terrible relationship. Cash has the potential to tear loved ones apart, especially when used in the context of supporting a gambling compulsion.

4. Unsuccessful Control Attempts

Sometimes, many individuals try to control their gambling and find it’s an impossible task. They may attempt to stop or reach out for help and find their compulsion to gamble is much stronger than their desire to stop. This lack of success, even with a desire to stop, indicates more assistance is necessary.

5. Constant Gambling Thoughts

Another serious indicator of compulsive gambling is constantly thinking of gambling. Those who struggle with gambling are typically occupied with it. They are considering the next way to get more money and where they can gamble in hopes of striking it big.

Constantly considering gambling thoughts can branch out into other areas of life. It could hinder conversations, work, and more.

6. Chasing Losses

Most individuals would stop their activities if they lost a significant amount of money. Those who struggle with compulsive gambling don’t stop when there’s no more money. Instead, they will continue gambling in hopes of making the money back and winning more - even when that choice results in losing even more cash than what they were given to begin with.

7. Restlessness and Irritability

Like any addiction, there are strong emotions that may arise when attempting to cut down on gambling activities. Compulsive gamblers may feel restlessness and irritability when the option to gamble is suddenly removed from their life.

8. Increase in Spending

Little pieces of success often influence compulsive gamblers to spend more and more money. Whether they have success in a gambling experience or lose significant money, they tend to spend more and more each time at the table. 

Typically, more money is spent because it’s necessary to get the same thrill as the original gambling opportunity. It will never be the same.

9. Denial

Denial is a common symptom for anyone with an addiction. Those approached about their compulsive gambling addiction often can’t see what’s happening and what they are drawn to in their lives. It may take time and gentle confrontation to help someone see they have become a compulsive gambler.

10. Long Periods of Gambling

Most individuals who have healthy relationships with gambling will set a time they want to gamble and remove themselves from the location when it’s time to leave. Compulsive gamblers have a trickier time ripping themselves away from the excitement of the game. 

Typically, compulsive gamblers enter the situation with a game plan and a limited span. However, the more money spent and the higher the stakes, the more time disappears.

11. Stealing Money

Unfortunately, many compulsive gamblers can hit the point where they must steal money to gamble. They could steal cash from coworkers, family members, friends, and beyond. Compulsive gamblers desire to gamble so much they are willing to rip apart their relationships to get more cash to gamble.

12. Gambling as An Escape

Addictive activities are often used to get away from physical and emotional discomfort. If emotions or physical stress arise and the automatic reaction is to head to the local casino to gamble, it could be an indication of a more significant issue. Gambling as an escape is not a healthy reaction in life.

13. Over-Investment

Too much money, time, emotions, and more is an indicator of compulsive gambling. You or a loved one might be willing to put every aspect of yourself into betting, no matter what’s happening or who is around you. Rather than being a fun side activity, it’s your entire life. You might even move closer to a casino or drive out of your way to gamble.

14. Withdrawal/Repression

Those with compulsive gambling tendencies are more likely to withdraw themselves from loved ones and other social activities, repressing their emotions and becoming invested in gambling. They typically don’t want to deal with the addiction and seclude themselves to prevent interactions and confrontation.

15. Deflection

Finally, a sure indicator of compulsive gambling is deflecting whenever the topic arises. Those struggling with the addiction will bring up another topic when gambling arises in conversation or physically leave the room to escape it. They will do everything in their power to deflect the topic.

Think you or a loved one might be addicted to gambling? There is help available in all 50 US states as well as abroad. Start by contacting 1-800-GAMBLER for help additionally, take a look at this blog article to find more information about getting help for a gambling addiction. Keep in mind that you can ask any online website to ban you from gaming on their site if you find you cannot control yourself.