What exactly is problem gambling? Problem gambling is defined as a progressive behavioral disorder in which a person has an uncontrollable preoccupation and urge to gamble and an emotional dependence on it.
- Frequent unexplained absences from school or work
- Sudden drop in grades
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Increased use of gambling language, especially the word “bet” in conversations
- Trouble concentrating in non-gambling activities
- Talking about winnings more and trying to hide gambling losses
- Lies about engaging in gambling behavior
- Changes in behavior such as mood changes
- Decline in health such as increased signs of depression and neglection of personal hygiene
- Unexplained missing household and personal items
- Thinking that the odds can be outsmarted
- Feeling obligated to chase losses
- Gambling to escape worries and other problems
- Unexplained debt
- Borrowing money to gamble
The take-home message here is not “don’t ever gamble,” it is that if you choose to gamble, do so in a healthy manner and in moderation.
