Gambling Problem Warning Signs

• Do you think about gambling a lot – or think about how to get the money you need to gamble a lot?

• Do you gamble to escape - gambling when you’re feeling down, depressed, angry (or any other negative emotions)?

• Do you try to win back losses with more gambling?

• Do you owe anyone gambling money?

• Do you find that you need to bet greater amounts to get the same level of excitement you used to get with smaller amounts?

• Have you ever tried to cut back on your gambling, but been unable to do so?

• When you try to keep from gambling, do you feel irritable?

• Have you ever broken the law to get money to gamble?

• Do you lie to others about the extent of your gambling or your gambling problems?

• Has your gambling ever lost you a job or a relationship?¹

Answering yes to any of the above questions indicates a possible gambling problem. Those that answer yes to 5 or more of the above questions meet the APA criteria for pathological gambling. ²

Gambling Addiction Statistics

• An estimated 20% of pathological gamblers will commit suicide and most will seriously consider taking their own life at some point. ³

• More money is made on gambling in America than on the combined revenues of all recorded music, movies, spectator sports (NFL, MBA, NBA etc.) theme parks and cruise ships.

• 5% of American gamblers (problem and pathological gamblers) contribute 25% of casino and lottery profits ⁴

Who Is at Risk of Gambling Addiction?

Although anyone can develop a problem with gambling, people in certain situation are at statistically greater risk, such as people:

• Who started gambling at a younger age
• Who have a drug or alcohol abuse problem, or those who have a co-occurring mental illness
• Who live in environments where gambling is available and or/accepted
• Who grew up in families where one or both parents had gambling problems⁵