Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals

Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals
Signs of Gambling Problems
Gambling problems share many similarities with other addictive
disorders. However, there are no visible signs or physical changes
that will indicate a gambling problem.
Here are common signs of problem gambling that helping professionals
may identify in clients. While you may see individual symptoms in
clients who do not have gambling problems, when a client exhibits
a large number of signs—and an overall pattern of problems—the
possibility that gambling is a problem should be explored further.
behavioural signs
The client:
• stops doing things he or she previously enjoyed
• misses family events
• changes patterns of sleep, eating or sex
• ignores self-care, work, school or family tasks
• has conflicts over money with other people
• uses alcohol or other drugs more often
• leaves children alone, seems less concerned about who looks after them,
neglects their basic care
• thinks and talks about gambling all the time
• is less willing to spend money on things other than gambling
• cheats or steals to get the money to gamble or pay debts
• has legal problems related to gambling
• is often late for work or school
• organizes staff pools
• is gone for long, unexplained periods of time
• neglects personal responsibilities.
emotional signs
The client:
• withdraws from family and friends
• seems far away, anxious or has difficulty paying attention
• has mood swings and sudden outbursts of anger
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