Seven signs gambling has stopped being fun — and what to do
Gambling problems usually creep up slowly. These are the early signs to watch for, in yourself or someone close to you, and the first steps that help.
Most people who gamble do it for fun and stay in control. But for some, gambling slowly starts to take more than it gives. Spotting the signs early makes it much easier to change course.
The signs
- Spending more than you planned, more and more often.
- Chasing losses — going back to win back money you’ve lost.
- Needing bigger stakes to feel the same excitement.
- Borrowing or using bill money to gamble.
- Hiding it from people close to you.
- Feeling anxious, low or irritable about gambling, or when you can’t gamble.
- Thinking about gambling much of the time.
First steps that help
- Talk to someone. Free, confidential helplines speak to people in your situation every day. See our help page.
- Take a break. Use a time-out or self-exclusion on every site you use.
- Put barriers in place. Bank gambling blocks and blocking software make it harder to act on an urge.
- Get money advice. If there are debts, a free debt-advice service can help you make a plan.
If it’s someone you love
Choose a calm moment, talk about how things are affecting you both, and avoid blame. Helplines support family members too — you don’t need the other person’s permission to get help for yourself.
Not sure where you stand? Our private two-minute check-in can help you think it through.