How to Tell if Someone is a Problem Gambler?

The worst thing about gaming is the probability of getting an addiction to gambling. Here we will help you determine whether you or anyone you know should consult a specialist for help.

To determine whether you or anyone you know is a pathological gambler or is about to become one, we provide a list of the most likely symptoms. If you can say yes to any three points, you should consult a problem gaming association in your country or consult a doctor to find the ways to cure yourself. We will be talking about different methods of getting out of problem gaming in the next articles.

Symptoms of Gambling Addiction

• Preoccupation. The person often or constantly thinks about their past, future or fantasy gambling experiences.
• Escape. Gambling is used as a way of escaping problems or improving your mood.
• Lying. The person lies to their family, friends and even therapists about the time and money they spends on gambling.
• Withdrawal. All attempts to cease and reduce gambling are met with irritation and nervousness.
• Tolerance or Rush. Just like with of drug tolerance, the person needs a higher and higher "dose" of gambling, and a higher and higher bet.
• Loss of control. After an attempt to quit gambling the person starts playing again.
• Bailout. The person asks for money to gamble from family, their friends or any other third party.
• Illegal acts. These acts include theft, fraud and anything else involved to recover gambling losses and obtain money to gamble.
• Chasing. When suffering a big loss, the person tries to win the money back by gambling more.
• Risk of relationship. The gambler continues the games even when risking a significant relationship or job or any other important opportunity.

These symptoms are Internationally recognized as the basic principles for determining a gambling addiction.