Gambling

Lots of reports have shown that problem gambling is increasing amongst young people - this is serious because some gamblers have lost their homes, jobs and families because of their addiction 

Certain personalities and problem gambling 

• If you are very competitive, started gambling as a child, are a smoker, regular drinker or illegal drug taker (which could mean an ‘addictive’ personality) or come from a family of gamblers, you might be more likely to develop a problem.  

Have I got a problem? 

• Have other people told you that you have a problem with gambling?
• Perhaps you’ve tried to hide the amount of money you spend or had to ask other people to lend you money that you’ve lost.
• Or maybe gambling makes you happy and able to forget your problems.

What to do if you’re worried about someone else

• First of all, remember that it can be quite tricky to tell someone they have a problem if they don’t think they have.
• Look after your own emotional – and financial – wellbeing.
• For support and advice, you can ring the charity GamCare on 0845 6000 133. 
• Another support service is Gam-Anon, which is for friends and family of those with a gambling problem.

Getting help for yourself

• As with most problems, the earlier you try to tackle it, the better
• You might prefer to talk to someone who isn’t involved
• Counselling or, very occasionally medicine (such as anti-depressants), might be suggested
• It can take a while to get the sort of help you might need – read about some of ways to help yourself on GamCare’s HelpLine leaflets.  
• Consider joining Gamblers Anonymous, which offers group support meetings.