1800 Gambling Problem
Know the one number that's always on your side. The New York Council on Problem Gambling. NYCPG is a not-for-profit independent corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and disordered gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by problem gambling.
RULE 1
Treat the money you lose as the cost of entertainment and any winnings as a bonus
RULE 2
Plan ahead - Set a money and time limit, and stick to them
RULE 3
EXPECT TO LOSE - Odds are, you will
RULE 4
NEVER gamble on credit
RULE 5
CREATE BALANCE IN YOUR LIFE
Don't let gambling interfere with work or your personal life
RULE 6
AVOID 'CHASING' LOST MONEY
It's unlikely you'll win it back and very possible you'll lose more
1800 Gambling Problem Solving
RULE 7
Don't use gambling to cope with physical or emotional pain - Seek professional help
RULE 8
Learn the warning signs
Call 1-800-GAMBLER for yourself or a loved one.
Are you concerned that someone you know has a gambling problem, but not sure what type of things to look for? Knowing the warning signs can help you decide what action to take.
1 800 Gambling Problem
It is common to notice changes in the person's finances, mood and behaviour or how they spend their time.
Financial signs
Some common financial warning signs that someone may have a problem with gambling include:
- Money missing from bank accounts, wallet/purse or money jar
- Household items and valuables missing
- Regularly short of money even though they earn a wage
- Borrowing money on a regular basis
- Having many loans at the one time
- Being secretive about financial records or payslips
- Unpaid bills/disconnection notices
- Lack of food in the house.
1800 Gambling Problem Definition
Mood and behavioural signs
When someone develops a gambling problem, there are often noticeable changes to their mood and behaviour, including:
- Becoming withdrawn from others/family events
- Performance at work is being affected
- Seeming worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason
- Reporting feeling hopeless, depressed, frustrated or suicidal
- Changes in personality - sleeping, eating, or sexual relationship patterns
- Controlling and/or manipulative behaviour
- Using threats, lies or charm to manipulate others.
1800 Gambling Problem Solver
Gambling Problem Call 1800
Time related signs
Some common time-related signs that could indicate someone has a problem with gambling include:
- Spending more and more time gambling
- Being secretive about unexplained absences
- Often being late for commitments
- Taking a lot of sick days or days off
- Taking an unusual amount of time for simple tasks (e.g. taking two hours to get the paper from the shops).
1800 Gambling Problem Meaning
Remember gambling behaviour is often hidden
It can be difficult to know if someone has a problem with gambling. Initially we may not want to believe that someone we know or love has a problem with gambling.
It can also be difficult to detect a gambling problem, because many people who gamble do not show their feelings and may lie or get angry if questioned about their behaviour.
People sometimes say they feel that they should have noticed sooner, but remember the person gambling may have gone to great lengths to hide it from you.
Once you have noticed there are many ways we can help you and the person gambling – why not start chatting to one of our Counsellors today, it’s free, confidential and available 24/7: