Is your betting becoming a problem? Signs, questions and where to get help
If you need to talk to someone tonight: call 1-800-GAMBLER or text 800GAM. Confidential, 24/7, for families too. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Many people wonder at some point whether their betting has gone past fun. Wondering is not a failure. This page lists common signs, points you to public self-checks, and says what to do next. It is information, not a diagnosis.
What we mean by a gambling problem
We use "gambling problem" for betting that is causing harm in your life: money, time, relationships, work or mood. It exists on a range. Some people have a few warning signs. Others are deep in it. Either way, help is available.
Common signs people notice
- Betting more than you planned, or for longer than you planned.
- Chasing a loss with another bet.
- Hiding bets, balances or app activity from people close to you.
- Borrowing, selling things or using money meant for bills.
- Feeling restless, low or anxious when you try to cut back.
- Thinking about betting a lot, even during work or family time.
- Promising yourself to stop and not managing to.
A short self-check from public tools
The National Council on Problem Gambling publishes a short screener at ncpgambling.org. State councils and treatment programs publish similar ones. We do not copy their questions here, because they belong to the people who wrote them. Take one directly, in private, and treat it as a starting point for a conversation.
What to do next
- Tell one person you trust. Saying it out loud takes some weight off.
- Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (800GAM) for confidential help and local options.
- Make it harder to bet on impulse. Here is how to block betting apps and sites, and how to share the key with someone.
- Look at what it has cost, without judgment. See how to work out the cost.
If it feels like an emergency
If you are having thoughts of ending your life, call or text 988 now. You do not need to be sure, and you do not need to have a plan.
Winner's Win is an iPhone app that puts people you trust in charge of the key. Your helpers never need the app.
Questions
Is this article a diagnosis?
No. It cannot tell you whether you have a problem. A trained counselor or doctor can. The signs on this page are common things people notice.
Where can I take a self-check?
Several public organizations publish short screeners, including the National Council on Problem Gambling. Take one with the organization's own tool and keep the result private.
What if I am not sure?
Not being sure is a fine reason to call a help line and ask. 1-800-GAMBLER is confidential and open every day.