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National Problem Gambling Helpline

1-800-522-4700

The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700). The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem. The network consists of 28 call centers which provide resources and referrals for all 50 states, Canada and the US Virgin Islands. Help is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.

The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network also includes text and chat services. These features enable those who are gambling online or on their mobile phone to access help the same way they play. One call, text or chat will get you to problem gambling help anywhere in the U.S. 24/7/365.

Help is also available via an online peer support forum at www.gamtalk.org.

Additional Helpline Resources

Helpline Committee: Learn more about the Helpline Committee that stands behind the operations of the National Problem Gambling Helpline and their goals to maintain an efficient Helpline.

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National Helpline 1-800-522-4700 | National Council on Problem Gambling

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The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700). The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem. The network consists of 28 call centers which provide resources and referrals for all 50 states, Canada and the US Virgin Islands.

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Gambling is an activity that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. For most people who choose to enjoy a little wager, it never becomes more than an enjoyable hobby. However, some individuals may find that they cannot control their gambling habits. When gambling goes beyond being harmless fun and begins creating serious problems in someone's life, that person may be showing gambling addiction symptoms.

Gambling addiction is classed as a mental health disorder and has similarities to other addictions, such as a chemical addiction.

What is Gambling Addiction?

It is similar to other impulse-control disorders, such as pyromania, in which a person compulsively sets fires, or kleptomania, which results in compulsive theft. In all of these cases, the person with the addiction has an inability to stop their behavior even when they realize it is hurting themselves or their loved ones.

When talking about a gambling addiction or problem, it's important to realize that the issue has many different facets, and not all those held under its sway suffer the same symptoms, or even experience the same intensity. A few of the more common types of gambling addiction include:

Compulsive Gambling: This is likely the type of behavior that comes to mind when most people think of a gambling addiction. Here a person is unable to control their desire to gamble. The compulsive gambler will continue to play whether they win or lose, regardless of the consequences. They will also look for opportunities to make bets and wagers even when they know they cannot afford to lose. This is also known as pathological gambling.

Binge Gambling: As the name would suggest, this has a person exhibit compulsive gambling symptoms, but only at certain times. A binge gambler may appear to be in control of their problem, as they might go weeks or months without exhibiting any signs of being a problem gambler. However, their compulsive gambling behaviors will reveal themselves when they do start betting, even if these occasions are rare.

Problem Gambling: Even if a person is not entirely addicted to the point of compulsion, it is possible that their gambling habits may not be entirely in their control. A problem gambler is someone who has some sort of gambling behavior that is disturbing their normal life. This can often be identified when a person begins to find themselves chasing losses, lying to loved ones about their betting habits, or starts to realize that they cannot seem to stop themselves from gambling more and more often.

How Common Is Gambling Addiction?

The National Gambling Impact Study Commission found that 2.7% of American adults are pathological or problem gamblers. - National Opinion Research Center.

Figuring out what percentage of the population suffers from compulsive or problem gambling is difficult, as much of the effort to diagnose such a problem often needs to come from self-reporting by the gamblers themselves. However, there have been many efforts to estimate the scope of the problem, and most of these studies have come to similar (if not identical conclusions).

The most commonly reported rates for problem gambling tend to be in the range of 2-3%. Actual pathological gambling is somewhat rarer, with 1% or less of the population usually being considered to truly suffer from this condition. Not surprisingly, these figures are higher in areas where gambling is a major part of the culture.

For instance, a 2002 report found that about 3-4% of Nevada adults could be considered likely pathological gamblers. The percentage of gamblers who develop gambling problems is also somewhat higher than the overall population, though these numbers have converged as most adults have now gambled at some time due to the rapid expansion of both land-based and online casinos and poker rooms.

It is difficult to pinpoint just how many people seek treatment. While resources for those who find they have problems are readily available, most do not seek out the organizations or information that exists to help them. Some problem gamblers eventually overcome the issue on their own through changes in their behavior, while many others continue to suffer from some level of problem gambling for years or decades without seeking help.

What Causes Problem Gambling?

One of the major causes of problem gambling is biological in nature. As mentioned earlier, there are biological reasons to believe that some aspects of compulsive gambling are similar to those in other addictions, and brain imaging has shown that a gambling win can produce a neurological response similar to the response seen when a cocaine addict receives a dose of the drug. Deficiencies in norepinephrine and serotonin have also been linked to compulsive behaviors.

Other factors can also contribute to problem gambling, even if they are not direct causes. For instance, the way an individual thinks about gambling may have a role in whether that person subsequently develops a problem. Many believe that the gambler's fallacy provides a seemingly logical rationalization for such compulsive behavior.

The gambler's fallacy is the belief that a series of independent events will affect the odds of future independent events. For instance, if a fair coin is flipped five times, and lands on heads each time, the odds of the next flip resulting in a tails is still 50% - as we said, the coin is fair. However, an individual believing in the gambler's fallacy is likely to believe that the coin is more likely to land on tails in the upcoming flips to "make up" for the previous results. This can provide additional motivation for a compulsive gambler to chase losses, believing that their luck must change soon.

One point that is repeatedly made throughout problem gambling literature is that outside sources do not cause these behaviors to manifest. While stress may trigger behavior in someone who is a problem gambler, difficulties in one's personal or professional life are not the cause of such compulsions. Similarly, while the existence of legalized gambling in an area will give people more opportunities to gamble, it would be inaccurate to say that casinos or other gambling outlets directly cause problem gambling. Often, even in the absence of legalized gambling, those with a compulsive habit will find illegal means to wager on whatever they can. However, it has been observed that fast-paced games are more likely to illicit problem behaviors - a slot machine with rapid bet placement, for instance, might be more attractive to those with a problem than a lottery that can only be played once per day.

There are also several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a gambling problem. Those who have addictions to alcohol or some drugs, such as cocaine, have shown increased vulnerability to compulsive gambling. Several psychological disorders have also been identified as risk factors for problem gambling, including schizophrenia and antisocial personality disorder.

Recognizing You Have a Problem

While it might seem as though the symptoms of problem gambling should be obvious, particularly to those who bet compulsively, it is surprisingly common for both gamblers and those around them to miss the signs of a problem. This is true in part because many of the issues involved with problem gambling can be rationalized by the gambler themselves, sometimes effectively masking the problem.

While definitions of problem gambling vary around the world and from organization to organization, most professionals agree on the signs and symptoms associated with the disorder. For instance, the American Psychiatric Association has come up with a list of ten diagnostic criteria that can be used to diagnose compulsive or pathological gambling in an individual. Those criteria are as follows:

The individual...

Thinks constantly about gambling

Feels the need to increase bets to sustain thrill

Exhibits agitation when cutting back

Gambles as an escape from problems or to reduce anxiety

Chases losses

Lies to conceal their gambling activity

Finances their bets through illegal acts

Jeopardizes significant relationships to gamble

Relies on financial bailouts from friends, family or others to meet gambling debts

Fails in efforts to control or stop gambling

One need not show all of these symptoms to be diagnosed as a problem gambler. In order to be considered a pathological gambler, an individual must meet at least five of the above criteria, and they must not be the result of a separate mental health problem. While problem gambling is more loosely defined, an individual who exhibits any of these symptoms may wish to take a closer look at their betting habits, and someone that regularly exhibits multiple criteria may well have a gambling problem.

However, simply looking at this list is not enough to conclusively determine whether you have a gambling addiction. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, a trained physician must do a complete evaluation of an individual to ensure that some other medical condition is not causing these behaviors. This might include a physical exam and an interview in order to perform a full mental health evaluation.

Negative Effects of Gambling

Gambling addiction statistics reveal that well over $500 billion is spent as annual wagers
- PBS.org, Gambling Addiction Statistics.

Some of the negative effects of gambling are readily apparent, while others may be less obvious. Of course, constant betting can lead individuals into severe financial trouble. A compulsive gambler can quickly accrue large debts, perhaps even resulting in poverty due to the strain from the costs of gambling, the loss of a home, or even complete bankruptcy. Worse still, these financial problems can sometimes lead to legal issues, as some compulsive gamblers will resort to theft or other means in order to finance their habit.

One of the most important negative effects to recognize is the mental strain that problem gambling can put on an individual. The actions taken as a result of the disorder can cause rifts in important relationships with friends and family, or jeopardize a person's career. Compulsive gambling can also lead to depression or even suicide.

A gambling addiction can also have repercussions on the people closest to the addict. According to statistics, families of those who are suffering from this type of behavior are more likely to experience child abuse or other forms of domestic violence. Even children who don't directly suffer from their parents' problem gambling may later develop issues such as depression, substance abuse, or behavioral problems.

Getting Better

There are many ways in which a compulsive gambler might seek treatment. There is no single treatment that is considered to be the standard way to treat gambling addiction.

The most effective component to treating a gambling problem appears to be psychotherapy. With the help of a trained professional, counseling has a relatively high success rate in correcting problem behaviors. One reason why this approach may be particularly successful is the fact that the majority of individuals who have a gambling addiction have at least one other psychiatric problem; this means that, in addition to treating the addiction, a psychologist or psychiatrist may be able to help with related mental health issues as well.

Another important resource for problem gamblers is Gamblers' Anonymous (GA). In conjunction with psychotherapy, GA has been found to help many recovering problem gamblers by providing them with an outlet to talk about their challenges and experiences with others who have gone through similar situations. Self-help efforts and peer support systems have also been shown to aid in recovery, and as many as one-third of all individuals may recover without any formal treatment.

While no medications have been specifically designed to treat gambling addiction, some have shown promise in reducing the urge to wager, or the feelings of excitement that come while betting. These include antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, medications that have been used to address other addictions, and certain SSRIs.

How to Help Others with Problem Gambling Behavior

It can sometimes be difficult to tell if a loved one has a gambling problem. However, many of the criteria we mentioned above that can be used to determine if you are a problem gambler can also be used to look for signs of trouble in someone you care about. For instance, if you notice that someone you care about has started clearly lying about their gambling, or that they are letting your relationship or their relationship with others deteriorate in order to wager more, those are signs that something could be wrong. In addition, if they begin to state or suggest that they might have a gambling problem, it's probably time to take them seriously - they may be looking for help, but are afraid to ask or fully admit the extent of the problem.

According to experts, the most important step that can be taken by family members and friends of a compulsive gambler is to educate themselves about the problem. Family and friends should be supportive and participate in the treatment process as appropriate. Once you realize a friend or relative has a problem, it's important not to be seen as judgmental or threatening to the person with the gambling problem; instead, make sure that you're not doing anything to enable the gambler, and take part in the recovery process if desired or necessary. For instance, while you shouldn't offer to pay off their gambling debts - as this would enable their behavior - you might help them find financial counseling or other services that could help them with those debts.

If you know a friend or family member who has a gambling problem, it can often be difficult to get them to see that there is a problem at all. There's no guaranteed way to convince a compulsive gambler to seek treatment, but it can often help to let that person know how their wagering has affected their life, and the lives of those around them.

One method that is often used to address problem gambling - as well as other forms of addiction and similar problems - is an intervention, in which family and/or close friends confront the compulsive gambler to show their concern with their behavior. While alone these interventions are rarely successful in changing behavior, they can be invaluable in convincing someone who needs help to seek it. The tone of any such intervention should be positive and loving, yet concerned. Each person in the intervention should share a message or story that explains how the problem behavior has hurt them and their relationship with the gambler. At no point should the tone of these messages be confrontational or heated.

Gambling Addiction Resources

If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, there are plenty of resources available to those looking for help. Treatment and help for gambling addiction is available in many different forms. There is not one type of treatment that works for every person and sometimes multiple methods may be required.

Available options range from group meetings with people in similar situations to advance therapy with professional counselors and doctors. Whether you need someone to talk with about your problem right now, or you need to find a more rigorous treatment program, you can find it here. The following are just a few of the organizations and other resources dedicated to fighting gambling addiction:

Gamblers Anonymous ( http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/) - Founded in 1957, Gamblers Anonymous has local groups that meet around the world. The only requirement for those looking to join is that they have a desire to stop gambling. GA includes a 12 step program to help recovering problem gamblers avoid relapsing into their old behaviors. There are also groups available for the loved ones (Gam-Anon) and the children of problem gamblers (Gam-A-Teen).

The National Council on Problem Gambling ( http://www.ncpgambling.org) - The National Council on Problem Gambling advocates for problem gamblers and their families, and is completely independent of the gambling industry. Their website contains extensive information on problem gambling, treatment information, and counselors throughout the United States who are trained to deal with compulsive gambling problems.

National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (800-522-4700) - This hotline is run by the NCPG, and offers information on local resources available for problem gamblers and their loved ones.

GamCare ( http://www.gamcare.org.uk/) - GamCare is an industry-funded charity that offers non-judgmental counseling and guidance for problem gamblers in the United Kingdom. GamCare also operates a Help Line in the UK that can be reached at 0808 8020 133.

Gambling Helplines by Country

Argentina - juegoresponsable.com.ar - 0800-333-0333

België - www.vad.be - 02 423 03 33

Brasil - www.elianaferrarez.com.br - 32 3236 1014

Canadien - www.problemgambling.ca - 1-888-230-3505

Chile - www.psicologosludopatiachile.cl - 9 222 3860

Deutschland - www.spielen-mit-verantwortung.de - 0800-1 37 27 00

España - fejar.org - 900 200 225

France - www.ifac-addictions.fr - + 33 (0)2 40 84 76 20

Italia - www.giocaresponsabile.it - 800 921 121

Nederland - www.agog.nl - 0900-2177721

Norge - hjelpelinjen.no - 800 800 40

Österreich - www.spielsuchthilfe.at - (1) 544 13 57

Português - www.jogoresponsavel.pt - 213 950 911

Schweiz - www.suchtschweiz.ch - 021 321 29 11

Sverige - www.spelberoende.se - 020-81 91 00

References And Sources:

You can learn more about the psychology behind gambling addiction by reading our interview with an addiction psychologist here.

Casino.org's editorial staff have over 25 years of experience in the gambling and casino industry. However, we promote responsible gambling & this article should not be used in lieu of seeking professional help and is here to serve as guidance. Should you, or a family member, suffer from a gambling addiction or problem behavior, we recommend contacting a counsellor or one of the organizations listed in our resources section.

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Gambling is an activity that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. For most people who choose to enjoy a little wager, it never becomes more than an enjoyable hobby. However, some individuals may find that they cannot control their gambling habits.

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Gambling is one of the most insidious of human vices, as it presents the illusion of easy money yet can quickly lead to financial ruin. The odds are never in your favor whether it is poker, blackjack or anything else; gambling is a successful industry because the house always wins. Read on to find out about the symptoms, causes and effects of gambling addiction.

Are There Different Types of Gambling Addiction?

Gambling is a diverse activity, so different types of gambling addiction exist as well. It is not always obvious when someone is addicted to gambling. Contrary to popular belief, the act of gambling is not restricted to slot machines, cards and casinos. Purchasing a lottery ticket, entering a raffle or making a bet with a friend are also forms of gambling.

Gambling addiction can occur when a person feels that they are in financial ruin and can only solve their problems by gambling what little they have in an attempt to get a large sum of money. Unfortunately, this almost always leads to a cycle in which the gambler feels they must win back their losses, and the cycle goes on until the person is forced to seek rehabilitation to break their habit.

Another type of gambling addiction results when a gambler plays the games and makes risky bets to experience the emotional high associated with taking huge risks that occasionally pay off. In both cases, the person affected by this addiction must have the desire to stop the behavior, not just to please family and friends. If you, or a loved one, want to stop gambling but don't not know where to begin, call our hotline at for the resources necessary to start the recovery process.

What Causes an Addiction to Gambling?

Many factors can contribute to a gambling addiction, including desperation for money, the desire to experience thrills and highs, the social status associated with being a successful gambler, and the entertaining atmosphere of the mainstream gambling scene. Unfortunately, once a gambling addiction takes hold, breaking the cycle is difficult. Severe addictions can take hold when someone feels desperate financially and wants to make back what they have lost. Once the person finally wins, while they may end up collecting a massive amount of money from that win, it is rarely enough to cover what has already been lost. Most gamblers never even come close to breaking even.

What Are the Signs of a Gambling Problem?

The signs of a gambling problem are often the same as the signs of other addictions. Common signs of addiction include, but are not limited to, the following:

Feeling the need to be secretive about gambling

Having trouble controlling gambling habits

Gambling when you cannot afford to

Your friends and family express concern about your gambling

Of course, as with any other addiction, the hallmark sign of a gambling problem is that you feel you cannot stop. If you feel like you need to try just one more time, or if you feel anxious when you think about quitting, it is highly likely you are suffering from a gambling addiction. If you think you or your loved one may be suffering from a gambling addiction, call to talk about the signs of a gambling addiction and your individual situation.

Emotional Symptoms of Excessive Gambling

Excessive gambling often causes a multitude of emotional symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts and tendencies. In extreme situations, these thoughts may lead a gambler to actually making an attempt to end their life. Losing everything to gambling is devastating and leaves many people feeling completely hopeless.

Physical Symptoms of Excessive Gambling

Because gambling can cause depression, anxiety and self-harming tendencies, several physical signs are to be watched out for. Depression and anxiety sometimes lead to sleep deprivation, which may result in pale skin, weight gain or weight loss, acne and dark circles under the eyes.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of a Gambling Addiction

Gambling is associated with many additional effects, in both the short- and long-term. Gambling addiction frequently results in other addictions that serve as coping mechanisms for people who are stressed out by the activity. Many gamblers turn to drugs, alcohol and other activities to alleviate the anxiety brought on by the gambling lifestyle. Even if a gambler never experiences financial ruin as a result of the lifestyle, they may struggle with drug and alcohol addiction for the rest of life after self-medicating to deal with the stress. Also, relationships are often permanently damaged as a result of gambling.

Is There a Test or Self-Assessment I Can Do?

If you think you may have a gambling problem, ask yourself whether you would be okay if you stopped gambling right now. If you feel anxious or as if you shouldn't stop yet, chances are you are suffering from a gambling addiction. However, if you are not sure, call our hotline any time at to speak with someone who can help you assess whether or not you have a problem and need help to recover.

Medication: Are There Drug Options for Gambling Disorders?

While gambling cannot be directly treated with medication, it is possible to alleviate the anxiety and depression that results from gambling and often lead to it in the first place. If you have any questions about medication options and treatment for your gambling addiction, call us at .

Drugs: Possible Options

The most common way to treat a gambling problem with medication is to prescribe anti-anxiety and antidepressant medicines. Feeling depressed and anxious often exacerbates gambling addiction, so treating these disorders may make it easier to break the cycle and get back to a normal life.

Medication Side Effects

As with just about any medication, certain side effects are associated with antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication. Some of these medications may make you feel worse before you feel better. For detailed information on the side effects of various depression and anxiety medications, consult your psychiatrist, or call our hotline at for advice. Remember, you should never try to self-medicate for anxiety or depression. These disorders are serious, and self-medication can be extremely dangerous.

Antidepressant Drug Addiction, Dependence and Withdrawal in Gamblers

While anxiety and depression medications are often highly successful helpers on the path to recovery, it is possible to become addicted to these medications as well. For this reason, it is often a good idea to enroll in an inpatient treatment center while you recover from your addiction, so a trained team of professionals can monitor you for dependence and withdrawal symptoms related to your medications.

Medication Overdose

One of the major problems associated with medications is that many of them do provide a high if you take more than the prescribed amount. Many gamblers are looking for that high, so prescription drug abuse is rampant among gamblers who are in the process of recovery and feel the need to get that high from something else. Overdose is one of many risks associated with substance abuse, and it is one of the reasons inpatient treatment centers are always recommended for anyone recovering from an addiction to gambling.

Depression and Gambling

Because gambling addiction is often associated with depression, watch out for signs that you are, or your loved one is, suffering from this debilitating disorder. Lethargy, fatigue, change in appetite and unhappiness are several symptoms out of many that someone is suffering from depression. Depression is often not something that can be controlled easily. If you suspect you or your loved one is suffering from depression, call us at .

Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse and Gambling

A dual diagnosis means that someone who is suffering from an addiction to substances or gambling is diagnosed with the addiction along with a mental health disorder. Dual diagnosis treatment is needed to effectively address both issues.

Getting Help to Quit Gambling

Quitting gambling is no easy feat, but it can be done with the help of a solid support group and treatment program. It can be difficult to get started on the path to recovery without the assistance of professionals who have helped people through the process before. Supportive friends and family are vital to a full recovery, but they might not know how best to help you. For information on how to get help to quit gambling, call our hotline at .

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Signs and Symptoms of a Gambling Addiction - Causes and Effects

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Gambling is one of the most insidious of human vices, as it presents the illusion of easy money yet can quickly lead to financial ruin. The odds are never in your favor whether it is poker, blackjack or anything else; gambling is a successful industry because the house always wins.

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nline gambling statistics - how many people are addicted to online gambling websites and internet casinos? Although it is relatively easy to find information and facts on "traditional" forms of gambling, O internet gambling is a relativly new phenomenon and accurate information on online gambling statistics is difficult to find.

Below, TechAddiction has provided a number of interesting facts on internet casinos as well as selected online gambling statistics:

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how much money is made from online gambling

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Online Gambling Statistics & Facts - TechAddiction

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nline gambling statistics - how many people are addicted to online gambling websites and internet casinos? Although it is relatively easy to find information and facts on "traditional" forms of gambling, O internet gambling is a relativly new phenomenon and accurate information on online gambling statistics is difficult to find.

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Inside the brain of a gambling addict - BBC News

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Gambling Addict Spends $1M On Lottery Tickets

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SUBSCRIBE to the Barcroft network: http://bit.ly/Oc61Hj A FORMER gambling addict spent over a decade compulsively gambling - and spent over $1 million on the lottery before losing everything. Adam Osmond built up his own convenience store business after studying for a business degree but lost everything after his gambling addiction saw him buying thousands of dollars worth of lottery tickets every week.