How to spot problem gambling

At Blackjack.com we want people to enjoy themselves, but we are aware that for some people gambling becomes a problem in their lives.

Problem gambling is sometimes called the "hidden illness" because unlike drug addiction or alcoholism, sufferers display no obvious physical signs or symptoms. Compulsive gamblers will typically deny that there is a problem at all and can employ all sorts of tricks in order to hide their gambling.

Really serious cases will involve the person withdrawing from relationships and lying about where they have been and what they have been up to.  In fact, very often, problem gamblers will be accused of having affairs outside of their settled relationships which of course they are, except that it just not with a person.

Do you have a gambling problem?

You may have a gambling problem if you:

Feel the need to hide your gambling. You will find yourself gambling in secret or covering up how much you gamble. You might feel that nobody understands you and how you feel when you get a big win.

Having trouble keeping your gambling under control. Ask yourself if you can walk away? If you feel like you have to stay until you have lost all your money, or find yourself chasing losses.

Don't have the money and still feel the need to gamble. The more desperate you are to win back your losses the more likely it is that you have a problem. If you are gambling with money that should really be spent on other things, like household bills then you may have a problem. If you are borrowing to gamble or selling or pawning possessions in order to gamble then you may have a problem. Unless you get some help It's going to become a vicious cycle. Most compulsive gamblers sincerely believe that the only way to get back the lost money is to bet more.  The truth is that if you are thinking like this it is only going to get worse.

In short, you need to ask yourself if gambling is affecting other areas of your life.  If it is then listen to the friends and family who will have your best interests at heart and seek help.