When Gambling is a Problem
Problem gamblers come from many backgrounds. They can be rich or poor, young or old, male or female. Problem gambling can affect people of every race, every religion, and every education and income level. It happens in small towns or big cities.
Reasons Why People Gamble
People don't always gamble just for the money. They often gamble because they:
- Believe winning big will solve their problems
- Seek escape from boredom, stress, grief
- Need time to just not think, not worry
- Are in troubled relationships and want to escape
- Are tired, depressed, emotionally drained
- Are lonely or grieving
Questions to Ask Yourself
If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may have a gambling problem. Please, get the help you need. Call 1-800-BETS-OFF.
- Have you tried to stop, cut down or control your gambling?
- Have you lied to family members, friends or others about how much you gamble or how much money you are losing?
- Have there been periods lasting two weeks or longer when you spent a lot of time thinking about gambling experiences or planning your future ventures or bets?
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