Problem Gambling
Problem gamblers come from many backgrounds. They can be rich or poor, young or old. Problem gambling can affect people of every race, every religion and every education and income level. It happens in small towns or big cities.
To them, gambling has become an addiction -- like an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Problem gamblers find it extremely difficult to stop gambling. They believe they can "beat the odds" -- even when their entire world begins to fall apart.
When they can't stop - they
- lose their money -- all of it;
- lose their jobs -- more than once;
- lose their families -- it happens;
- even lose their lives -- it's true.
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 feel helpless;
- are tired, depressed, emotionally drained;
- are lonely or grieving.
The thrill of gambling can provide an exciting high, almost like a drug, to help people escape.
There are lots of ways to gamble in Iowa
Having so many choices can make it difficult for people with problems to stop gambling.
Just look at the variety in Iowa:
- Slot machines
- Casino table games
- Sports betting
- Video -- poker, blackjack, keno
- Pari-mutuel betting
- Cards (not at a casino)
- Bingo
- Scratch tickets and pull tabs
- Lottery (numbers)
- Raffles, pools, stocks and commodities.
Look for these warning signs
Some problem gamblers are easy to spot. They talk about betting all the time or continually look for ways to get gambling money. They may go to the racetrack every day or buy dozens of lottery tickets at once. But many problem gamblers hide their addiction.
People who have a gambling problem often show these warning signs. They
- rely on others to get them out of debt;
- are absent or late for work or school;
- shop excessively or binge spend;
- have unexplained money or new possessions;
- are impatient with or ignore friends and family;
- delay payment of household bills;
- use credit cards for cash advances;
- sell possessions;
- steal money to gamble.
Many problem gamblers have a dual addiction -- which means they gamble and they also have problems with things like alcohol or drugs.