What are the main signs of a gambling addiction?

Key Takeaways

Gambling addiction involves repeated, compulsive gambling that activates the brain’s pleasure center. This is similar to the way the brain responds to other addictive substances, like drugs or alcohol.

People who struggle with this form of addiction often continue to gamble despite its negative effects on their finances, relationships, and overall well-being. One of the main signs of gambling addiction is an inability to control or limit the behavior despite negative consequences.

You can prevent or manage a gambling addiction by learning to spot the signs and reaching out for help. Some therapists specialize in treating addiction and can help you get your gambling under control.

Sometimes, it can feel like gambling is everywhere, especially if you live in an area where live or online betting is legal. From placing a wager during a card game to pulling the handle on a slot machine to buying a raffle ticket, gambling can take many different forms.

Some people can engage in these activities, win or lose a few dollars, and not have it greatly impact their lives. But other people struggle to control their gambling despite its serious consequences. When this happens, it could be a sign of a gambling addiction. Clinically, this is known as gambling disorder (GD), and learning to spot the signs can help you know when it might be time to seek support.

Why is gambling addictive?

Gambling is addictive, in part, because of the way it activates the brain’s pleasure or reward systems. The effect is similar to that of addictive substances, like drugs or alcohol, which release the “feel good” brain chemical called dopamine.

However, if a person engages in compulsive gambling, their dopamine receptors can become altered. This means the “feel good” sensation will start to wear off sooner. So to get the same response, they’ll need to gamble even more excessively. This could mean gambling more frequently or placing larger bets. People with gambling disorder will typically continue this behavior despite the negative effects on their finances, relationships, and overall well-being.

In addition to brain changes, there are some other psychological and environmental factors that can make gambling addictive. These factors include:

Escapism: Some people use gambling as a way to escape their stressors. It can provide a temporary break from uncomfortable emotions.
Illusion of control: With gambling, sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. The wins, no matter how infrequently they occur, can provide a false sense of control or “evidence” that a person can beat the odds.
Financial gain: Winning money, in any amount, can lead a person to believe they can continue winning and take home a huge profit.
Recouping losses: When someone loses, they may feel compelled to keep gambling to win back what they’ve lost.

The common warning signs of a gambling addiction

To be diagnosed with gambling disorder, a person must show several of the following signs and symptoms over the course of a year. You may have a gambling addiction if:

You frequently or constantly think about gambling. This could include thinking about past gambling experiences, fantasizing about when you can gamble again, or brainstorming ways to get more money to gamble with.
You’ve had to increase the amounts of your bets to achieve the same pleasurable effects from gambling.
You’ve attempted to limit or stop your gambling in the past, but your efforts were unsuccessful.
You feel grouchy or irritable when you have to stop gambling.
You turn to gambling when you’re anxious or stressed and use it as a way to escape.
You typically gamble more heavily when you’ve experienced a loss while gambling. Sometimes, this is called “chasing a loss.”
You’ve lied to friends and family about your gambling.
You’ve done illegal activities to fund your gambling habit.
Your gambling has jeopardized something important, like friendships, romantic relationships, or your job.
You’ve borrowed money from others to pay your gambling debts or to continue gambling.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and it’s interrupting your ability to function in any way, know that it’s OK to ask for help. You don’t have to meet the full diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder to seek support. If you’re worried about your gambling, reach out to a mental health professional for an evaluation.

What causes a gambling addiction?

People from all walks of life can develop a gambling addiction. But there are some factors that may increase your risk. These factors include:

Environment: Living in a place where it’s easy to access in-person or online betting may encourage problem gambling.
Brain structure: Having abnormalities in the areas of the brain that govern decision making and/or having an underactive reward system may contribute to the onset of gambling addiction.
Personality: If you’re naturally more predisposed to thrill-seeking and risk-taking behaviors, you may be more likely to struggle with gambling.
Mental health: People with gambling disorder often have co-occurring mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety, ADHD, or a substance use disorder.
Culture: In some communities, gambling is considered a pleasurable pastime that many people enjoy. This may prevent someone from feeling the negative effects of excessive gambling.
Genetics: Having a first-degree relative, like a sibling or parent, who has an addiction may make you more susceptible to problem gambling.
Biological sex: People who were assigned male at birth tend to have higher rates of gambling addiction than people who were assigned female at birth.
Age: Gambling disorder often begins in adolescence, and more young people struggle with gambling addiction than adults. This is especially true for college students, who gamble at much higher rates than the general population.

How to avoid a gambling addiction

When it comes to preventing gambling addiction, early detection is key. By recognizing the warning signs, you can seek support before things escalate.

Other ways to avoid a gambling addiction include:

Avoiding gambling in the first place: If you have a family history of addictive behaviors or a commonly co-occurring mental health condition, like depression or ADHD, it may be helpful to avoid gambling altogether.
Changing your environment: This might mean avoiding the casino or deleting betting apps from your phone.
Seeking healthy alternatives: If you’re using gambling to battle stress or uncomfortable emotions, look for new ways to meet your psychological and emotional needs.
Setting limits and maintaining control: If you’re spending too much time gambling, give yourself a hard limit. This goes for the amount of money you’re gambling with too.
Asking for help: If you’re concerned about your gambling, don’t hesitate to seek support. A mental health professional can help you get your gambling under control.

How to help someone with a gambling addiction

If you’re concerned about someone’s gambling, there are things you can do to offer support while also taking care of yourself.

Approach the subject with empathy and understanding. Let the person know that you’re willing to listen, without judgment, to whatever they want to share about their experiences.
Talk about how the gambling has affected you. If the person’s gambling has negatively impacted you, it’s OK to acknowledge that. Focus on communicating your boundaries and needs instead of assigning blame.
Avoid financially contributing to the person’s gambling. This is an important boundary that can help curb the person’s gambling and keep your finances secure.
Celebrate progress. When it comes to managing compulsive behavior, even the smallest steps in a positive direction are worthy of celebration. When someone makes a healthy choice regarding their gambling, try to acknowledge it.
Assist with finding resources. There are many different types of gambling support groups that take place either in person or online. Offer some support in finding a resource that could be a fit for your loved one.
Encourage professional help. If someone is struggling to control their gambling on their own, it might be best to seek professional help. Look for a therapist who specializes in treating gambling disorder or other forms of addiction.

Find care with Rula

A person living with gambling disorder may feel like their life revolves around their addiction. Left untreated, it can have devastating effects on their finances, relationships, and ability to function in everyday life. If you’re concerned about your gambling, know that you’re not alone and help is available. Gambling addiction can be effectively treated with the right support.

At Rula, we’re committed to making specialized mental healthcare more affordable and accessible. If you’ve ever struggled to find a provider who takes your insurance or faced a months-long waitlist for an appointment, we invite you to explore an alternative. With Rula’s therapist-matching program, you can connect with an in-network provider and meet with them from the comfort of home as early as this week.