Problem gambling, or gambling addiction, is more than just a financial problem. It’s an emotional problem that has financial consequences.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), problem gambling includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage someone’s personal, family and work life.
Symptoms include an increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when trying to stop, and more. In some extreme cases, problem gambling can lead to financial ruin, legal problems, personal issues and even suicide.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness month.
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Here are the warning signs of problem gambling
Everyone is at risk for problem gambling no matter their age, gender, race, social status or education level.
Some groups are at a higher risk though. The NCPG said the following groups are at higher risk: Seniors, adolescents, college students, athletes, veterans, and minorities.
Michigan Lottery offered the following list of warning signs:
- Missing work or sacrificing time with family to gamble
- Family problems caused by gambling
- Lying about the time spent gambling or the money lost
- Inability to stop or control betting behavior
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Gambling to get money to solve financial problems
- Selling or pawning property to get money for gambling
- Spending money on gambling that should have gone to pay bills
- Gambling more to recover losses
- Committing a crime or considering committing a crime to pay for gambling
- Feelings of hopelessness, depression, or suicide
Do you have problem gambling? Use these self-screening tools
There are several resources that can help someone determine if they are struggling with gambling addiction or problem gambling.
Below are three links to several self-assessment surveys to determine if you have problem gambling:
Where to find help and support for problem gambling
There is treatment available for people who struggle with problem gambling.
The resources listed below can help people begin to find support:
- Call 1-800-270-7117
- Text: 248-648-3363
- Call: 800-522-4700
- Text: 800-522-4700
Michigan Lottery also offers responsible gaming tools to help players. Those tools include deposit limits, self-exclusion, and the ability to view your play history.
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