Tips for people who think they might need to stop or slow down
- Set time limits – It can consume hours of your time setting up your weekly roster. Determine how much time per week you will spend setting up and monitoring your weekly progress.
- Stay involved with other activities you have fun doing – Make sure you have a balance of activities, gaming or gambling shouldn’t take over other activities you are interested in.
- Keep your friendships and relationships
- Set money limits – Limit the amount of money spent on play.
What Are the Warning Signs?
Problem gambling is not a bad habit or a moral weakness. It is a serious condition that affects you, your family, your friends, and your job. Learn to spot the warning signs:
At Work:
- Frequently talks about gambling wins or placing bets
- Complains about mounting debts or financial troubles
- Eager to participate in and organize betting opportunities at work
At Home:
- Frequent mood swings
- Unexplained absences or disappearances
- Inconsistencies in finances, such as unpaid bills or missing money
With Friends:
- Prefers gambling (casino, Keno, card games, sports, etc.) to any other activity
- Asks to borrow money
- Becomes aggravated if concern for gambling is mentioned
Help is Available!
Spouses, partners, and family members of problem gamblers often feel frustrated, angry, sad, ashamed, and isolated. Depression and stress-related illness are common. Fortunately, help is available. Just thinking about talking to someone about a gambling problem can be scary, but knowing where to start can help you find the courage to have the conversation.
- Tell the person you care about that you’re concerned about how he/she is acting.
- Tell the person exactly what he/she has done that concerns you.
- Tell the person how his/her behavior is affecting other people, and be specific.
- Be clear about what you expect from him/her and what he/she can expect from you.
- After you have told him/her what you have seen and how you feel, let him/her respond. Listen with a non-judgmental attitude.
- Let him/her know you are willing to help, but don’t try to counsel him/her yourself.
- Give him/her information, not advice. Encourage them to call the 24/7 help line.
A problem gambler doesn’t necessarily need to “hit bottom” to decide to get help. To get help for you or someone you know, call the 24/7 help line, 1-866-322-1407.
