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The Signs & Symptoms Of Gambling Addiction & Harms
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<span class="header__support-icon font-ico-search"></span> <span> Search</span> </button> </div> <form class="header__form js-header-form" action="/search"> <button class="header__clear-button js-header-close-search-button" type="button"> <span class="font-ico-cross"></span> <span class="sr-only">Close search.</span> </button> <label for="header-search" class="sr-only">Search GambleAware</label> <input class="header__search-input body-medium js-header-search-input" id="header-search" placeholder="Search GambleAware" type="text" name="term"> <button class="orange-icon-button orange-icon-button--large orange-icon-button js-header-form-btn btn--disabled" type="submit"> <span class="orange-icon-button__icon font-ico-search"></span> <span> Search</span> </button> </form> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </nav> </header> <section class="standard-banner bg-tangerine-10 js-banner-position" data-script="position"> <div class="wrap"> <div class="breadcrumbs"> <ul class="breadcrumbs__list"> <li class="breadcrumbs__item"> <a href="/" class="breadcrumbs__item-link">Home</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs__item"> <a href="/advice/" class="breadcrumbs__item-link">Advice</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs__item"> <a href="/advice/for-your-gambling/" class="breadcrumbs__item-link">For your gambling</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs__item breadcrumbs__item--active"> <a href="/advice/for-your-gambling/the-signs-of-gambling-harms/" class="breadcrumbs__item-link">The signs of gambling harms</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="standard-banner__container"> <div class="standard-banner__content"> <h1 class="standard-banner__content-title h1">The signs of gambling harms</h1> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/e0zhax2f/people-worrying.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> <div class="standard-banner__content-text body-m rte"><p>As anyone can experience problems with gambling, there is always a risk that it could become harmful.</p> <p>Gambling harms can be anything that negatively impacts the life of the person gambling, or the life of those around them.</p> <p>Gambling harms are often hard to spot. This means understanding the warning signs of problems with gambling is an important step towards getting the right support.</p></div> </div> <div class="standard-banner__media"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/e0zhax2f/people-worrying.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </section> <main class="main"> <div class="main__container" data-pageKey="83f62bcd-75eb-4bab-9541-af2e12af68f5"> <section class="full-width-text js-anchor-list bg-deep-indigo-100 margin-extra-large" data-script="anchor-list"> <div class="wrap"> <div class="full-width-text__content full-width-text__content--narrow"> <h2 class="full-width-text__content-title h2">What are the signs?</h2> <div class="full-width-text__content-text body-m rte"><p><span class="body-large">We know that gambling impacts everyone differently. </span><span class="body-large">However, there are some signs that can help you tell if someone is experiencing gambling problems, also known as '</span><span class="body-large">gambling addiction'.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </section><section class="signpost margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="signpost__container"> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="singpost__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/1afpntps/woman-time.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Spending more time or money gambling</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>People experiencing gambling harms might find it hard to stop or reduce gambling. This might lead to them spending more time and money on gambling than they can afford. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="singpost__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/150fnizc/man-time.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Chasing losses</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>Chasing losses means trying to win back money that has been lost through gambling.</p> <p>It might be tempting to try and chase losses, especially straight after experiencing a large loss, but this often leads to even bigger losses. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__disclaimer-wrap"> </div> </div> </section><section class="signpost margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="signpost__container"> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="singpost__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/q4wl4z2t/women-worried-1.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Feeling guilty, anxious or irritable</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>Gambling can have an impact on how someone feels, regardless of how much they gamble.</p> <p>People experiencing gambling harms might feel they have little or no control over it. This can lead to feeling guilt, shame or low self-esteem.</p> <p>They might also:<br><br></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>worry about how their gambling is affecting others</strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>experience anxiety and depression</strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>notice changes in their sleeping pattern</strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>have mood swings</strong></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="singpost__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/if3h4kqr/men-thinking-1.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Thinking and talking about gambling </h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>If someone is experiencing gambling harms they might think or talk about gambling more than other aspects of their life.</p> <p>This can lead to problems with work and relationships because they might: </p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>struggle to concentrate </strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>lose interest in other activities </strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>neglect personal responsibilities </strong></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__disclaimer-wrap"> </div> </div> </section><section class="signpost margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="signpost__container"> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="singpost__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/ktnavjhq/women-on-bed.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Changes to relationships</h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>When someone is gambling, it might start to impact their:</p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>performance at work</strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>personal relationships</strong></li> <li style="font-weight: bold;"><strong>social life</strong></li> </ul> <p>A symptom of problems with gambling could be someone acting in ways that might seem out of character or feel hard to explain. It can also cause people to seem more distant or quieter than normal.</p> <p>If you find that gambling is causing relationship issues, Relate have <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.relate.org.uk/" target="_blank">practical advice that can help your rebuild relationships</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__item"> <div class="singpost__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/ixnldad1/mens-worried-1.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="signpost__content"> <h2 class="signpost__item-title h3">Hiding or lying about gambling </h2> <div class="signpost__rte rte"> <p>Gambling can cause feelings of shame. This can lead to people keeping their gambling a secret out of a fear of being judged, but this often makes it easier to lose track of time or money.</p> <p><a href="/advice/for-your-gambling/talking-about-gambling/" title="Talking about gambling*">Talking openly about gambling</a> can be a great starting point to help people who might be experiencing gambling harms. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="signpost__disclaimer-wrap"> </div> </div> </section><section class="text-statistic bg-grey-40 margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="text-statistic__container"> <div class="text-statistic__copy"> <h2 class="text-statistic__copy-title h2">If you’re experiencing gambling harms</h2> <div class="text-statistic__text rte body-m">If you’re worried about how gambling makes you feel, you’re not alone. If you think you’re experiencing gambling harms, reducing or stopping gambling will help. There are several ways you can do this. </div> </div> <section class="statistic-card bg-white js-statistic" data-script="statistic"> <div class="statistic-card__number js-statistic-number"> <span class="statistic-card__number-value">1 in 4</span> </div> <p class="statistic-card-text body-s bg-white">people think they know someone who has experienced gambling harms.</p> </section> </div> </div> </section> <section class="card-list margin-extra-large" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="card-list__container"> <div class="card bg-tangerine-25"> <h3 class="card-title h3">Follow our advice to prevent gambling harms </h3> <div class="card-text rte">We’ve put together eight pieces of advice to help make sure gambling does not start to have a negative impact on your life. </div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="/advice/for-your-gambling/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Read our advice </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> </div> <div class="card bg-tangerine-10"> <h3 class="card-title h3">Take our self-assessment</h3> <div class="card-text rte">Our self-assessment can help you learn more about how gambling might be affecting you. Once completed, you will be offered tailored support, should you want it. </div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="/tools-and-support/gambling-harms-assessment/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Start the self-assessment </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> </div> <div class="card bg-tangerine-25"> <h3 class="card-title h3">Find the right support for you</h3> <div class="card-text rte"><p>If you or someone you care about needs help with problem gambling, the National Gambling Support Network can help. They offer treatment, advice and support for people affected by gambling. All their services are free, non-judgemental and confidential.</p></div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="/tools-and-support/national-gambling-support-network/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Find support for you </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="zig-zag-full-height margin-extra-large bg-tangerine-25 zig-zag-full-height--full-width" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__container bg-tangerine-25"> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__copy"> <h2 class="zig-zag-full-height__copy-title h2">If someone you know is experiencing gambling harms </h2> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__text rte"><p><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW165586293 BCX0">If you’re worried that someone you know is experiencing gambling harms, you're not alone. There are lots of ways you can support them, and yourself.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW165586293 BCX0"></span></p></div> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__image-wrap zig-zag-full-height__image-wrap--mobile"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/wnqlyx02/holding-hands.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__links"> <a class="cta cta--secondary" href="/advice/for-family-and-friends/helping-someone-who-gambles/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> How to help someone who gambles </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> <a class="cta cta--secondary" href="/advice/for-your-gambling/talking-about-gambling/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> How to talk about gambling </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> <a class="cta cta--secondary" href="/advice/for-family-and-friends/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Help for family and friends </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__media zig-zag-full-height__media--desktop"> <div class="zig-zag-full-height__image-wrap"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/wnqlyx02/holding-hands.png?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section class="zig-zag margin-none" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="zig-zag__container"> <div class="zig-zag__item zig-zag__item--reverse bg-tangerine-10"> <div class="zig-zag__content"> <h2 class="zig-zag__content-title h2">The risks of gambling</h2> <div class="rte body-m"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW167851657 BCX0"></div> <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW167851657 BCX0"> <p class="Paragraph SCXW167851657 BCX0"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW167851657 BCX0"></span>All gambling carries some risk, but some types of gambling carry more risk than others.</p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW167851657 BCX0">If you're not sure you or someone you know is experiencing gambling harms, knowing what types of gambling are linked to harms can help.</p> </div></div> <a class="cta cta--primary" href="/advice/for-your-gambling/understanding-the-risks-of-gambling/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id="" > <span> Find out more about the risks of gambling </span> <span class="icon-end icon font-ico-arrow-right"></span> </a> </div> <div class="zig-zag__media"> <h2 class="zig-zag__media-title h2">The risks of gambling</h2> <div class="zig-zag__image-wrap" data-script="modal"> <picture class="picture"> <img class="picture__img image" src="/media/qghheoex/people-looking.jpg?format=webp" alt="Decorative image."> </picture> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> <div class="gleap js-gealp" data-script="gleap"> <div class="wrap"> <div class="gleap__container"> <div class="gleap-title h3">Is this page useful?</div> <div class="gleap__controls"> <div><b class="btn btn--inverted js-gleap-button" data-answer='Yes'>Yes</b> </div> <div><b class="btn btn--inverted js-gleap-button" data-answer='No'>No</b> </div> </div> <div><b class="btn btn--secondary js-gleap-button" data-answer='Report a problem'>Report a problem with this page</b> </div> </div> </div> </div> <section class="contact-banner" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="contact-banner__container"> <div class="contact-banner__column"> <div class="contact-banner__logo-container"> <img class="contact-banner__logo" src="/media/3wslw2i4/gamble-aware-logo.svg" alt="" /> <img class="contact-banner__logo contact-banner__logo--second" src="/media/pusbbkde/contact-logo.svg" alt="" /> </div> <h2 class="contact-banner__title h2">However you’re feeling right now, we’re here to help.</h2> </div> <div class="contact-banner__column"> <div class="contact-banner__subcolumn"> <div class="rte"><p>The <a href="/tools-and-support/national-gambling-support-network/" title="The National Gambling Support Network">National Gambling Support Network</a> helps people struggling with gambling, and people who are worried about someone else’s gambling.</p> <p>Call or chat online to an advisor, and speak one-to-one for confidential advice, information and support.</p> <p><span class="body-small">Delivered by <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/" target="_blank" title="GamCare">GamCare</a></span></p> <p><span class="body-small">24 hours a day • 7 days a week • UK only</span></p></div> </div> <div class="contact-banner__subcolumn"> <a class="cta cta--tangerine-50 js-support-tracking" data-value="Footer" href="/tools-and-support/support-in-your-area/" target="_self" rel="noopener noreferrer" id=""> <span class="icon-start icon font-ico-group"></span> <span> Find support in your area </span> </a> <button type="button" class="cta cta--primary cta--chatbot js-modal-chatbot-open js-tracking-livechat" data-value="Footer"><span class="icon font-ico-chat"></span><span>Live chat</span></button> <div class="modal js-modal-chatbot js-modal-chatbot-default" aria-expanded="false" > <div class="wrap"> <div class="modal__container" data-script="figure"> <div class="chatbot js-service-modal-container"> <button class="chatbot-button btn-close js-modal-chatbot-close"> <span class="sr-only">Close Chat Modal</span> <span>Close</span> <span class="icon font-ico-close"></span> </button> <h3 class="chatbot-title h3">Chat with an adviser</h3> <div class="chatbot__description rte body-s" ><p>The National Gambling Helpline’s live chat is free and confidential. If you’re ready to talk, the team are here to listen, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.</p></div> <div class="chatbot__form"> <iframe title="GamCare Chatbot" src=https://app.five9.eu/consoles/ChatConsole/index.html?title=Gamcare%20Chat&tenant=GamCare-%20(thru%20babble)&profiles=GambleAware&showProfiles=true&autostart=true&theme=https%3A%2F%2Fstage-gambleaware.uksouth01.umbraco.io%2Fcss%2Fstyle.min.css%3Fv%3D638671766815059399&surveyOptions=%7B%22showComment%22%3Atrue%2C%22requireComment%22%3Afalse%7D&fields=%7B%22name%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22%22%2C%22show%22%3Atrue%2C%22label%22%3A%22Name%22%7D%2C%22email%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22%22%2C%22show%22%3Atrue%2C%22label%22%3A%22Email%22%7D%2C%22Question%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22%22%2C%22show%22%3Afalse%2C%22label%22%3A%22Question%22%2C%22required%22%3Afalse%7D%2C%22UserLocale%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22en%22%2C%22show%22%3Afalse%7D%7D&playSoundOnMessage=true&allowCustomerToControlSoundPlay=false&showEmailButton=true&useBusinessHours=false&showPrintButton=false&allowUsabilityMenu=false&enableCallback=false&callbackList=&allowRequestLiveAgent=false></iframe> </div> <div class="chatbot__caption rte"> <p>The live chat is delivered by GamCare and only available to people in England, Scotland and Wales. 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