What Are Warning Signs of Problem Gambling?
It is important to understand the warning signs of a gambling problem. A simple screening tool can indicate whether a person needs to see further evaluation.

Examples of signs that gambling is no longer safe.

• Bets more money or more often to get the same excitement.
• Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop playing.
• Attempts to stop or cut back on gambling.
• Preoccupied (daydreaming) about when and how they can gamble next.
• Decides to gamble when sad, lonely, anxious, angry, etc.
• Returns another day to get even (chasing one’s losses).
• Lies about their gambling
• Impacts a person’s relationships, job, hobbies, finances, etc.
• Asks others for help to cover gambling debts.
• Steals to cover gambling debts.

Have the Conversation About Problem Gambling
Do you know someone with a gambling problem? Have the conversation. Around 26,000 people in the Metro area meet criteria for gambling addiction, and many more are affected by an individual’s gambling problem, yet only a fraction seek help. We believe many who suffer in silence do so because they don’t know they developed a problem, what gambling addiction is, or where to get help.

Problem Gambling is a public health issue affecting all aspects of physical, social, and mental health. It can affect families, work performance and general well-being. It is important to know the signs of a gambling problem that treatment is available, and that it works.

How Does Problem Gambling Impact Me?
• It is estimated that 1 out of 5 people are affected by one individual’s gambling problem.
• If you gamble it is important to recognize that what was once fun and recreation can become a serious issue.
• Your awareness may help a loved one seek the necessary help.
• Problem gambling is a public health issue that impacts relationships, families, businesses and communities.

What Are the Consequences of a Gambling Addiction?
• If untreated, gambling addiction can lead to serious health issues including suicide, depression, domestic violence, and work issues.
• Children of a person with a gambling problem show higher rates of gambling problems and higher levels of tobacco, alcohol, drug use and overeating than children of people without gambling problems.
• It can cause stress in relationships and families.
• It can cause financial devastation.
• It can result in depression and other mental health concerns.

How Do I Have the Conversation with a Loved One?
Talking with someone you know about a potential gambling problem can be difficult. Remember, you can’t stop the person from playing; only he or she can make the decision to stop. Choose the right moment, Speak in a caring and understanding tone and hear what he or she is saying. To start the conversation:

• Be clear, non-judgmental and speak only for yourself.
“I’ve been noticing changes in your behavior, and I’m worried about you.”

• Be positive.
“Your involvement in our family is usually so good and we miss you.”

• Explain how the problem affects you.
“The amount of money you are spending on gambling is hurting our family. • Use everyday observations. o You are coming home late everyday and too distracted to spend time with us.”

• Be clear about your position.
“We all depend on each other; we need to be able to count on you.”

• Be prepared for denial or hostile reaction.
“It must be uncomfortable to hear this. It’s difficult for me to bring it up, but I am concerned about you.”

Don’t try to fix the problem yourself.

Help is available for the concerned other as well as the individual with the gambling problem,
call the toll-free Bets Off helpline at 1-888-BETSOFF.

What are symptoms of problem gambling?

The symptoms include:

• increasing preoccupation with gambling
• a need to bet more money more frequently
• “chasing” losses (betting even more to try to recoup previous losses)
• restlessness/irritability when trying to stop
• loss of control manifested by continuation of gambling in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences
• in extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even suicide ($7 billion social cost in America alone!)

ISN’T PROBLEM GAMBLING JUST A FINANCIAL PROBLEM?
No. Problem gambling is an emotional problem that has financial consequences. If you pay all the debts of a person affected by problem gambling, the person still has a gambling problem or gambling disorder. The real issue is that they have an uncontrollable obsession with gambling.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR PROBLEM GAMBLING?
Anyone who gambles can develop problems. This is why it is important to be aware of the risks and to gamble in a responsible way, if you choose to gamble. When gambling behavior interferes with finances, relationships and the workplace, a serious problem already exists.

HOW CAN A PERSON BE ADDICTED TO SOMETHING THAT ISN’T A SUBSTANCE?
Although no substance is ingested, someone with a gambling problem gets the same effect from gambling as one might get from taking a drug or drinking alcohol. But just as tolerance develops to drugs or alcohol, a person with gambling problems finds that it takes more and more of the gambling experience to achieve the same effect as before. This creates an increased urge for the activity and the person finds that they have less and less ability to resist as the craving grows in intensity and frequency.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE BEFORE GAMBLING BECOMES AN ISSUE?
The amount of money lost or won does not determine when gambling becomes problematic. Gambling becomes an issue when it causes a negative impact on any area of the person’s life.

HOW WIDESPREAD IS PROBLEM GAMBLING IN THE U.S.?
2 million U.S. adults (1%) are estimated to meet criteria for severe gambling problems in a given year. Another 4-6 million (2-3%) would be considered to have mild or moderate gambling problems; that is, they do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for gambling addiction but meet one of more of the criteria and are experiencing problems due to their gambling behavior. Research also indicates that most adults who choose to gamble are able to do so responsibly.

CAN CHILDREN OR TEENAGERS DEVELOP GAMBLING ISSUES?
A number of states allow children under 18 to gamble, and youth also participate in illegal forms of gambling, such as gambling on the internet or betting on sports in states where it is not legal. Thus it is not surprising that research shows that a vast majority of kids have gambled before their 18th birthdays, and that children may be more likely to develop issues related to gambling than adults. While debate continues on this, there appears to be a number of factors influencing this finding. Parental attitudes and behavior play a role. Age of exposure also plays a part – research shows that adults who seek treatment for problem gambling report having started gambling at an early age.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. If you or a loved one is struggling with gambling issues, there is help available through our Problem Gambling Service. Call: 24/7 Problem Gambling Crisis Line (800) Bets-Off
Text: (855) 895-8398, or visit YourLifeIowa.org