Why Awareness Matters

For most people, gambling is an enjoyable leisure activity. But for some, it can develop into a problem that affects finances, relationships, and mental wellbeing. Recognising the early warning signs — in yourself or someone you care about — is a crucial first step toward getting the right support.

Problem gambling isn't about how much money someone bets or how often they play. It's about whether gambling is causing harm.

Common Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

The following behaviours may indicate that gambling is becoming a problem:

Financial Signs

  • Spending more than you can afford to lose.
  • Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using essential funds to gamble.
  • Hiding gambling losses or debts from family members.
  • Constantly chasing losses by gambling with more money to try to win back what you've lost.

Emotional and Behavioural Signs

  • Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling.
  • Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or other negative feelings.
  • Thinking about gambling constantly — planning the next session, reliving past wins.
  • Lying to friends or family about the amount of time or money spent on gambling.
  • Feeling unable to stop, even when you want to.

Social Signs

  • Withdrawing from friends, family, or hobbies because of gambling.
  • Gambling affecting your work, studies, or responsibilities.
  • Relationships becoming strained due to gambling habits.

The "STOP" Self-Check

A quick way to assess your own relationship with gambling is the STOP check:

  1. S – Spending more than planned? Do you regularly exceed your intended budget?
  2. T – Time lost? Are you gambling for longer than you intended?
  3. O – Other areas suffering? Are finances, work, or relationships being harmed?
  4. P – Preoccupied? Do you think about gambling frequently, even when not playing?

If you answered yes to any of these, it may be worth speaking to someone.

Tools Available to Help You

Responsible gambling tools are built into most licensed online casinos. Make use of them proactively, not just when things are already out of hand:

  • Deposit limits: Cap how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
  • Session time limits: Set a maximum length for each gambling session.
  • Reality checks: Pop-up reminders of how long you've been playing.
  • Self-exclusion: Voluntarily block yourself from gambling platforms for a set period, or permanently.
  • Cooling-off periods: Take a short break from gambling without fully self-excluding.

Where to Get Help

If you or someone you know needs support with problem gambling, there are dedicated organisations providing free, confidential help:

  • GamCare (UK) — Offers a helpline, online chat, and counselling services: gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamblers Anonymous — Peer support groups worldwide: gamblersanonymous.org
  • BeGambleAware (UK) — Information, advice, and support finder: begambleaware.org
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline (US) — 1-800-522-4700

You Are Not Alone

Problem gambling is a recognised condition, and help is available. Reaching out takes courage, but support services are non-judgmental and designed specifically to help people find a healthier relationship with gambling — or to stop altogether if that's the right choice for them.

If gambling is no longer fun, it's time to talk to someone.