If gambling becomes problematic
Gambling should first and foremost be a bit of fun. Unfortunately, excessive gambling can also lead to many problems. It sometimes becomes part of your life, a veritable drug, where you lose control of the situation. The Gambling Commission (GC) aims not only to take preventive action against the dangers of excessive gambling, but also to inform addicted gamblers about the help available. As a problem player, you need to know you are not alone. There are always people who can help you.
A gambling problem does not only result in financial problems or debts. There are also other risks that can have a highly negative impact on you as a player or on those around you: fear, aggression, isolation, conflicts, relationship problems, depression and suicidal thoughts are just some of the possible consequences.
One thing is certain: gambling is never the solution to financial, family or other problems. On the contrary, gambling will only exacerbate existing problems.
When are you addicted?
You don't become a gambling addict overnight. It gradually becomes more and more difficult to keep the gambling urge under control. In the beginning, gambling seems like a fun pastime. You soon need more and more money to gamble, and more of your time is spent gambling. Borrowed money must be paid back, and gambling even takes priority over family and friends. Although you do not notice it straight away, you become dependent on it and it becomes an obsession. Even though people mention your gambling habit, you carry on. Gambling becomes your sole interest. The game isolates you from the outside world and causes problems (financial, health). You lose your lust for life.
Tips for keeping gambling under control
- Try to decide in advance how much money you want to bet, and how long you will play for.
- Always be aware of how often you play and how much time you spend.
- Don't try to win back your accumulated losses.
- Don't gamble away all your winnings.
- Keep in mind that in the end, you will always lose more than you win.
Are you gambling too much?
To check whether your gambling behaviour might also be affecting your health, you can take the test below. Answer the questions for yourself, as honestly as possible. If you have answered "I agree" 4 times or more, this may indicate a problem.
- Sometimes I feel tense or depressed after gambling. (I agree / I disagree)
- Sometimes I feel guilty about my gambling. (I agree / I disagree)
- When I think about it, gambling has already got me into trouble. (I agree / I disagree)
- I sometimes notice that all my money is gone when I stop gambling. (I agree / I disagree)
- I have the urge to gamble again, to win back the money I already lost. (I agree / I disagree)
- In the past, I have sometimes received comments about my gambling behaviour. (I agree / I disagree)
- I have already tried to win money to pay debts. (I agree / I disagree)
- Sometimes I choose to avoid mentioning to others (e.g. my family) the amount I have lost gambling. (I agree / I disagree)
Looking for help?
On our website, you can find out where to go to find help for your gambling problem. This can be either a physical counsellor in your area or online, where you can opt for anonymous counselling free of charge.