Compulsive Gambling

Compulsive gambling is an urge to gamble continuously in spite of negative consequences or a desire to stop. Gambling can cause trouble with your finances, relationships, and emotions.

If you can say yes to four or more of the following symptoms, you may be a compulsive gambler who could benefit from speaking to our specialists.

• Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
• Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
• Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
• Is often preoccupied with gambling (e.g., having persistent thoughts of reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble)
• Often gambles when feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed)
• After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses)
• Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
•  Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, education or career opportunity because of gambling
• Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling