Problem gambling is a recognised health condition in which someone keeps gambling despite harm to their money, relationships, work or wellbeing. Key warning signs include chasing losses, gambling to escape stress, needing to bet more for the same buzz, lying about it, and being unable to stop. Help is free, confidential and available 24/7.

Gambling disorder is not a moral failing or a matter of weak willpower. It is a clinically recognised behavioural addiction that affects the brain’s reward system in ways similar to substance use disorders. Anyone can be affected, regardless of income, intelligence or background. The good news is that it is treatable, and recognising the signs early makes recovery far easier.

Recognised warning signs

Health and regulatory bodies including the NHS, GamCare and GambleAware point to a consistent set of warning signs. You do not need to have all of them for gambling to be causing harm:

  • Chasing losses — returning another day to try to win back money you have lost.
  • Betting more than you can afford — gambling with money meant for bills, rent or food.
  • Needing to bet more money or more often to get the same excitement (tolerance).
  • Restlessness or irritability when you try to cut down or stop.
  • Preoccupation — spending a lot of time thinking about or planning gambling.
  • Gambling to escape stress, low mood, anxiety, boredom or problems.
  • Lying to family, friends or others about how much you gamble.
  • Borrowing money, selling possessions, or running up debts to fund gambling.
  • Neglecting work, study, family or hobbies.

The clinical criteria

Clinicians diagnose gambling disorder using the DSM-5 (the American Psychiatric Association’s manual). A person is assessed against nine criteria, and meeting four or more within a 12-month period indicates a gambling disorder. Severity is rated mild (4–5 criteria), moderate (6–7), or severe (8–9).

A widely used self-screening tool is the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a nine-question survey scored 0–27: 0 non-problem; 1–2 low risk; 3–7 moderate risk; and 8 or more indicating problem gambling. If your PGSI score is 8 or above, it’s strongly worth seeking support.

Myths vs facts

  • Myth: “You have to gamble every day to have a problem.” Fact: Frequency matters less than harm and loss of control — occasional gamblers can still be harmed.
  • Myth: “It’s just about money.” Fact: Harms extend to mental health, relationships, sleep and work.
  • Myth: “A big win will fix everything.” Fact: Chasing losses and expecting a win to solve debts is itself a core warning sign, and typically deepens harm.
  • Myth: “Problem gamblers are just irresponsible.” Fact: Gambling disorder is a recognised medical condition involving changes to the brain’s reward pathways.

How to help yourself or someone else

If you recognise these signs in yourself, you are not alone — in the US, the NCPG estimates around 1% of adults (roughly 2.5 million people) meet criteria for a severe gambling problem, with a further 2–3% experiencing milder problems. Practical first steps:

  • Talk to someone — a helpline (below), your GP, or a trusted friend. Free, confidential advice is available 24/7.
  • Use blocking tools — self-exclude from every GB-licensed online operator at once with GAMSTOP (free), install blocking software like Gamban, and ask your bank about gambling transaction blocks.
  • Take the money out of reach — hand control of finances to someone you trust for a while.

If you’re worried about someone else, approach with compassion rather than blame. Choose a calm moment, express concern with specific examples, avoid ultimatums, and point them to the resources below.

Help resources by country

  • UK — National Gambling Helpline (GamCare): 0808 8020 133, free, 24/7. Self-exclude via GAMSTOP: gamstop.co.uk or 0800 294 2060. Advice: BeGambleAware.org. NHS gambling clinics accept self-referrals.
  • US — National Problem Gambling Helpline (NCPG): call/text 1-800-522-4700 or 1-800-GAMBLER, 24/7. Info: ncpgambling.org.
  • Canada — ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (24/7) or text 247247. Resources: responsiblegambling.org.
  • Australia — National Gambling Helpline: 1800 858 858, 24/7. Online counselling: gamblinghelponline.org.au.
  • International — search for your national gambling helpline, or contact Gamblers Anonymous (gamblersanonymous.org), a free peer-support fellowship with meetings worldwide.

You can recover, and reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support is free, confidential, and available whenever you’re ready.

Sources

If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free confidential help is available 24/7 via the resources above. 18+.