Gambling is one of the most difficult addictions to recognize, because there are so few physical signs. Making things harder, many of the signs of a gambling problem are indicators of different problems as well (such as depression).
The below signs indicate that a problem is likely present, and professional help should be sought to determine if it is a gambling problem, a different problem, or both:
Possible Youth Gambling Indicators:
- Gambling frequently on things like cards, dice, games, sports, or online sites
- Lying about how much was gambled1
- Gambling has become the favorite (or only) activity
- Trouble concentrating on homework or other things (thinking about gambling)
- Drinking alcohol or taking drugs
- Borrowing or stealing money to gamble
- Missing important events or sneaking out of them to gamble
- Arguing with friends or family about gambling
- Thinking that most problems would be solved by getting a big win
- Thinking that gambling is an easy way to make money
- Thinking that the odds can be beaten (“I am a good gambler”)
- Making more bets thinking that money was lost can be won back
- Feeling the need to bet more and more money