Problem gambling

problem gambling

Recent studies have shown that some people with autism can be more prone to addictions than the population in general. We have therefore added a small introduction that introduces you to the signs of gambling addiction.

Here are a few warning signs that shouldn’t be neglected, because they can be a sign of destructive gambling habits. Please note that not all gambling is problem gambling and some people can spend a lot of time playing online blackjack, live roulette, and other casino games without having a problem.   Do not be judgemental.  Gambling can be a fun hobby without being a problem.  It is only when gambling is starting to affect other aspects of your life that it becomes a problem.

You lose track of time

Feeling mesmerized by a game can be amazing, but if you are frequently actually losing track of time when you gamble you might be heading down a bad path. Decide in advance exactly for how long you will be gambling, set an alarm and leave the casino when the alarm beeps – even if you think that you “are on a roll” or something like that.

Chasing losses

gamblingInstead of gambling to have fun, you are gambling to try and recuperate some of your previous losses. Maybe you lost money that you couldn’t afford to lose and now you are desperate to win them back. This is a very bad sign and we encourage you to seek help to evaluate your gambling habits. You can, for instance, contact Gamblers Anonymous to have a chat with someone who has battled gambling addiction.

You gamble to forget

Are you gambling because you genuinely enjoy gambling, or are you gambling to get away from things that haunt you? Gambling to avoid facing your problems can quickly create a downward spiral because pretty soon your gambling habits will be problematic and you will be gambling to avoid having to face them and to avoid having to think about all the problems your unhealthy gambling is causing.

Beg, borrow or steal

Are you relying on other people to fix the problems created by your gambling? Are you begging your parents for rent money because you lost yours in the casino? Are you taking out loans to fund your gambling sessions? Maybe you’ve even resorted to stealing or embezzling money – or felt very tempted to do something similarly illegal to obtain more funds?

Lying

Can you speak openly and honestly about your gambling habits – including how much time and money you put into gambling? Or are you trying to avoid this conversation? Are you skirting the truth, keeping things hidden, or even out-right lying?