Gambling Dependency

The 'hidden' addiction

Gambling dependency is quite different to any other addiction in that it is very difficult to spot. We call it 'hidden' because:

• Unlike drug addiction or alcoholism there are no physical symptoms
• Gamblers who have 'a problem' are frequently in denial or try to hide it
• Gamblers with a problem become incredibly clever and effective at making up believable stories to mask the truth
• It is easy for some people to explain away money shortages and debt
• Young people often display a number of excessive behaviours that may make it difficult to identify gambling as being a problem

For more information about our helpline services please click here.

Counselling

We provide individual and couple counselling for anyone who is experiencing difficulties resulting from a gambling problem & including partners and family members. The service is confidential and abides by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Code of Ethics and Practice.

The main aims of our counselling are:

• To help stop or reduce the frequency of problem gambling.
• To help develop ways of coping with problem gambling behaviour.
• To help understand some of the underlying reasons why gambling has become a problem.
• To help address related issues that are causing harm or damage.
• To help develop a productive and healthy life without problem gambling.

For more information about our counselling services please click here.

Tackling the problem

It is clear that gambling becomes problematic for some, including young people, throughout the world. The UK is no different. GamCare does not simply exist to educate and promote social responsibility amongst gamblers and the gambling industry. We provide confidential support, advice and counselling to anyone suffering through their own or someone else's problem gambling.

Signs and Symptoms

Clear indications

• Request for help from gambler
• Admission by gambler that he or she spends too much money on gambling
• Gambler saying that they spend too much time gambling and cannot keep away
• Gambling is viewed as a real opportunity to make money
• Persuading friends to gamble against their will
• Spending a lot of time alone gambling
• Frequenting amusement arcades, betting shops, race tracks, or casinos several times a week.
• Excessive use of Internet casinos and gambling sites
• Spending more than they can afford on the Lottery
• Committing crime to fund gambling or to pay off gambling debts
• Persistent reports that a person has been seen gambling and in the informer's view has a problem
• Frequently in possession of fruit machine tokens, betting slips, scratchcards etc

Whilst gambling is on the whole an enjoyable and exciting recreational activity for many it is clear that some people do suffer through dependency. This can sometimes be attributed to, amongst others;

• Close personal loss
• Stress, at home, at work
• A considerable win early on
• Debt