Whereas we all have some degree of understanding with regard to the nature of drug or alcohol abuse and their subsequent transition into serious and even life-threatening addictions, most people are disinclined to view compulsive gambling in the same light. Instead, they believe it to be nothing more than the manifestation of poor willpower or a character defect.
 
For the average individual, gambling is simply an enjoyable form of entertainment, indulged in occasionally and with the added excitement of the prospect of a modest financial gain. This then is the profile of a typical responsible punter and thus of the vast majority of occasional gamblers. For about 4 to 5 percent of those who gamble, there is a risk that this simple pleasure can escalate to the status of an addiction or a pathological compulsion.
 
Fortunately, there are certain reliable guidelines that allow one to both, detect the development of a potential gambling problem and to control gambling patterns in order to avoid such problems. All gambling outlets, whether land-based or online, are obliged in law to display notices laying down the guidelines for responsible gambling and offering assistance through help-lines etc to players who may have already succumbed to addiction.
 
The following signs may indicate a developing gambling-related problem…
 
•         Gambling more frequently and for increasingly larger stakes.
•         Spending more time gambling to the detriment of the job and family life.
•         A preoccupation with gambling and obtaining the required stake money.
•         Visible arousal arising from gambling.
•         Continued gambling regardless of losses, bad debts and family consequences.
•         Borrowing money or obtaining loans to finance gambling activities.
•         Bragging about modest wins whilst ignoring large losses.
•         Mood swings related to winning or losing streaks.
•         Secretive behaviour such as hiding credit card receipts and bank statements.
 
Anyone exhibiting three or four of the above changes in behaviour pattern and known to gamble is a potential victim of problem or pathological gambling and may well require some immediate intervention. If the problem persists, personal relationships may finally begin to suffer and financial and legal difficulties may begin to surface.
Problems develop when occasional gambling becomes habitual and, thereafter, the urge becomes so strong that tension can only be relieved by further gambling. Hence, a pattern of addiction emerges.
Fortunately, the problem may be treated and organizations exist to inform and help anyone suffering from gambling addiction. Among these, Gamblers Anonymous is probably the best known.