Gambling can be entertainment. But when betting starts affecting your money, relationships, responsibilities, or well-being, it may be time to take a closer look.
Whether it’s sports betting, casino games, lottery tickets, online gambling, or betting with friends, knowing the warning signs can help you recognize a problem early and know where to turn for help.
Concerned about your gambling or someone else’s? Help is available
Problem gambling isn’t simply about how much money someone loses. It’s about when gambling starts causing problems in someone’s life.
Problem gambling, also called gambling addiction or gambling disorder, can affect a person’s finances, relationships, work, school, mental well-being, and everyday responsibilities. Gambling disorder is a recognized mental health diagnosis.
And it can happen to anyone who gambles.
Not everyone who gambles develops a problem. But recognizing risky behavior early can make it easier to change course before gambling causes serious harm.
You don’t have to sit at a casino table to be affected by gambling.
Today, betting can happen from a phone, during a game, through an app, or with a few taps online.
“Just one bet on the game.”
Sports betting and parlays can make gambling feel like part of being a sports fan.
“It’s only an app.”
Online gambling makes betting available almost anywhere, at almost any time.
“I’m just playing for fun.”
Gambling can start casually and become more frequent or costly over time.
“I’ll win it back.”
Trying to recover money after a loss, also called chasing losses, is one of the warning signs of problem gambling.
The easier gambling becomes to access, the easier it can be to lose track of how often you’re doing it.
A gambling problem doesn’t always start with a major loss. Sometimes the signs show up gradually.
You may want to take a closer look if you or someone you know:
One sign doesn’t automatically mean someone has a gambling disorder.
But if several of these sound familiar, it may be worth taking a closer look.
Anyone who gambles can develop a gambling problem. But some factors may increase the risk.
Research from the National Council on Problem Gambling has identified higher risk among people who:
Other factors can also play a role, including financial stress, mental health challenges, substance use, major life changes, and early exposure to gambling.
Risk doesn’t mean someone will develop a gambling problem. It means paying attention to patterns can be especially important.
Gambling isn’t just an adult issue.
Sports betting, online gambling, gaming platforms, social media, fantasy sports, and gambling-like features in games can expose young people to gambling concepts before they’re legally old enough to participate.
Research shows that early exposure to gambling can increase the risk of developing gambling problems later in life.
Parents and caregivers can help.
Talk openly about gambling before there’s a problem.
Being too young to gamble doesn’t mean being too young to learn about the risks.
Sports betting can make every play feel personal, but when the outcome of the game starts determining your mood, your money, or your next bet, it’s time to step back.
Sports bettors are among the groups identified by NCPG as having a higher risk of problematic gambling behavior.
Watch for signs like:
You can be a fan without making every game a wager.
Take a quick, confidential self-assessment to learn more about your gambling habits.
If you're younger and wondering whether your gambling habits may be putting you at risk:
If you or someone you care about may be struggling with gambling, help is available.
Call or Text: 1-800-MY-RESET
Chat Online: 1800myreset.org
Available 24/7/365 and serving people across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
The Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling provides information, support, and connections to services for people affected by problem gambling.
Phone: 307-620-2655
Support is available for people experiencing gambling problems as well as family members and loved ones.
Provides education, resources, and referrals for treatment and support.