A: Gambling addiction is a complex issue and no one solution is a perfect fit for all situations. Seeking professional help if you're concerned about someone is generally the best first step.
Knowing the line between entertainment and issue can be difficult for those close to potential problem gamblers. Use our resources to help make the line clearer.
Visit the NCPG →
Not all gambling is problem gambling. Understanding gambling can help you to better assess those close to you.
Professional help can eliminate many of the questions you have about how to approach the issue.
Addiction is a complex disease that manifests in many ways. Appearances don't dictate actuality.
You need support to raise this issue. Talk to those around you for perspective and emotional help .
Your local government is often the best place for region-specific assistance and information.
Visit Gam-Anon
Visit GambleAware (UK)
A: Gambling addiction is a complex issue and no one solution is a perfect fit for all situations. Seeking professional help if you're concerned about someone is generally the best first step.
A: Again, there is no specific threshold that signifies a serious issue. The problem gambler may visit the casino once a year while a stable person who gambles responsibly could visit the casino weekly as a form of entertainment. The problem emerges when gambling becomes irrationally prioritized and pursued despite significant costs. Educate yourself - learn more about the basics of online poker here.
A: No. While television shows may make the process seem simple, trained professionals are your safest route for conducting an intervention of any sort.
This site aims to provide people with resources that will help them to better deal with a potential problem gambler, like this article examining GambleAware, this one that explores the NCPG and this article detailing recent research related to problem gambling.
We also have a feature on response to the Lederer Files posted here, along with some commentary on the positive side of gambling news such as well-regarded poker champ Phil Hellmuth's recent victories.
Gambling has been a part of the social life of humans likely since quite near the beginning. While the majority of adults can enjoy gambling as entertainment, some gamblers inevitably develop a problem.
Gambling problems may be characterized by any number of presenting issues, including financial loss, relationship damage, significant time cost and more. However, not every negative experience with gambling must by definition suggest problem gambling - plenty of poker professionals, for example, will at various points exhibit "false positives" suggesting a gambling problem to the uninformed.
Given the difficulty inherent in properly diagnosing a gambling problem, the only logical choice for someone worried that a loved one may be suffering from gambling addiction is to seek professional help.
Use the resources on this page to locate professional help in your area.