The Security Benevolent Helpline
The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals

Gambling

Gambling is a form of entertainment for many people. It is a very popular leisure activity, with over £110 million staked per year.

There are many opportunities to gamble – casinos, betting shops, slot machines in pubs and clubs, the stock market, the National Lottery and now gambling over the internet.

With a large element of risk taking and a sense of skill and luck it can be fun and exciting. The anticipation of owning the ‘winning ticket’ that will pay all bills and debts – make dreams come true. But if it gets out of control, it can take over one’s life.

Compulsive gambling is an addiction, characterised by a need to gamble more often, bet more money with an inability to stop. Eventually this can lead to a disruption of life, financial difficulties, relationship breakdown, loss of employment, family and friends, health problems, and even attempted suicide.

It is a hidden addiction and difficult to spot. Unlike drug abuse and alcoholism there are no physical symptoms. Although problems are generally more prevalent in men, some ethnic groups and those on lower incomes.

Signs and Symptoms

There is no typical gambler profile. There are, however a number of signs and symptoms which, when taken together, may indicate to friends and family that a problem might exist.

  • Lengthy and unexpected times away from work and home.
  • Neglecting family and other responsibilities.
  • Preoccupied with studying form, listening to races or watching broadcasts.
  • Treating gambling as a way to ‘make money’.
  • Frequenting amusement arcades, betting shops and casinos.
  • Excessive time spend on the internet gaming sites.
  • Always short of cash, lying, borrowing or stealing to get money.
  • Money or items disappearing from home.
  • Mood swings, withdrawn, preoccupied, depressed, irritable, or restless.
  • Denial when challenged that gambling is a problem.

Problem gambling is difficult for some people to understand. Pathological gamblers do not have the choice, they are addicted, it is as powerful as drug addiction. All attention is on gambling, nothing else is important.

Maybe you have a have a problem with gambling

  • Do you lose time from work to gamble?
  • Is your home life unhappy?
  • Do you gamble when you are bored, worried or under a lot of pressure?
  • Do you gamble longer than you had planned, until your last pound has gone?
  • After losing must you return as soon as possible to try to win back your losses?
  • After winning return to win more?
  • Are you irritated, angry or tense if prevented from gambling?
  • Do you feel depressed or suicidal because of gambling losses?

Do you recognise any of the above signs in yourself or someone close to you? If you do then perhaps you or they need help.

What can be done?

  • Always be honest and realistic, accept there is a problem.
  • Find out about the issues of gambling, both positive and negative.
  • Take responsibility for life, stop blaming others and begin to address problems, whether they are dishonesty, relationship, or debt and money difficulties.

Get Help

The most successful treatment programmes are believed to be those involving both individual counselling and group therapy.

Counselling provides a safe and confidential way to talk over worries and concerns, where it is possible to explore the effects gambling has on an individual’s life and helps to put it into context.

Treatment can involve education for the gambler and their family. Group therapy will provide help and support, teaching gamblers to see the chain of links which may lead to a high risk of a relapse. It will also help to reduce the urge to gamble, offering stress and problem solving strategies.

Financial help will almost certainly be needed, to budget and manage money, to deal with creditors and legal actions for debt. Free advice is available from Citizens Advice Bureau, Money Advice and Law Centres.

Agencies who provide Help and Support

GamCare

Gamblers Anonymous

GamAnon - for friends and family of compulsive gamblers

The Security Benevolent 24 Hour Confidential Helpline for members of the security profession only.

If you would like to talk, in confidence, to one of our counsellors please phone 0800 316 0201.

For help with Debt Problems:

Citizens Advice Bureau

National Debtline – Advice and Fact Sheets

Pay Plan – Advice and Free Debt Management