Editor’s note: Birches Health is a leading national provider of Problem Gambling treatment and Responsible Gaming resources, offering specialized support from the comfort of home, covered by insurance.

A primary goal of Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March is to increase public knowledge around gambling-related challenges and the support resources available if issues arise. With that in mind, it is important to be aware of the common warning signs of problem gambling, so you can potentially recognize them in a friend, loved one, colleague or even yourself.

Problem Gambling signs

• Gambling problems are not one-size-fits-all challenges, as individuals struggling with them can exhibit a wide variety of behaviors. However, there are a number of common signs that can signal that there may be a problem.
• Inability to stop or cut back: Honest attempts to stop or reduce one’s gambling are unsuccessful.
• Restlessness or irritability to quit or reduce: Some may also experience these feelings when trying to cut back or stop fully.
• Chasing losses: Risking more in hopes of winning back what was lost is known as “chasing” losses. This is a concerning behavior regularly seen by Birches Health counselors in individuals struggling with gambling disorder.
• Preoccupation with gambling: Constantly thinking about betting can be a sign that it has turned into compulsive behavior that needs to be addressed.
• Risking more: Tolerance can build up, often resulting in increases to the amount of money wagered on each bet to reach the same level of excitement or interest that they previously experienced with lower amounts or fewer bets.
• Impacts on other parts of life: An individual dealing with a gambling problem may neglect important responsibilities, such as work, school, family or social obligations. They will often also continue betting despite those effects.
• Using betting as an escape: Using gambling as a distraction from problems or to temporarily relieve negative feelings including stress, helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression.
• Hiding or lying about gambling activity: Some feel a need to lie about or hide their betting behaviors from others, at times due to shame, guilt or embarrassment.
• Borrowing money: Attempts to borrow money from others, which could be used to pay off gambling debts or fund future bets.

Problem Gambling treatment and resources

If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, it is worth exploring some of the support options and resources available in the United States.

If online treatment from the comfort of home is of interest, Birches Health offers specialized virtual care programs, covered by insurance, with a nationwide team of counselors trained to help individuals with gambling problems and related challenges. To connect confidentially with the Birches team, you can click here or email help@bircheshealth.com.

To connect with other support options in your area, you can also call the 1-800-MY-RESET hotline or text 800GAM. These are operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.