Gambling Addiction on the Rise

With more states opening casinos and lotteries offering multimillion-dollar jackpots, Americans are gambling more than ever before and many are losing control. How many? According to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission, some 3 million adults lie about gambling, gamble longer than they planned to, and/or lose more than they can afford. Two million more adults gamble compulsively—unable to stop no matter what the consequences to themselves, their jobs, or their families. Another fifteen million adults are at risk of joining them. 

How can you tell if you have a gambling problem?

According to Gamblers Anonymous, a person with a gambling problem will answer “yes” to at least seven of the following questions:

1. Do you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Has gambling affected your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Have you ever gambled to get money to pay debts or otherwise solve financial problems?
6. Has gambling caused a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible to win back your losses?
8. After winning, do you have the urge to go back and win more?
9. Do you often gamble until your last dollar is gone?
10. Do you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance your gambling?
12. Are you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenses?
13. Does gambling make you careless about your welfare or the welfare of your family?
14. Do you ever gamble longer than you plan to?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever done anything illegal, or considered doing something illegal, to finance gambling
17. Have you ever lost sleep over your gambling?
18. Do arguments, frustrations, or disappointments cause an urge in you to gamble?
19. Do you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune with a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of gambling?

What to Do?

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, Best Care EAP can help.  

To schedule your confidential appointment, call (402) 354-8000 or (800) 801-4182, or send an email.