Compulsive gambling is a progressive illness that can be controlled, but not cured, according to Gamblers Anonymous. Whether you or a loved one has been spending more time at the poker table, placing bets on sporting events or visiting a casino, be aware of signs that the gambling has gone beyond "recreational" and become an addictive behavior.
Urge to Gamble
Track your gambling patterns or those of a loved one when you're looking for signs of a gambling addiction. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire website notes that compulsive gamblers often have the urge to gamble as a way to celebrate a special occasion or accomplishment. Addicts may also turn to gambling to escape personal or professional problems, such as an argument with a friend or family member, stress at school or the inability to land a promotion at work.
Increasing Losses
Compulsive gamblers find ways to deal with increasing monetary loses without curbing the gambling habit. Take note if you or a loved one is neglecting monthly bills, borrowing money from friends or dipping into retirement savings or a collage fund to gather gambling money. As gambling debt mounts, continuing to gamble in an effort to get a "big win" to make up for the shortfall is an indication of a gambling addiction, according to the University of Colorado Hospital website.
Gambling Secretly
Lying about your gambling habit or developing ways to cover it up is a sign of a gambling addiction, according to the Help Guide website. A compulsive gambler may come home late "from work" because he stopped off at a casino or race track; or lie about where he's spending his free time. Wanting to control the family finances in order to shuffle money between accounts to hide losses, finding excuses to sneak off to gamble and gambling secretly to surprise a loved one by winning a big "jackpot" are also symptoms of a gambling problem.
Neglecting Family
If you're concerned about your gambling habit, the Mayo Clinic website suggests talking to a mental health provider or doctor if you're gambling or thinking about gambling so much that you're neglecting family, friends, work and interests that used to be meaningful to you. Compulsive gamblers may need to increase the time or money spent on gambling to reach a satisfactory thrill level. Missing important appointments and family events because you're gambling, or not listening to what loved ones are saying because you're preoccupied with thoughts of gambling, are also warning flags.
Change in Personality
U.S. Department of Agriculture website advises gamblers' friends and family members to keep an eye out for addiction warning signs. Discuss the situation with your loved one if you notice she's increasingly irritable after gambling losses, getting calls from a bookmaker or gambling associates, taking over the family finances and unwilling to show you the bills or bank statements, or spending more unexplained time away from home.
