Gambling is an enjoyable form of entertainment for many people. But for some, the activity becomes compulsive and leads to social and financial ruin. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, around six million Americans experience problems from gambling, and one million people in the United States are considered pathological gamblers.
Financial
Problem gambling can lead to financial ruin, according to MayoClinic.com, because you take increasingly bigger risks to sustain the thrill gambling provides. You may find that you need to steal or borrow money in order to have gambling funds. You may spend money on gambling rather than pay important bills like the mortgage or utilities. Problem gambling might interfere with your job and cause you to get fired, which puts even more strain on your finances.
Relationships
According to Gamblers Anonymous, problem gamblers are dominated by an uncontrollable urge to gamble. You may be unable to resist the lure of gambling even though it destroys your relationships. You may begin to spend less time with your family as you spend more time gambling. You may lie about your whereabouts or the family finances.
If you attend a family function rather than go gambling, you may be restless and irritable. You may be overwhelmed with remorse or guilt. Lowered self-esteem may make it difficult for you to form healthy relationships. Your relationship with your spouse might deteriorate due to frequent arguments over money.
Legal
Problem gambling will cause legal problems for you if you resort to stealing, fraud, embezzlement or forgery to ease your financial problems or fund your gambling compulsion. Not paying your financial obligations could land you in court. You may have your home foreclosed and car repossessed. You may even have to file bankruptcy to solve your financial problems. As your relationships fall apart, you may face divorce and child custody issues.
Emotional
If you have a gambling problem, you may feel like you have lost control of your life. You are seemingly unable to control your urges to gamble amounts of money you can't afford to lose. You might want to stop gambling, but find that you can't. You see your career and family slipping away, but feel powerless to do anything about it. This can lead to depression or even suicide.
