Gambling can affect your home life, work, school, college or university life and your mental health. Here you can find support and services that can help you to stop.
Debt problems can happen to anyone for all sorts of reasons. Being in debt is incredibly stressful and damaging to health but there are organisations that can help you get back in control of your finances.
Gambling related harm can happen to anyone from any walk of life and is defined as the range of negative impacts which gambling can have on a person’s health, wellbeing and resources. This harm can also extend to those who don’t gamble directly but are affected by the gambling of others, whether that be family, friends or colleagues. Everyone who gambles is at risk of addiction and is at risk of experiencing harm as a result of gambling.
Gambling addiction
Gambling addiction also known as pathological gambling, compulsive gambling or gambling disorder is an impulse-control disorder. If you’re a compulsive gambler, you can’t control the impulse to gamble, even when it has negative consequences for you or your loved ones. You’ll gamble whether you’re up or down, broke or flush, and you’ll keep gambling regardless of the consequences even when you know that the odds are against you or you can’t afford to lose.
Problem gambling
Of course, you can also have a gambling problem without being totally out of control. Problem gambling is any gambling behaviour that disrupts or interferes with your life. If you’re preoccupied with gambling, spending more and more time and money on it, chasing losses, or gambling despite serious consequences in your life, you have a gambling problem.
Other behaviours and mood disorders
A gambling addiction or problem is often associated with other behaviour or mood disorders. Many problem gamblers also suffer with substance abuse issues, unmanaged ADHD, stress, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. To overcome your gambling problems, you’ll also need to address these and any other underlying causes as well.
Although it may feel like you’re powerless to stop gambling, there are plenty of things you can do to overcome the problem, repair your relationships and finances, and finally regain control of your life.
Myths and Facts
Myth: You have to gamble every day to be a problem gambler.
Fact: A problem gambler may gamble frequently or infrequently. Gambling is a problem if it causes problems.
Myth: Problem gambling is not really a problem if the gambler can afford it.
Fact: Problems caused by excessive gambling are not just financial. Too much time spent on gambling can also lead to relationship and legal problems, job loss, mental health problems including depression and anxiety, and even suicide.
Myth: Having a gambling problem is just a case of being weak-willed, irresponsible, or unintelligent.
Fact: Gambling problems affect people of all levels of intelligence and all backgrounds. Previously responsible and strong-willed people are just as likely to develop a gambling problem as anyone else.
Myth: Partners of problem gamblers often drive their loved ones to gamble.
Fact: Problem gamblers often try to rationalise their behaviours. Blaming others is one way to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, including what is needed to overcome the problem.
Myth: If a problem gambler builds up a debt, you should help them take care of it.
Fact: Quick fix solutions may appear to be the right thing to do. However, bailing the gambler out of debt may actually make matters worse by enabling their gambling problems to continue.
Signs and symptoms
Gambling addiction is sometimes referred to as a “hidden illness” because there are no obvious physical signs or symptoms like there are in drug or alcohol addiction. Problem gamblers also typically deny or minimise the problem—even to themselves. However, you may have a gambling problem if you:
Feel the need to be secretive about your gambling. You might gamble in secret or lie about how much you are gambling, feel others won’t understand or that you might surprise them with a big win.
Have trouble controlling your gambling. Once you start gambling, can you walk away? Or are you compelled to gamble until you’ve spent your last pound, upping your bets in a bid to win lost money back?
Gamble even when you don’t have the money. You may gamble until you’ve spent your last pound, and then move on to money you don’t have—money to pay bills, credit cards, or things for your children. You may feel pushed to borrow, sell, or even steal things for gambling money.
Have family and friends worried about you. Denial keeps problem gambling going. If friends and family are worried, listen to them carefully. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. Many older gamblers are reluctant to reach out to their adult children if they’ve gambled away their inheritance, but it’s never too late to make changes for the better.
The biggest step to overcoming a gambling addiction is realising that you have a problem. It takes a great deal of strength and courage to own up to this, especially if you have lost a lot of money and strained or broken relationships along the way. Don’t despair, and don’t try to go it alone. Many others have been in your shoes and have been able to break the habit and rebuild their lives. You can, too.
Learn to relieve feelings in healthier ways
Do you gamble when you’re lonely or bored? Or after a stressful day at work or following an argument with your partner? Gambling may be a way to self-soothe unpleasant emotions, unwind, or socialise. But there are healthier and more effective ways of managing your moods and relieving boredom, such as exercising, spending time with friends who don’t gamble, taking up new hobbies, or practicing relaxation techniques.
Expand your support network
It’s tough to battle any addiction without support, so reach out to friends and family. If your support network is limited, there are ways to make new friends without relying on visiting casinos or gambling online. Try reaching out to colleagues at work, joining a sports team or book club, enrolling in an education class, or volunteering for a good cause.
Join a support group
Gamblers Anonymous, for example, is a twelve-step recovery program patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. A key part of the program is finding a sponsor, a former gambler who has experience remaining free from addiction and can provide you invaluable guidance and support.
Seek help for underlying mood disorders
Depression, stress, substance abuse, or anxiety can all trigger gambling problems and be made worse by compulsive gambling. Even when gambling is no longer a part of your life, these problems will still remain, so it’s important to address them.
How to stop gambling for good
For many problem gamblers, it’s not quitting gambling that’s the biggest challenge, but rather staying in recovery making a permanent commitment to stay away from gambling. The Internet has made gambling far more accessible and, therefore, harder for recovering addicts to avoid relapse. Online casinos and bookmakers are open all day, every day for anyone with a smartphone or access to a computer. But maintaining recovery from gambling addiction or problem gambling is still possible if you surround yourself with people to whom you’re accountable, avoid tempting environments and websites, give up control of your finances to a family member or friend (at least at first), and find healthier activities to replace gambling in your life.
Making healthier choices
One way to stop gambling is to remove the elements necessary for gambling to occur in your life and replace them with healthier choices. The four elements needed for gambling to continue are:
A decision: For gambling to happen, you need to make the decision to gamble. If you have an urge: stop what you are doing and call someone, think about the consequences to your actions, tell yourself to stop thinking about gambling, and find something else to do immediately.
Money: Gambling cannot occur without money. Get rid of your credit cards, let someone else be in charge of your money, have the bank make automatic payments for you, close online betting accounts, and keep only a limited amount of cash on you in person.
Time: Even online gambling cannot occur if you don’t have the time. Schedule enjoyable time for yourself that has nothing to do with gambling. If you’re gambling on your smartphone, find other ways to fill the quiet moments during your day.
A game: Without a game or activity to bet on there is no opportunity to gamble. Don’t put yourself in tempting environments. Tell gambling establishments you frequent that you have a gambling problem and ask them to restrict you from entering. Remove gambling apps and block gambling sites on your smartphone and computer.
Dealing with gambling cravings
Feeling the urge to gamble is normal, but as you build healthier choices and build a strong support network, resisting cravings will become easier. When a gambling craving strikes:
Avoid isolation. Call a trusted family member, meet a friend for coffee, or go to a support group meeting.
Postpone gambling. Tell yourself that you’ll wait five minutes, fifteen minutes, or an hour. As you wait, the urge to gamble may pass or become weak enough to resist.
Visualise what will happen if you give in to the urge to gamble. Think about how you’ll feel after all your money is gone and you’ve disappointed yourself, your family and friends again.
Distract yourself with another activity, such as going to the gym or watching a movie.
Coping with lapses
If you can’t resist the gambling craving, don’t be too hard on yourself or use it as an excuse to give up. Overcoming a gambling addiction is a tough process. You may slip from time to time; the important thing is to learn from your mistakes and continue working towards recovery.
Gambling addiction treatment
Overcoming a gambling problem is never easy and seeking professional treatment and support doesn’t mean that you’re weak or can’t handle your problems. It is important to remember that every gambler is unique so you need a recovery program tailored specifically to your needs and situation. Talk to your GP about different treatment options, including:
Inpatient or residential treatment and rehabilitation programs. These are aimed at those with severe gambling addiction who are unable to avoid gambling without round-the-clock support.
Treatment for underlying conditions contributing to your compulsive gambling, including substance abuse or mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, OCD, or ADHD. This could include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Problem gambling can sometimes be a symptom of bipolar disorder, so your GP or therapist may need to rule this out before making a diagnosis.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT for gambling addiction focuses on changing unhealthy gambling behaviours and thoughts, such as rationalisations and false beliefs. It can also teach you how to fight gambling urges and solve financial, work, and relationship problems caused by problem gambling. Therapy can provide you with the tools for coping with your addiction that will last a lifetime.
Family therapy and marriage, career, and credit counselling. These can help you work through the specific issues that have emerged through your problem gambling and help you to lay the foundations for repairing your relationships and finances.
If someone you care about has a gambling problem, you are likely to have many conflicting emotions. You may have spent a lot of time and energy trying to keep them from gambling or having to cover for them. At the same time, you might be furious at them for gambling again and tired of trying to keep up appearances to others. They may have borrowed or even stolen money with no way to pay it back. They may have sold family possessions or run up huge debts on joint credit cards.
While compulsive and problem gamblers need the support of their family and friends to help them in their struggle to stop gambling, the decision to quit has to be theirs. As much as you may want to, and as hard as it is seeing the effects, you cannot make someone stop gambling. However, you can encourage them to seek help, support them in their efforts, protect yourself, and take any talk of suicide seriously.
Tips for family members
Start by helping yourself. You have a right to protect yourself emotionally and financially. Don’t blame yourself for the gambler’s problems or let his or her addiction dominate your life. Ignoring your own needs can lead to huge stress for you and even a breakdown for you.
Don’t go it alone. It can feel so overwhelming coping with a loved one’s gambling addiction that it may seem easier to rationalise their requests “this one last time.” Or you might feel ashamed, feeling like you are the only one who has problems like this. Reaching out for support will make you realise that many families have struggled with this problem.
Set boundaries in managing money. To ensure the gambler stays accountable and to prevent relapse, consider taking over the family finances. However, this does not mean you are responsible for micromanaging the problem gambler’s impulses to gamble. Your first responsibilities are to ensure that your own finances and credit are not at risk.
Consider how you will handle requests for money. Problem gamblers often become very good at asking for money, either directly or indirectly. They may use pleading, manipulation, or even threats to get it. It takes practice to ensure you are not enabling your loved one’s gambling addiction.
What to say - and what not to say
Do.
Talk to your partner about their problem gambling and its consequences when you’re calm and not stressed or angry.
Look for support. Self-help groups for families of problem gamblers can introduce you to people who’ve faced the same obstacles.
Explain to your partner that you’re seeking help because of how their gambling affects you and the family.
Talk to your children about your partner’s problem gambling.
Take over management of your family finances, carefully monitoring bank and credit card statements.
Encourage and support your loved one during treatment of their gambling problem, even though it may be a long process peppered with setbacks.
Don’t.
Lose your temper, lecture, or issue threats and ultimatums that you’re unable to follow through on.
Overlook your partner’s positive qualities.
Prevent your partner from participating in family life and activities.
Expect your partner’s recovery from problem gambling to be smooth or easy. Even when their gambling stops, other underlying problems may surface.
Bail your partner out of debt or enable their gambling in any way.
Cover-up or deny your partner’s problem to yourself or others.
Citizens Advice – Rotherham and District
General advice line: 03444 111 444
Universal credit help to claim: 0800 1448 444
Debt advice line: 01709 515680
Email: debt.support@citizensadvicerotherham.org.uk
Web chat available
Cortonwood Comeback Community Centre
01226 759572
enquiries@cortonwoodcomeback.com
Chapel Avenue, Brampton, S73 0XQ
Registered charity offering a wide range of help and activities to the whole community, including: debt and benefit advice help with employment, job search and training.
Gam-Anon meetings
Wednesdays, 19:30–21:30
07771 427429
rotherham@gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Herringthorpe United Reformed Church, Wickersley Road, Rotherham, S60 4JN
Kiveton Park Independent Advice Centre
01909 773966
info@kpadvice.org.uk
Kiveton Park Independent Advice Centre
Kiveton Park Community Library, Wales Road, Kiveton Park, Sheffield, S26 6RB
A free, impartial, confidential general advice and advocacy service for the people of Kiveton Park and surrounding areas, in conjunction with free legal advice offered by local solicitors. Lots of advice and information on the services’ website; especially around money and debt.
Rotherham Council Advice
Rotherham Council may be able to offer advice and help with money concerns – visit this website to find out more
GamCare
0808 8020133
info@gamcare.org.uk
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
GamCare is the leading national provider of free information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous UK
National: 0330 094 0322
North-East: 07771 427 429
info@gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Gamblers Anonymous UK runs local support groups that use the same 12-step approach to recovery from addiction as Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also GamAnon support groups for friends and family. Regular meetings in Rotherham town centre.
Gordon Moody Association
01384 241292
help@gordonmoody.org.uk
Residential courses for men and women who have problems with gambling – call to find out more. It also runs the Gambling Therapy website, which offers online support to problem gamblers and their friends and family.
Money Advice Service
0800 138 7777
Typetalk: 18001 0800 915 4622
WhatsApp: add +44 7701 342744 to your Whatsapp and send us a message
Web chat available
enquiries@maps.org.uk
Online free resources for advice and guides to help improve your finances, tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead and support over the phone and online. Phone support available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
National Debt Line
0808 808 4000
Web chat available
Independent charity dedicated to providing free debt advice by phone and online to people across the UK. Expert debt advisers who are supportive and trained to a high standard. Committed to providing free, impartial and confidential debt advice.
Phone support available Monday to Friday 9am–8pm, Saturday 9:30am–1pm
Step Change
0800 138 1111
Web chat available
Monday to Friday 8am–8pm, Saturday 8am–4pm
Provides the UK’s most comprehensive debt advice service. Helping people with debt problems take back control of their finances. Offers services including advice, budget and debt management plans.
GAMSTOP
The National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme
GAMSTOP is a free service that lets individuals block themselves from all UK licensed gambling sites for a period of their choosing (6 months, 1 year, 5 years).
Once registered you will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps.
Chapter One
Provides information on how and where to get support for anyone affected by gambling, whether that be for yourself or for someone else. The website includes links and information about blocking and banning gambling sites and well as other in-person and online support services.
Northern Gambling Service
Specialise in delivering support and treatment for gambling related harms. The service has a location in Sheffield but also offers remote video consultations.
03003001490 referral.ngs@nhs.net
Gambling Understood
Gambling Understood is a campaign funded by the Association of Directors of Public Health Yorkshire and Humber which includes resources to increase knowledge of gambling harms. It provides key facts and figures about gambling harms as well as all the listing all of the local help and support resources.
HealthUnlocked is the world’s largest social network for health. Find and connect with people with a similar health condition. The service has over 700 online communities focused on health and wellbeing topics.
The NHS App gives you a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.
You can use the app if you are aged 13 or over. You must be registered with an NHS GP surgery in England or the Isle of Man. You can also log in through the NHS website on a computer to use NHS App services.
Rotherhive is not responsible for content on websites or apps mentioned on the site. Always read the app’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy to see how your data may be used.
