According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, problem gambling is defined as “gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational.” The term “problem gambling” includes, but is not limited to, the condition known as pathological or compulsive gambling, a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, chasing losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.

Tips to Prevent Problem Gambling:
For those who choose to gamble, there are some general principles that can help to make gambling safer and reduce the risk that problems will occur.

1) Don’t think of gambling as a way to make money:  All forms of gambling have the same principle – the vast majority lose so that a very small minority can have big wins.  Virtually all people with gambling problems hold the false expectation that they are the ones who will be the big winners.  That belief feeds the problem.

2) Always gamble with money that you can afford to lose: Gamble with money that you set aside for fun, like going to the movies or going out dinner. Never use money that you need for important things, like rent, bills, tuition, etc.

3) Set a money limit: Decide how much money you can afford to lose before you play. When you have lost that amount of money, quit.  If you win – remember it won’t happen most of the time.

4) Set a time limit. Decide how much time you can afford to spend gambling. When you reach that time limit, stop gambling.

5) Never chase losses. If you lose money, never try to get it back by going over your limit.  This usually leads to even bigger losses.

6) Don’t gamble when you are depressed or upset: It is hard to make good decisions about gambling when you are feeling down. 

7) Balance gambling with other activities: It’s important to enjoy other activities so that gambling doesn’t become too big a part of your life.

Tips to Help a Friend or Family Member with a Gambling Problem:
If you have a friend or family member with a gambling problem, it’s only natural to want to help.  Before you approach the person, try to learn what you can about problem gambling, including its warning signs and options for help and recovery.   Whatever you do, the most important thing to remember is that you cannot stop someone from gambling.  They have to stop gambling themselves once they are ready and willing to change their behavior. 

Here are some more things to consider:

1) Get informed:  It’s important to gather what information you can about problem gambling before you approach someone who you think might have a problem.  You might also want to find out what kind of treatment services are available so that if your friend or family member does want help, you can let them know what some of their options are.

2) Don’t hide the problem:  Often, friends and family of the person with a gambling problem think that they’re helping things by making excuses for the individual, lending them money, and covering up their behavior.   In reality, all that they’re doing is allowing the problem to continue.   Friends and family can let the person know that they’re there for them and will support them in their efforts to get professional help, but they should leave the responsibility for gambling and its negative consequences to the individual.

3) Choose the right moment to talk:  If the person with a gambling problem is expressing remorse about their gambling or they’ve just finished a gambling episode, they may be more open to talking about the issue. If they are and you’re prepared to talk to them about it, try to do so in a caring and understanding manner—and remember to keep focused on the person’s behavior, rather than on the person themselves.

4) Talk about impacts: Let the person with a gambling problem know how their behavior is affecting others, including you, but don’t attack them. If the person agrees that they may have a problem and are willing to seek help, give them the number to a treatment facility.

5) Be supportive: Try to support the person with a gambling problem in making changes for the better: Recognize and acknowledge any positive steps they’ve made as they work through their problem, talk to the person about how their recovery is progressing and ask how you can help.

6) Take care of yourself: Finding a safe place to discuss your own feelings and emotions can help you cope with your friend or family member’s gambling.  Even if they choose not to seek help for themselves, the support you get can still make things better for you.

It is possible for compulsive gamblers to enter recovery, knowing that it takes one day at a time for change to be successful.  If you feel you or a loved one need help for a compulsive gambling addiction, please contact Project Turnabout today at 1-800-862-1453.  Funding may be available for Minnesota residents to assist with treatment costs.  Phone calls are free and confidential. 

Resources for this article can be found at www.responsiblegambling.org