Like almost all addictions, problems with gambling can creep up on those who originally just enjoyed a flutter every now and again. But just as there are fine lines for other addictions such as alcoholism, pin-pointing exactly when someone has a problem with gambling can be hard. But there are a few tell-tale signs to look out for.

To start, there are a number of reasons why men and women gamble, which can again make it harder to spot a compulsive gambler. For some it’s just the adrenaline kick, whereas for other it’s to support the likes of depression or other addictions to, for example, drugs and alcohol. An occasional bet on a horse or the purchase of a weekly Lotto ticket hardly counts as an addiction, so what does?

Secrecy is the first major indicator that gambling has turned into a problem. This is because, sub-consciously, the gambler is realising that what they are doing is no longer just a one-off or an occasional, harmless flutter, but something they feel compelled to be doing against their better judgement.

Secrecy can also lead to heightened confidence, which in turn can mean that he or she becomes reliant on gambling to give them a confidence boost when they are perhaps feeling inferior. Then there’s stealing and borrowing money which again shows that the person is aware that what they’re doing is no longer rational. They may also ‚lose‘ the rent/bill money to place bets instead of using their disposable income, progressing into a state where they are gambling purely to try and win-back their losses and to break-even.

But as we know, like other addictions gambling never just affects the bank balance. Relationships start to suffer too, with gambling often neglecting their work, family and friend commitments in order to go gambling. There are a number of warning signs even if the progression can be slow. Thankfully, there are a number of excellent health professionals and gambling support groups in the UK to help compulsive gamblers to give up their addiction.

Want to know how to write off debt? Speak to a debt advice specialist.