Check List for Families

One or more of these changes may indicate a gambling problem.

• Unexplained absences
  • goes out more often without saying why or where
  • misses appointments, meetings, dates
• Has less money than usual
  • stops spending money on “optional” expenses like entertainment, gifts, clothes, repairs, life insurance
  • doesn’t pay bills on time
  • applies for new credit cards
  • borrows money
  • takes out secret loans
• Is distant, preoccupied, moody
  • seems less interested in family, work, friends, hobbies
  • avoids some friends because of money owed
  • doesn’t want to talk about money or debts: is secretive, edgy, angry, or uses double-talk to confuse you when you try to discuss it
  • acts restless and jittery when not busy
  • may brag about winning at gambling, but says nothing about losing
  • shows physical signs of stress such as headaches, stomach problems
  • develops a habit of lying and deceiving
• Uses gambling to cope
  • gambles as a way of dealing with stress, loneliness, boredom, depression
  • starts gambling more after giving up or cutting down on cigarettes, alcohol, or other substances
• Tries but fails to stop or reduce gambling
  • expresses regret or guilt about lost money, promises “never again” but doesn’t hold to it
  • borrows money to repay debts, but gambles the money away
• Becomes desperate to keep gambling
  • after being upset about losing, gambles even more in the hope of winning back losses
  • lies about past gambling losses
  • lies about money lost or borrowed
  • sells valuables to get money
  • steals money to gamble or repay debts

Addiction Services

For additional information contact 1-800-461-1234.

Download printer-friendly Adobe Acrobat file here