Warning Signs of a Problem Gambler
If any of the following statements remind you of someone you know, that person may have a problem with gambling. For confidential help, call Gambling Recovery Ministries 1-812-926-1052; or in an emergency, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling Nationwide Help Line at 1-800-522-4700.
Is someone you know …?
- Preoccupied with gambling (i.e., reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
- Secretive about his/her gambling habits, and defensive when confronted
- Increasing bet amounts when gambling in order to achieve the desired excitement (“high”)
- Trying unsuccessfully to control, cut back, or stop gambling
- Restless or irritable when not gambling
- Gambling to escape problems
- “Chasing” losses with more gambling
- Lying to family and others about the extent of gambling
- Committing crimes to finance gambling
- Jeopardizing or losing relationships, jobs, education, or career opportunities because of gambling
- Relying on others to bail him or her out to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling
Get help today - don’t wait for the problem to get worse!
What Resources are Available?
National Problem Gambling Help Line
(800) 522-4700
The National Problem Gambling Help Line provides help to people with gambling problems and their families. Callers receive confidential, professional service from trained counselors. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free of charge.
Indiana Help Line
(800) 994-8448
Gambling Recovery Ministries
(812) 926-1052
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
Gam-Anon: A peer-led support group, Gam-Anon provides a supportive environment for the spouses, relatives, or close friends of- problem gamblers to share their experiences. There is no membership fee. A list of local meetings is available by calling the above Problem Gambling Help Lines.
