When Gambling Stops Being Fun

You do not have to wait for a crisis before taking gambling seriously. If it no longer feels like a choice, or you find yourself returning to gamble despite wanting a break, it may be time to reassess.

When gambling starts to feel different

The change may be gradual. Gambling might become something you feel obliged to do, rather than something you choose to do. Money is one signal, but how you feel before and after gambling matters too.

A few questions to ask yourself:

• Do you look forward to gambling, or feel compelled to do it?
• Does stopping feel harder than it used to?
• Do you find yourself thinking about the next session when doing other things?
• Do you feel relief when gambling starts, followed by regret afterwards?

If gambling is being used to cope

Some people gamble when they are stressed, low, lonely or trying not to think about something else. Gambling may not have caused the underlying problem, but relying on it as a main way of coping can make the situation harder.

If gambling is linked with anxiety, depression, insomnia or other mental-health concerns, deal with both rather than assuming one will disappear when the other improves.

What to do if you are worried

You do not need to prove that you have a gambling disorder before taking action.

• Take a break from gambling while you review what has been happening
• Protect money needed for rent, mortgage, food, utilities and debt repayments
• Use a bank gambling block or blocking software if access is part of the problem
• Use self-exclusion if you want a stronger barrier
• Tell someone you trust if secrecy is making the situation harder
• Speak to a gambling support service if stopping is difficult or you are unsure what to do

NICE guidance recommends looking at gambling's effect on mental health, finances, relationships, work, education and immediate needs. You do not need to reach a particular loss figure before asking for support.

Sources

• NICE NG248: gambling-related harms
• NHS gambling-related harm guidance