• Problems
• How We Help
• Treatment
• Fast Help
• Family Intervention
• Secondary Care
• Accommodation
• What to bring

Watch our video       

About Problem Gambling

Problem gambling is an urge to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop.

Severe problem gambling may be diagnosed as clinical pathological gambling if the gambler meets certain criteria

Pathological gambling is defined as persistent and recurrent mal-adaptive gambling behavior meeting at least five of the following criteria, as long as these behaviors are not better explained by a manic episode:

• Preoccupation. The subject has frequent thoughts about gambling experiences, whether past, future, or fantasy.

• Tolerance. As with drug tolerance, the subject requires larger or more frequent wagers to experience the same "rush".

• Withdrawal. Restlessness or irritability associated with attempts to cease or reduce gambling.

• Escape. The subject gambles to improve mood or escape problems.

• Chasing. The subject tries to win back gambling losses with more gambling.

• Lying. The subject tries to hide the extent of his or her gambling by lying to family, friends, or therapists.

• Stealing. in order to seed their gambling addiction

• Loss of control. The person has unsuccessfully attempted to reduce gambling.

• Illegal acts. The person has broken the law in order to obtain gambling money or recover gambling losses. This may include acts of theft, embezzlement, fraud, forgery, or bad checks.

• Risked significant relationship. The person gambles despite risking or losing a relationship, job, or other significant opportunity.

• Bailout. The person turns to family, friends, or another third party for financial assistance as a result of gambling.

If you (or someone you care about) has a problem with Gambling, contact us now on 08000 380 480 for a fast, easy confidential consultation.

We're open 24 hours a day. Every day.