The red flags which could indicate you’re a problem gambler and how to solve them

It seems that over recent years, betting advertisements on TV, in newspapers and online has increased dramatically. Although a large percentage of the UK population enjoy a bet every now and again, it can turn into a habit for some people which can result in large amounts of debt and a serious gambling problem.

With the UK and many other countries experiencing a period of lockdown only a few months ago, this would have meant that many people turned to online gambling websites and apps to pass the time or to try and find a sense of enjoyment in the midst of a difficult time for the nation as a whole.

If you feel like your gambling habits are getting out of control, or you’re worried about someone close to you, then with the help of Consumer Law Barristers, we want to share some of the red flags which could indicate you or someone you know, has a gambling problem.

Do you find yourself hiding your gambling habits?

One of the first red flags which could indicate you have a gambling problem, is if you’re hiding or lying about the amount of time and money you spend on the likes of slot machines, betting on sporting events etc. It may be that you hide bank statements or get defensive when your partner questions the amount of time you spend on your phone; but these are the signs you need to be aware of.

Are you gambling more than you can afford?

Most people like to have the occasional bet with any spare money they have, but if you’re finding yourself using money which is meant for bills and important payments, then this can cause serious financial problems. By gambling with money that is needed to pay household bills, will push you towards debt and more often that not, it’s hard to recover once you have fallen down that hole.

Do you feel you need to gamble to get out of debt?

To some people, placing a bet to try and win some money to better your financial situation may seem like a good idea, but it’s far from it. Doing this can result in a dangerous pattern, where you place a bet, lose money and then find yourself borrowing more or using some which is meant for essentials such as food and bills.

How to get a hold of your gambling problem

There are many steps you can take to resolve your gambling problem. Whether it’s capping the amount you spend on betting apps or setting weekly time limits, these may seem like small steps, but they’re going in the right direction. Gambling is a serious problem and can get out of hand extremely quickly, and if you feel you’ve done all you can to resolve your problem and it hasn’t worked, then it’s best to seek professional help and support.