Now count up how many times you answered yes. Do you ask other people to lend you money when you’ve lost money through gambling?.Has gambling affected your job, relationships, or home life?.Have you ever stolen money to fund gambling?.Have you lied to other people about how much time or money you’ve spent gambling, or how much you’ve lost?.Do you keep playing after losing money to try to win it back (often called ‘chasing losses’)?.Do you gamble to escape from difficulties in your life, or to cheer yourself up?.Do you get restless or irritable if you try to cut down on gambling?.Have you ever tried to stop gambling, or cut down on or control your gambling, and not been able to?.Are you spending more money on gambling as time goes on?.Do you spend a lot of time thinking about gambling?.To start, answer these 10 questions with ‘yes’ or ‘no’:

If you think you might have a gambling problem, help is available. It’s important to be mindful of the impact gambling could have on you or your family. Even if you haven’t experienced any of these issues yet, problem gambling means these negative effects may happen in the future.unemployment or difficulties at work – if you find yourself gambling in the workplace or taking time off because of gambling.criminal activity – if you find yourself committing crimes to fund your gambling habit.

relationship problems – if you have arguments with family and friends or conflict with your partner about financial difficulties.

financial problems – if you run up debts and do not have enough money for essentials.

physical illnesses caused by a lack of activity, or if you drink more alcohol while gambling.

problems with your social life – if you avoid seeing friends or going out.

reduced quality of life – if you have less money or free time.

While problem gambling itself doesn’t have physical symptoms, it can affect many areas of life. However, for some people, gambling becomes a problem or an addiction. Activities like playing the lottery once or twice a week aren’t harmful. Most people in the UK have gambled at some point.

is disruptive or damaging to you or your family.

How to stop gambling at casinos