Signs of problem gambling
There are many signs that you can look for that might indicate a gambling problem in your friend. The signs can be related to money, how they are spending their time, and their behaviour.
Some of these signs may include:
- Missing money or valuables
- Changes in how they spend their money
- No change in the amount of money they have despite a part-time job
- Changes in personality
- Withdrawing from friends, family or normal activities
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Arriving late for commitments
- Time unaccounted for
- Changes in sleep and eating patterns
- On edge or defensive
- Preoccupied
How do you know when gambling becomes a problem for your friend?
If you see some of the signs listed above, it might mean that your friend has a problem. But you can also take a simple test designed to look specifically at gambling behaviour.
The SOGS-RA is a simple gambling screening test that looks at gambling behaviours. You can link to the SOGS-RA by entering www.YouthBet.net. You will find the gambling screening test in the “Back Alley” section of the site.
If I think my friend has a gambling problem, what can I do?
First you can get more information about gambling problems. Here are two phone numbers where you can call to get more advice or information:
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
- Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-230-3505
Second, you can visit www.youthbet.net a useful website on gambling (go to the community center).
Third, you can talk to your friend. You ask yourself “what should I say”? Here are some clues.*
Tell your friend that you care about him/her and that you feel concerned about the way you see them acting.
“You are a good friend, and I’m upset because I see you doing things that are just going to hurt you in the end.”
Tell your friend exactly what they are doing or have done that concerns you.
“Last night you were going to spend only $20 and yet you lost over $300.”
After you tell your friend that you care, what you’ve seen and how you feel, it’s important to be willing to listen to what they say.
Tell your friend what you would like to see them do.
“If you are going to gamble, I think you should set a limit for losses ahead of time and stick to it.”
Tell your friend that you are willing and able to help.
“I’m always here if you need a friend to talk to.”
Also, you can suggest to your friend to visit www.youthbet.net to keep gambling safe. And why not visit the site with them. For example, you will find a Gambling Fact or Myth Quiz**. Test your knowledge together with your friend! Here are examples of questions in the quiz.
1. If you buy one ticket of the Lotto Super 7, your odds of winning are:
a) One in 100,000
b) It depends on how many tickets are sold
c) 1 in 21 million
d) 1 in 14 million
2. Which statement is true?
a) Teens who gamble are more likely to develop gambling problems than adults who gamble.
b) Teens who gamble are less likely than adults to develop a gambling problem.
c) There’s an equal chance that teens and adults will get “hooked” on gambling.
The answers:
1. The odds of winning are only 1 in 21 million!!
2. Teenagers are at greater risk of developing problems with gambling!
Finally, you can suggest to your friend to call one of the phone lines listed above to get some help. Or even better, if your friend acknowledge a gambling problem, tell them to talk to an adult they trust about their problem.
So good luck!
You have all the chances on your side to help your friend who you think has a gambling problem. But don’t worry, you cannot be responsible alone for your friend’s problem gambling.
*Reprinted and adapted from Improving Your Odds: A curriculum about winning, losing, and staying out of trouble with gambling. © 1996 Minnesota Institute of Public Health.
**The Gambling Fact or Myth Quiz was reprinted with permission from the Promoting Community Awareness of Problem Gambling Resource Package © 2001 Centre for Addiction and Mental Health