Compulsive gambling is a progressive illness.  There are a series of phases that problem gamblers experience, each with associated warning signs.

The onset of a gambling problem varies from person to person though research has shown that the length of time it takes for a gambler to experience the onset of symptoms is often dependent upon the type of gambling in which she or he is participating. More specifically, some types of gambling, known as continuous forms, do not promote a “break in play”. Such breaks or reprieves are typically the time when a gambler will step away from the table, stand up from their chair, frequent a restroom, place a telephone call, or turn to an ATM or other option to secure more money. Gambling games, such as betting online, slot machines, and similar venues, do not encourage such reprieves, and these gamblers can frequently find themselves experiencing addictive symptoms in less than 12 months time.

On the other hand, non-continuous forms of gambling, while addictive to a percentage of those who partake, tend to result in significant difficulties over a longer period of time.  For example, while cards may be the primary venue most often identified by some gamblers, those who play and bet online are more likely to experience the onset of a problem sooner than those who frequent a facility, sit at a table with other players, and where breaks in play naturally occur.  It's important to note that the mere opening and closing times of a gambling facility will essentially create the break in play gamblers need to step away.  In Florida, most facilities are not open around-the-clock.

ACTION AND ESCAPE GAMBLERS

Compulsive gamblers fall into two main types – action and escape gamblers. Both suffer at the core from low self-esteem. However, action gamblers outwardly tend to appear egotistical, controlling, successful, and outgoing. They gamble primarily because they believe they can become skillful enough to beat the odds. Escape gamblers differ primarily in that they often gamble to escape from problems, feeling they can free themselves from pain while gambling.

THE FOUR PHASES

Gamblers who experience difficulties often go through a series of cycles, or stages, before they reach the point at which they feel helpless. While some compulsive gamblers will skip a stage, the following four phases are fairly common among this population.

1. The Winning Phase - In the beginning, the compulsive gambler often experiences a “big win,” which results in more frequent gambling and increased wagers. This tends to enhance self-image, and the gambler begins to fantasize about winning and the wonderful and exciting future this will bring about. Unreasonable optimism develops. 
   
   Note:  Some gamblers never experience this phase and skip to the following stages of progression.
   
   
2. The Losing Phase - During this period, the compulsive gambler thinks only about gambling. Personality changes begin to develop. Lies, borrowing money, and cover-ups are common. The gambler can no longer control the gambling, and relationships with family, friends, and employers deteriorate.
   
   
3. The Desperation Phase - The gambler can no longer pay debts and looks for bailouts that could be legal or illegal. These actions are rationalized as a means of getting even or recovering their losses. As the “chase” continues, the gambler panics at the prospect that the action will stop. During this time, the gambler clings to the belief that a winning streak, which will solve all their problems, is just around the corner. There are increasing signs of depression, irritability, and thoughts of suicide may be present.
    
4. The Hopeless Phase - At this point, serious consequences begin to occur, which may seem irreversible, such as arrests, divorce, alcohol or other substance abuse problems, emotional breakdowns, and serious withdrawal symptoms. The gambler realizes that getting even or catching up is not possible, but no longer cares. Approximately 20% of the time, this type of despair may lead the gambler to attempt suicide.

WARNING SIGNS

To learn whether you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties due to gambling, answer the questions below. The first section is for the gambler and the latter for family members, friends, or persons other than the gambler.

Gambler

Do you:

1. Find yourself reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble?
   
   
2. Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to feel the excitement?
   
   
3. Become restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling?
   
   
4. Gamble as a way of escaping from problems or relieving guilt, anxiety or depression?
   
   
5. Often return another day in order to get even or chase your losses after gambling?
   
   
6. Lie to family members, friends, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling?
   
   
7. Participate in illegal activities (e.g. forgery, fraud or theft) in order to finance your gambling?
   
   
8. Jeopardize or lose a significant relationship, job or educational or career opportunity because of gambling?
   
   
9. Rely on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling?
   
   
10. Attempt to control, cut back or stop gambling but are unable to do so?

Check your score below:
1-2                at-risk
3-4                problem gambling
5 or more    compulsive gambler

Compulsive gambling is both diagnosable and treatable. For help with a gambling problem, call the confidential 24-hour HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT or 888-236-4848.

Family Members, Friends, and Others

To learn whether you are experiencing difficulties due to someone else’s gambling, answer the following:

1. Are you frustrated with someone in your life who is gambling?
   
   
2. Are you afraid of how gambling is affecting your life?
   
   
3. Are you having financial difficulties because of gambling?
   
   
4. Is someone you care about lying to you about gambling?
   
   
5. Do you feel helpless about gambling and not know what to do?
   
   
6. Do you want to change your life but don’t know how?
   
   
7. Do you feel emotionally detached due to gambling in your life?
   
   
8. Do you feel that all family or social activities revolve around gambling?
   
   
9. Are the issues of gambling making you feel depressed?
   
   
10. Do you feel physically ill when you think about your situation?
    
    
11. Do you feel pressure and stress because of gambling in your life?
    
    
12. Do you think about ending your marriage or relationship due to gambling?
    
    
13. Do you ever feel that the problems due to gambling are hopeless?

If the answer to one or more questions is “yes,” help is available. With appropriate support and assistance, loved ones can learn how to cope with the gambling problem. To speak with a HelpLine Specialist, call the FCCG’s 24-hour confidential HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT or 888-236-4848. The call is toll-free and completely confidential.