While there will never be a billboard telling you it’s the right time to get help for problem gambling, you often know in your gut that it's getting to be too much and you could use some support to cut down or quit placing bets. Here are 7 signs that should prompt you to take a look at your relationship with gambling:
1. You feel exhausted by the amount of time you spend thinking about gambling. If it's among your first thoughts in the morning and your last thoughts at night, then perhaps it's becoming too much.
2. You feel like sports betting might be getting in the way of making genuine connections and memories. Are you skipping important activities so that you can bet on sports or are you showing up at family events, just to spend the entire time on your phone?
3. You worry about harming or losing important relationships - family and friends - because of your gambling. Are you lying to friends and family about how much you bet or neglecting other responsibilities?
4. You've experienced increasing amounts of anxiety, guilt or shame after gambling online or in real life. Do you downplay your losses and exaggerate your wins?
5. Gambling is impacting your ability to pay your bills or keep your promises. If you are in debt or find yourself borrowing money to bet on sports, that's a red flag.
6. You "just want to get back to even." In other words, you are chasing losses. You may snag a win or two, but rest assured, you will give it back. That's why sportsbooks are in business.
7. You're excited when you think about what you could achieve with more time, energy and money. Add up all the time you spend gambling, thinking about gambling, plotting out your bets and checking scores; if that number surprises you, pay attention.
If you see any of these seven signs, don't panic and know that there's nothing to be ashamed of. Just take some time to re-evaluate your relationship with gambling and if you are ready to make some changes, the BetBreak ebook can help you.
