How do you know if a family member or friend has a gambling problem?
If they have even one of these symptoms (listed below), they may have a gambling problem.
Getting Help
The University of Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling is a program of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. We provide a 24/7 confidential helpline for people concerned about their own gambling problems or for people who are concerned about a family or friend’s gambling problem. You can call about your problem or call because you are worried about a family member, or a friend. Calls are taken by trained counselors.
We understand gambling problems and can give you help to reduce the harm gambling is doing to you, a family member or a friend. Call us to get started.
The helpline is provided by the Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling in partnership with The Maryland Council on Problem Gambling.
Getting Help for a Family Member or Friend
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Does this person promise to stop gambling but then gamble again and again?
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Does this person ever gamble more and more until the last dollar is gone?
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Does this person immediately return to gambling to try to recover losses?
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Does this person think they can gamble to solve financial problems?
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Does this person believe that gambling will bring the family money to do special things?
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Does this person borrow money to gamble with or to pay gambling debts?
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Does the person lie to cover up or deny his or her gambling?
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Has this person’s gambling ever made you think the family would be better without them?
View the video above to learn about the free, confidential helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
→The helpline counselor will listen to your problems→The helpline counselor will make a recommendation about a free educational group which can offer you or your family member support.→The helpline can make a referral to a counselor trained to understand problem gambling.→The helpline counselor can let you know about the closest Gamblers Anonymous Meeting. GA is an organization which supports people with gambling problems. Attendance is free and confidential.]
→The helpline counselor will listen to your problems
→The helpline counselor will make a recommendation about a free educational group which can offer you or your family member support.
→The helpline can make a referral to a counselor trained to understand problem gambling.
→The helpline counselor can let you know about the closest Gamblers Anonymous Meeting. GA is an organization which supports people with gambling problems. Attendance is free and confidential.]