How To Recognize Casino Game Addiction

For the vast majority of people, visiting a casino is a harmless, entertaining form of recreational activity.


Recognizing the behavioral and financial red flags early is absolutely critical to preventing total financial ruin and getting necessary help.

How to Spot the Psychological Red Flags

An addict will frequently lie to their spouse, friends, and family members to conceal the true extent of their gambling activities.


A major red flag is 'chasing losses'—returning to the casino the very next day to aggressively try and win back money lost the night before.

A severe addict will continue to gamble despite acknowledging that it is actively destroying their life and relationshipsThey may experience intense mood swings, oscillating wildly between euphoria after a win and deep depression after a lossThe need to experience the exact same 'thrill' requires them to constantly increase the size of their bets over time
Financial Consequences and Seeking Help

An addict will quickly exhaust their personal savings and begin maxing out credit cards or taking out high-interest payday loans.


Gambling addiction is a recognized psychiatric disorder, and it requires targeted therapy and support groups to successfully overcome.

Action PlanImmediate StepLong-Term StrategyFor the AddictCall the National Problem Gambling HelplineRegister for self-exclusion programs at all casinosFor the FamilySecure all joint bank accounts immediatelyAttend Gam-Anon support groups for families

Remember, there is absolutely no shame in asking for help; overcoming the addiction is entirely possible with the right support.