1-888-BETSOFF logo.
Home.
Get Help Now.
The Alliance.
Resources.
Addiction Signs.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Related Links.
Youth Gambling.

FREE!!

Quarterly newsletter
from the Alliance
Problem Gambling
Educational Video

Addiction Signs

Ask yourself the following questions to see if you may have a gambling problem.

  1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
  2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
  3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
  4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
  5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
  6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
  7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
  8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
  9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
  10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
  11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
  12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
  13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
  14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
  15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
  16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
  17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
  18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
  19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
  20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions. Regardless of how many questions you answered affirmatively, if you feel you have a problem, please call 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633) for help or visit the "Get Help Now" section of this Web site for more information. Free counseling is available to Missouri residents.

The 20 questions are from Gamblers Anonymous, a self-help organization for men and women who share experiences, support and hope to recover from a gambling problem. For more information about Gamblers Anonymous or to find a meeting in your area visit the Gamblers Anonymous Web site at: www.gamblersanonymous.org


Home | The Alliance | Resources | Addiction Signs | FAQ
Related Links | Youth Gambling | Get Help Now

Copyright © 2010, Missouri Lottery Commission. All rights reserved.
Created by the Missouri Lottery in cooperation with the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling.
Comments or questions about this Web site can be directed to betsoff@molottery.com

.

Help Is Available
If you feel you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call
1-888-BETSOFF
(1-888-238-7633). email - freehelp@888betsoff.org

Your toll-free call to 1-888-BETSOFF can put you in touch with people who understand your situation and can refer you to free treatment in your area.

You can also reach the Help Line counselors via email; emails will be answered within 15 hours.

Compulsive gambling is a behavior disorder in which an individual has an uncontrollable preoccupation and urge to gamble. This results in excessive gambling, the outcome of which is loss of time and money.

The gambling reaches the point at which it compromises, disrupts or destroys the gambler's personal life, family relationships or vocational pursuits. The key signs are emotional dependence on gambling, loss of control and interference with normal functioning.