Buying lottery tickets, going to the casino and betting in general (cards, sports, video gaming terminals) are all activities involving gambling and a monetary gain or loss. Gambling as a simple, pleasurable activity becomes a problem when the person can’t stop gambling.

To understand how to help someone struggling with problem gambling, we talked with Dr. Mauricio Cifuentes, Ph.D., LCSW, clinical director at Cicero Family Services. You’ll learn about the signs of problem gambling and what to do when gambling becomes an issue.

 Yes, people react differently when they participate in gambling activities. Some people may have more predisposition than others to develop problem gambling, and the frequency can also increase the risk for a gambling problem.

In the State of Illinois, a person is considered a “frequent gambler” if they gamble five or more times in one year. However, if a person is predisposed to problem gambling, the risk might be higher, as they could start struggling with gambling when they do it just a couple of times per year.  

• Increasing the amounts being bet.

• Having feelings of anxiety around gambling.

• Not being able to stop gambling or struggling to stop thinking about it.

• Borrowing money to cover losses.

• Hiding or lying about how much is being bet. 

• Having problems at work or with family relationships due to gambling.

Educate yourself: Read about the subject to understand your feelings and why this might be happening to you or to the person you have identified as potentially struggling with gambling. Ask yourself or the person whose gambling you’re concerned about: What other exciting things can I/you do that don’t create the problems that gambling and betting are creating for me/you?

• Use non-judgmental language. In other words, avoid describing the situation in a negative way.

• Make materials about gambling accessible to the person, so they are able to reflect about this issue at their own pace. 

• It is recommended not to confront the person with guilt, because it can elicit a negative reaction.

The most important thing to support a person struggling with problem gambling is to communicate to the individual that they are truly loved and that you are willing to accompany them in their journey:

• Let the person follow their own process.

• Avoid policing or trying to control the individual.

• Be available as much as possible when the person requests your accompaniment.

 Supporting someone who is not ready or willing to receive help can be a daunting task. Instead, a first step may be to offer support and resources to the people around them (family, friends, etc.) who might also be affected by the consequences of problem gambling. 

 Talking with the person about their goals and helping them evaluate whether their gambling-related behaviors are leading to a happier life or if making changes could facilitate that purpose. These conversations can influence the individual and foster change in thinking and eventually in behavior.

Additionally, it may be helpful to provide information about useful websites and phone numbers in case a person decides to seek help.

• Visit www.areyoureallywinning.com for more information,

• Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). Help is available in English and Spanish.

• If you speak English text “GAMB” to 833234.

• Remember that help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is confidential.