For many, gambling or betting is simply a form of entertainment, and most adults can do so responsibly. However, for some people, gambling can turn into something that significantly disrupts their daily lives.
About Problem Gambling
Gambling can take place in many forms, both online and in person. Some examples include sports betting, lottery tickets, game machines and card games.
Problem gambling happens when gambling behavior negatively affects personal or family relationships, work or finances. Over time, this behavior can cause serious distress. Problem gambling can sometimes be called gambling addiction or gambling disorder.
Anyone who gambles is at risk for problem gambling. People who experience problem gambling often also experience problems with substance misuse or other mental health challenges.
Warning Signs
There are warning signs that can help you decide if gambling may be problem.
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel excitement
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling or when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Unsuccessfully trying to control or stop gambling
- Thinking about gambling often
- Gambling when feeling distressed (depressed, anxious, guilty, etc.)
- Gambling again after losing money to win it back (chasing loses)
- Lying to hide how much time or money is spent gambling
- Risking or losing a significant relationship, job or educational opportunity because of gambling
- Experiencing financial difficulties related to gambling
Having a gambling problem isn’t directly identified by how often a person gambles, the amount of money lost, or how they gamble.
Help is Available
There is hope if you or someone you care about is concerned about gambling. Resources are available.
- Get started by calling the Virginia Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537) or 888-532-3500. You can also complete this online referral form from the Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health.
After you reach out, a peer recovery specialist (someone who has similar lived experience) will contact you to help connect you to services, care, support groups and ongoing support. - Call, text or chat 9-8-8. Counselors are there to provide compassionate support if you, or someone else, is in emotional distress.
- Call the Fairfax-Falls Church CSB if you aren’t sure where to turn. Our Entry and Referral team will listen to your concerns and help guide you to the next steps.
- Call 703-383-8500 TTY 771, Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins to the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health, Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Emergency services are available 24/7 at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health. Call 703-573-5679 TTY 711.
Recovery is possible with support.