Sports betting and online gambling have made betting more accessible than ever. Using a mobile phone, it is possible to place a bet in a matter of seconds, check results constantly or gamble at any time of day.
This ease of access can mean that certain behaviours go unnoticed by family members.
A person with a gambling problem does not always start by losing large sums of money, nor do they always recognise from the outset that they have a problem. Sometimes, the first signs of problem gambling appear in the form of behavioural changes, withholding information, constant preoccupation with betting, or financial difficulties that the family initially interprets as a one-off occurrence.
Recognising these signs early on is important so that help can be sought before the situation worsens.
When can sports betting become a problem?
Betting occasionally does not necessarily mean that a person has a gambling addiction.
The problem arises when a person loses control over their gambling behaviour, continues to gamble despite the negative consequences, and begins to devote more and more time, money or attention to gambling.
In sports betting, moreover, there is a factor that can make it difficult to recognise the problem: the person may view betting as an activity linked to their knowledge of sport.
‘I know my football’, ‘I know which teams are going to win’ or ‘I only bet when there’s an interesting match’ are arguments that can be used to justify behaviour that is gradually becoming more frequent.
The issue is not merely how much money is wagered, but rather the place gambling occupies in a person’s life and whether they have a genuine ability to control it.
Signs of problem gambling that families may overlook
Some signs are obvious, but others can be mistaken for normal changes in behaviour.
1. Check results and odds regularly
One of the first signs may be the need to keep track of matches, results, odds or betting apps.The person may check their mobile phone repeatedly, even during family gatherings, meals or everyday activities.
When a significant portion of their attention is focused on gambling, it is worth observing whether this is occasional behaviour or an increasingly prevalent concern.
2. He starts hiding how much he plays
Concealment is a particularly important sign.
They may start by saying they have placed a small bet when in fact they have bet more money, conceal bank transactions, or avoid talking about the amounts they spend on gambling.
They may also use different accounts or apps to make it harder for others to realise the extent of the problem.
When there is a constant need to hide one’s gambling behaviour, it is advisable to take note.
3. There are some financial transactions he cannot account for
Financial difficulties may develop gradually.
Frequent payments, cash withdrawals, bank transfers, loans from family members or excessive use of credit cards may be some of the first signs noticed by those around them.
Sometimes, the person claims they need money for other expenses, when in reality they are using it to continue gambling.
The problem can worsen when they try to recoup their losses by placing further bets.
4. Try to recoup your losses by betting more
This is one of the most dangerous patterns associated with problem gambling.
After losing money, the person may feel they need to place another bet to recoup their losses. If they lose again, they increase the stake or look for new opportunities to gamble.
This creates a cycle:
loss → need to recoup → new bet → new loss → higher-risk bet.
From the outside, it may simply look like a run of bad luck. However, the need to keep gambling in order to recoup losses may indicate a loss of control over one’s behaviour.
5. He gets irritable when he can’t gamble
Another sign that can go unnoticed is mood swings.
The person may appear particularly nervous, irritable or restless when they are unable to gamble, when they have no money available, or when someone tries to question their bets.
They may also lose interest in activities they used to enjoy and spend more and more time gambling.
6. He starts borrowing money
Asking for money on an occasional basis does not necessarily indicate a gambling addiction.
However, when borrowing becomes frequent, debts start to mount up, or the person asks for money without clearly explaining what they need it for, this can be a warning sign.
This is particularly true if these requests coincide with other gambling-related behaviours.
7. Their behaviour towards their family changes
Gambling addiction does not only affect one’s finances.
The person may start to withdraw from others, argue more frequently, lie, fail to fulfil family commitments or appear emotionally distant.
They may also stop taking part in family plans because they prefer to stay at home gambling or because they need time to place bets.
These changes may be difficult to link to gambling at first, but they become more significant when they occur alongside financial problems or secrecy.
8. He says he can give it up whenever he wants
A common phrase is: ‘I’ll stop whenever I want to.’
The problem is that the ability to control gambling is not demonstrated by the intention to stop, but by the actual ability to do so.
If a person has tried to stop gambling several times and then starts again, temporarily cuts back on gambling but then reverts to the same pattern, or needs to constantly make new promises to themselves in order to control their gambling, there may be a problem that requires professional intervention.
How can you tell if someone has a gambling addiction?
There is no single sign that, on its own, can be used to determine whether a person has a gambling addiction.
It is important to look at the overall pattern of behaviour and, in particular, to consider whether the gambling is having negative consequences in various areas:
- Financial problems or mounting debts.
- Family or relationship conflicts.
- Lying about money or gambling.
- Loss of interest in other activities.
- Difficulties at work or with studies.
- The need to gamble increasingly larger sums.
- Failed attempts to control or stop gambling.
- Constant preoccupation with gambling.
- Using gambling as a way to escape emotional problems.
When several of these signs appear consistently, it is advisable to seek a specialist assessment.
What can the family do if a family member may have a gambling problem?
The family often finds itself in a difficult situation. On the one hand, they want to help; on the other, they may feel frustrated, angry or afraid in the face of the financial and personal consequences of gambling.
One of the first recommendations is to avoid normalising or covering up the consequences of addictive behaviour.
For example, repeatedly paying off their debts without addressing the problem may temporarily avert a consequence, but does not necessarily help to change the behaviour.
It is also important to speak to the person out of concern, rather than merely to reproach them.
The aim should be to encourage them to seek professional help.
At CC Adicciones, we offer a dedicated support service for the families of people with addictions, providing guidance and support to help family members cope with the situation using the right tools.
Treatment for gambling addiction: asking for help is the first step
Gambling addiction is a form of addiction that can affect a person’s financial, emotional, family and social stability.
Sports betting and online gambling can mean that the problem remains hidden for a long time, especially when the person appears to be leading a normal life.
That is why it is important not to wait until large debts or serious consequences arise before taking action.
At CC Adicciones, we offer a specialised programme for the treatment of gambling addiction, which tackles the problem through a holistic approach that may include individual therapy, group therapy and family support.
If you suspect that someone close to you has a gambling problem
You don’t need to wait until you are absolutely certain that a gambling problem exists before seeking advice.
If you have noticed changes in behaviour, financial problems, a tendency to hide gambling activities, a need to recoup losses or a constant preoccupation with gambling, speaking to professionals can help you understand what is happening and how to respond.
Early detection can make it easier to intervene and prevent the problem from getting worse.
If sports betting or online gambling is starting to affect a person or their family, seeking professional help can be the first step towards regaining control.
Frequently asked questions about problem gambling and sports betting
How can you tell if someone has a problem with sports betting?
Some warning signs include betting increasingly large sums of money, hiding bets, trying to recoup losses by gambling again, borrowing money, becoming irritable when unable to gamble, or trying unsuccessfully to stop. The presence of several of these signs may indicate the need for a professional assessment.
When is sports betting considered an addiction?
Gambling can become an addiction when a person loses control over their gambling, is unable to cut down or stop, and continues to gamble despite the negative consequences. It does not depend solely on the amount of money gambled, but on the impact that gambling has and the loss of control.
What are the symptoms of gambling addiction?
Symptoms may include constant preoccupation with gambling, the need to bet larger sums, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling, concealing information about gambling, chasing losses, and experiencing financial, family, work-related or emotional problems linked to gambling.
What can a family do if they suspect that someone has a gambling problem?
Family members can express their concerns without resorting solely to reproaches, avoid covering up the financial consequences of gambling, and seek professional guidance. Specialist support can help them understand the situation and know how to act without taking on the problem or the responsibilities of the person affected.
Can problem gambling be treated?
Yes. Gambling addiction can be treated through specialised psychological and therapeutic intervention. The treatment aims to help the person regain control over their gambling behaviour, address the factors that perpetuate the addiction and prevent relapses. The involvement and support of the family can also be important during the recovery process.
