Leisurely gambling is a game that can be fun and exciting just as much as any other game can be and, for most people, that is just what gambling is- a fun game. There are those people, however, for whom gambling can become a problem. For these people, gambling is no longer a game but is now problem gambling, an impulse control issue. This means that those affected are unable to resist the pull of gambling, even if it is bad for them or making their loved ones upset. That is when gambling is no longer fun, when it hurts both the gambler and the family.

The method to ensure responsible gambling is quite a simple one, in theory. The gambler must be fully aware of his or her limits of money and time and then stick to those limits. A person gambling for fun has no issue with setting aside a certain amount of cash for playing the game and a time frame in which to entertain oneself at the game. When the money is gone or the game is over, a recreational gambler has no problem packing up and moving on.

Signs and Symptoms of Problem Gambling

An impulse control disorder such as gambling brings an arousing sense of excited anticipation to the gambling before the game, intense pleasure and gratification during the game and typically crushing feelings of guilt and remorse at the end, having spent more money and time at gambling than he or she should have. There are several clear symptoms of when gambling is no longer fun and has become problem gambling

A preoccupation with re-living previous gambling experiences and planning for the next one

An intense need to gamble for higher stakes, with increasing amounts of cash in order to get a bigger and bigger thrill

Taking inordinate amounts of time from work hours and family time to spend it gambling instead

Lying to hide the fact that gambling is going on

Borrowing or stealing money from others for gambling

Using funds designated for other purposes for gambling