When gambling stops being fun. There’s hope, there’s help. Please read further to see some of the symptoms of problem gambling and answer our questions to help determine if gambling has become a problem for you or someone you know.

Do you know someone who displays these problem gambling symptoms?

• Preoccupied with gambling.
• Unable to stop gambling.
• Brags and boasts about gambling & exaggerates wins.
• Minimizes losses.
• Increases the size of bets.
• Has unexplained financial difficulties.
• Is restless or irritable with severe mood swings when not gambling.
• Gambles to "feel better".

Whether it’s a spouse, a friend, a member of your family, or even you, the answers to these questions can help you realize if gambling has become a problem.

• Is gambling making your home life unhappy?
• Are you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
• Do you ever feel remorse after gambling?
• After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
• Do you gamble to escape worries and troubles?
• Does gambling keep you from sleeping?
• Do arguments, disappointments or frustration create an urge to gamble?
• Does gambling make you careless about your welfare or that of your family?
• Do you gamble longer than you had planned?
• Do you gamble until your last dollar is gone?
• Do you gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
• Do you borrow to finance your gambling?

If you or someone you know shows these symptoms, there is hope. Problem gambling is a treatable illness. With proper treatment, a problem gambler can begin the recovery process and regain control of his/her life.

Call the Problem Gambling Hotline, sponsored by the Rhode Island Lottery, 1-877-9GAMBLE for help with problem gambling. Available 24 hours a day to help you, listen to you, and refer you to a local treatment center.

The Official Website of the Rhode Island Lottery Benefiting All Rhode Islanders Since 1974

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