Issues with Gambling?
Key Takeaways
- Modern gambling is often hidden — happening privately via mobile phones and the internet rather than in visible venues like betting shops.
- Financial harm can escalate fast: the article contrasts winning £500 in 15 seconds with the weeks of regular work needed to earn the same take-home pay.
- When losing, people often “mask the action,” turning to payday loans or consolidating losses onto credit cards to hide the scale of the problem.
- Peter (22 years sober/clean) argues complete abstinence — not controlled or moderated gambling — is the only real solution, as with other addictions.
- Confidential one-to-one therapy, face-to-face or via Zoom, is available for anyone concerned about their gambling.
Gambling can be very secretive. Someone can place a bet anytime or anywhere. Traditionally a person
would go to a betting shop in the high street or a casino or a racetrack. Today with the use of Mobile
Devices and the Internet it can be very covert. A gambler places a bet – in an instant they win, or they
lose – its not noticed but the person changes character and behaviour. If they win, they might cash in –
only to find they are back online and doing the process all over again – If they lose – they mask the
action. What happens to that lose? They might chase the bet in fear that they can’t pay a bill they need to
– in fear that their partner might discover and ask a question. They take out a pay day loan or consolidate
all loses on to a credit card – often a hidden credit card that no one else knows about. They can’t go out
for a meal or treat their family to dinner – they make excuses – they enter into denial. Once hooked there
is no way out – the behaviour becomes more secretive and the consequences bigger. Consider someone
that earns a good wage – eventually the erosion of the wins and loses devalue that wage – who can go
from winning, say £500 in one bet of 15 seconds, and then return to working for weeks, 5 days a week to
take home their modest net pay? The gambling devalues the principles and morals the person once had.
Like all addictive processes, the only answer to a Gambling Addiction is complete abstinence. There is no
compromise with an addiction!!
This is not just true of people with Gambling problems – all addictions are the same.
Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling, Food, Sex, Pornography, Relationships and Co-dependency are all the same.
For people with an Addictive Personality, we all have the problem. No matter whatever the drug of choice
is.
My name is Peter. I am 22 years sober of a drink and 22 years clean of a drug. I specialise in helping
clients in 1-1 Therapy – Face to Face or Zoom – explore their behaviours and look at how it affects them
or their loved ones. I am passionate about helping and our sessions will, be completely private and
confidential.
I work from the centre of Guildford and take pride in helping clients recover from their addictions and
reclaim their lives.
My phone is on 24 x 7 – call me for a chat on 01483 533808 or email me on info@addictioncare.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is gambling addiction harder to spot than other addictions?
Modern gambling largely happens covertly through mobile devices and the internet, so there’s no need to visit a betting shop — making it easier to hide from friends and family.
Can someone with a gambling problem learn to gamble in moderation?
No — like other addictive behaviours, gambling addiction typically requires complete abstinence rather than controlled or moderated use to achieve lasting recovery.
What are common warning signs that gambling has become a problem?
Signs include chasing losses, hiding the scale of losses (for example through payday loans or credit cards), and continuing to gamble despite mounting financial and personal consequences.