Signs of Compulsive Gambling

The signs of compulsive gambling are often best seen in retrospect. Sometimes family members don't know there is a problem until it is too late. When a family member has a gambling problem, it can mean disaster for everyone in the family. Those with gambling addictions often misuse the family finances while trying to catch up to all their gambling losses. If you have a loved one who you might think has a compulsive gambling problem, check these signs to see if they apply.

1. Desperately seeking money. If you find that your loved one is desperately seeking money from others, this is one of the clearest signs of compulsive gambling. Often those who have a gambling addiction will ask for money from those who they do not even know very well.
2. Secretive about finances. Those with compulsive gambling problems often become very secretive about their finances. They will try to hide not only how much money they are making, but how much they are spending, as well. They often become defensive when asked about the money they spend on gambling and will tell you that it's none of your business.
3. Gambling alone. Many people enjoy a bit of social gambling, but when a person begins to gamble alone, this may be a sign of compulsive gambling. When a person gambles alone, they often feel that they can spend as much as they want and no one else will know about it.
4. Trouble walking away. When someone has a gambling addiction, they will often spend money gambling until there is no money left to spend. They are either concerned about their losses and want to make up lost money or are on a winning streak and do not want to stop.