Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Asking "am I gambling too much?" is itself a healthy sign. Many people with problem gambling never reach that moment of reflection. The question matters — and so does answering it honestly.
Gambling-related harm exists on a spectrum. It doesn't have to involve losing tens of thousands of euros or hiding bank statements to be a problem worth addressing. Consider these warning signs:
Financial Warning Signs
- Regularly spending more than you planned on gambling.
- Gambling with money earmarked for bills, rent or food.
- Borrowing money or using credit cards to fund gambling.
- Selling possessions or missing savings goals because of gambling losses.
- Taking cash advances or payday loans for gambling.
Behavioural Warning Signs
- Chasing losses: continuing to gamble specifically to try to win back money already lost. This is one of the most reliable clinical indicators of problem gambling.
- Increasing the size of bets over time to maintain the same level of excitement.
- Lying to family or friends about how much time or money you spend gambling.
- Missing work, college, family events or social commitments because of gambling.
- Gambling for longer than planned on a regular basis.
Emotional Warning Signs
- Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you try to cut back or stop.
- Gambling to escape stress, depression, boredom or loneliness rather than for entertainment.
- Feeling guilty or ashamed after gambling sessions.
- Thinking about gambling constantly when not gambling.
The PGSI: A Quick Self-Assessment
The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is a validated nine-question tool used in clinical research. The questions ask how often over the past 12 months you have experienced each of the following:
- Bet more than you could really afford to lose.
- Needed to gamble with larger amounts to get the same feeling of excitement.
- Gone back to try to win back money you had lost.
- Borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble.
- Felt that you might have a problem with gambling.
- Had people criticise your gambling or tell you that you have a gambling problem, even if you didn't think it was true?
- Felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble.
- Gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety.
- Gambling caused financial problems for you or your household.
Each question is scored 0 (never) to 3 (almost always). A score of 0–1 suggests low or no risk; 2–7 moderate risk; 8 or more indicates problem gambling. The full validated tool is available via GamCare and several Irish support organisations.
The Difference Between Recreational and Harmful Gambling
Recreational gambling is a legitimate form of entertainment. The key markers of recreational gambling are:
- You gamble with money you can genuinely afford to lose (treat it as a leisure spend, like a cinema ticket).
- You set limits before you start and stop when you reach them.
- Losing does not trigger an urge to chase or extend the session.
- Gambling does not affect your relationships, work, finances or mental health.
Harmful gambling is not about the amount of money spent — it is about the relationship you have with gambling. Someone spending €20 a week but chasing every loss is at greater risk than someone spending €200 a month within pre-set limits on a sustainable budget.
Next Steps If You're Concerned
- Call 1800 753 753 — the Gambling Awareness Trust national helpline. Free and confidential.
- Set deposit limits today on every site you use. See our deposit limit guide.
- Self-exclude if you need a full break. See our self-exclusion guide.
- Tell someone you trust — isolation makes problem gambling harder to address.
- Consider blocking software: Gamban (gamban.com) blocks all gambling-related websites and apps across your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key warning signs: spending more than planned, chasing losses, lying about gambling, feeling anxious when not gambling, borrowing to gamble, neglecting responsibilities. If two or more apply regularly, seek guidance.
A validated nine-question self-assessment. Scores 0–1: low risk; 2–7: moderate risk; 8+: problem gambling. Available via GamCare and Irish support organisations.
Yes. Chasing losses is one of the most consistent clinical markers of problem gambling. The cycle of loss–chase–further loss escalates quickly and should be taken seriously.
Yes. The key: treat gambling as entertainment (not income), only bet what you can afford to lose, set time and money limits before each session, and stop when your limits are reached.
Call 1800 753 753 (Gambling Awareness Trust, free), visit gamblingcare.ie, or attend Gamblers Anonymous. GP referral to HSE addiction services is also available. All free.