Is my gambling a problem?
Gambling becomes a problem when it starts costing more than you can afford, in money, time, relationships or peace of mind. Most people sense it before they say it out loud.
You don't have to have lost everything for it to be worth getting help. The earlier you talk to someone, the more options you have.
Signs gambling is becoming a problem
- Chasing losses: betting again to win back what you've lost
- Spending more, or betting more often, to get the same buzz
- Hiding how much you gamble, or lying about it
- Borrowing money, using credit, or selling things to gamble or cover losses
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut back
- Gambling to escape stress, boredom or low mood
- Arguments at home about money or time spent gambling
If several of these feel familiar, it's worth talking to someone. You don't need to call it an addiction to get support.
The chasing loop
After a loss, the urge to win it back can be strong. A bigger bet feels like the way out. It often leads to a bigger loss, and then to hiding it, which adds stress and guilt. That stress feeds the next urge. The loop can run for a long time before anyone else knows.
What helps
- Tell one person you trust. Secrecy keeps the loop going
- Put barriers in the way: blocking software, bank gambling blocks and self-exclusion. See my page on gambling blocking tools
- Get help with debt early. Free debt advice is available, and it's confidential
- Notice what sets off the urge: payday, stress, boredom, a match on television
How counselling helps
From 2014 to 2020 I spent six years as an associate counsellor with Krysallis, a GamCare partner agency, delivering GamCare-funded gambling counselling. In sessions, we look at what gambling does for you, what sets off the urges, and what you want to change. There's no judgement, and you set the goals.
If gambling is affecting someone you love, support is there for you too. Read about support for families affected by gambling.
Talk it through
I offer gambling counselling in Barnsley and online. Individual sessions are £70 for 50 minutes, in private counselling rooms in a discreet town-centre location in Barnsley with free parking, or by video or telephone.
You can start with a free 10-minute phone intro, bookable at 12:00 or 12:30, Monday to Friday, or book a first session.
Free support
Free, confidential help is available any time:
NHS Northern Gambling Service
For free NHS gambling treatment, including for family members.
0300 300 1490Gamblers Anonymous
For peer support through a 12-step approach.
More guides
Why anxiety keeps coming back
The anxiety cycle, and how avoiding things keeps it going.
Learn more →What happens in a panic attack
Why it feels so frightening, and what helps in the moment.
Learn more →Low mood and doing less
How low mood and withdrawing feed each other.
Learn more →Signs of burnout
How burnout builds, and how to change course.
Learn more →How grief works
Why grief doesn't come in neat stages.
Learn more →Anger
How anger builds, what sits underneath, and what helps.
Learn more →What happens in counselling?
The free call, the first session, and what to expect after.
Learn more →Reviewed by Tracy Simpson, MBACP, October 2026.