Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is problem gambling?
A: Problem gambling may be defined as any pattern of gambling behavior which compromises, disrupts or damages family, personal or vocational pursuits. Problem gambling may include but is not limited to the conditions known as "pathological" or "compulsive" gambling. This is characterized as a progressive addiction manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences. (Adapted from: National Council on Problem Gambling)
Q: Why can youth gambling be a problem?
A: Studies show that youths who gamble are more likely to have other problems than their peers who don't gamble.
- Three times more likely to drink alcohol
- Four times more likely to smoke
- Twice as likely to use marijuana
- Twice as likely to use other illegal drugs
- Four times as likely to get in trouble with the police
- Three times as likely to be involved in a gang fight
Q: How do I know if someone has a gambling problem?
A: Gambler’s Anonymous has a list of 20 questions that they ask. If the answer is "yes" to at least seven of these questions, Gambler’s Anonymous would consider the person answering a compulsive gambler.
- Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
- Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
- Did gambling affect your reputation?
- Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
- Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
- Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
- After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
- After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
- Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
- Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
- Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
- Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
- Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
- Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
- Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
- Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
- Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
- Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
- Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
- Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?
Q: As a parent, are there warning signs of possible underage gambling problems that I can recognize?
A: Yes, the following warning signs are things to look for if you think your child may be an underage gambler.
- Carries or possess gambling materials - dice, playing cards, casino chips, lottery tickets, sports betting sheets, etc
- Experiences mood swings that seem to be related to gambling wins and losses
- Pays more attention than normal to sports scores; may become agitated over certain game results
- Neglects relationships, responsibilities and favorite activities
- Displays large amounts of cash and other material possessions
- Says gambling is an easy way to make money
- Takes desperate measures to get money; may resort to stealing
- Uses money meant for necessary items (lunch, books, bus fare, etc.) for gambling
Q: What do I do if I think I have a gambling problem?
A: Please call 1-800-547-6133 from anywhere in Washington State to speak to a specially trained expert to help you with problem gambling. They will be able to determine what information will be most helpful for you, send you literature and recommend other groups and resources to help. Your call and any information you wish to share will be completely confidential.
Q: Who is eligible to receive treatment?
A: Every person who lives in the state of Washington is eligible for treatment related to problem gambling. Both the gambler and family members can access treatment by call the 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-547-6133.
Q: Can a person be a problem gambler if they don’t gamble every day?
A: The frequency of a person’s gambling does not determine whether or not they have a gambling problem. Even though a person may gamble periodically, the emotional and financial consequences will still be evident in the gambler’s life, including the effects on family.
Q: What kinds of people become problem gamblers?
A: Anyone who gambles can develop problems if they are not aware of the risks and do not gamble responsibly. Research from the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, Inc. shows that the younger the gambler, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem in the future.
Q: How much money do you have to lose before gambling becomes a problem?
A: The amount of money lost or won does not determine when gambling becomes a problem. Gambling becomes a problem when it causes a negative impact on any area of the individual's life.
Q: What types of gambling cause the most problem gambling?
A: The cause of a gambling problem is the individual’s inability to control the gambling. Therefore, any type of gambling can become problematic, just as an alcoholic can get drunk on any type of alcohol.
Q: Isn't problem gambling just a financial problem?
A: No. Problem gambling is an emotional problem that has financial consequences. If you pay all of a problem gambler's debts, the person will still be a problem gambler. The real problem is that they have an uncontrollable obsession with gambling.
Q: Why do most young people gamble – is it for the money?
A: No. Most adolescents with gambling problems report that the main reasons they gamble is for the "action," and the "excitement" derived from these activities. Money is often considered simply a means to continue gambling.
