Self-control.

If you feel you may have a problem with your gambling, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you stay away from work or college to gamble?
• Do you gamble to escape from a boring or unhappy life?
• If when gambling you run out of money, do you feel lost and in despair, and need to gamble again as soon as possible?
• Do you gamble until your last penny is gone, even the bus fare home or the cost of a cup of tea?
• Have you ever lied to cover up the amount of money or time you have spent gambling?
• Have others ever criticised your gambling?
• Have you lied, stolen or borrowed just to get money to gamble or pay gambling debts?
• Are you reluctant to spend 'gambling money' on anything else?
• Have you lost interest in your family, friends or other pastimes?
• After losing, do you feel you must try and win back your losses as soon as possible?
• Do arguments, frustrations or disappointments make you want to gamble more?
• Do you feel depressed or suicidal because of your gambling?

If after answering these questions honestly you feel you may have a gambling problem, there are organisations you can contact for information and support. Please go to our ‘info and help’ tab for further details.