Gambling Information

Gambling Addiction

Current estimates suggest that 3% of the adult population will experience a severe gambling problem that will result in significant debt, family disruption, job losses, criminal activity, or suicide. Pathological gambling affects the gamblers, their families, their employers, and the community. As the gamblers go through the phases of their addiction, they spend less time with their family and spend more of their family's money on gambling until their bank accounts are depleted. Then they may steal money from family members.

At work, the pathological gambler misuses time to gamble, has difficulty concentrating and finishing projects and may engage in embezzlement, employee theft, or other illegal activities.

How do you know if you or someone you care about has a problem?

 Here are some warning signs to look for:

• Denying there is a problem
• Lying about where the money is going
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay off debts
• Taking time off work to gamble
• Losing touch with friends
• Looking for the "high" that comes from gambling

   For Help with Gambling Addiction, call the PA 24 Hour Hotline at 1-877-565-2112