Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline

Do I Need Help?

What is problem gambling?

Gambling is “the act of risking money or something else of value on an activity with an uncertain outcome.” Playing cards or video games for money, buying raffle tickets, betting on who’s going to win the next game of pool, or wagering your favorite CD on the outcome of a sports event – it’s all considered gambling. For most people, gambling is just for fun. It’s a way of making the game more challenging, more exciting. But, for some people, gambling becomes a serious problem.

Problem gambling is any gambling behavior that has a negative effect on your life or the lives of people close to you. For example, if your gambling is causing you to fall behind in school, miss work, have arguments with family or friends, or worry about money you have lost, you may be a “problem gambler.”

Who is at risk for gambling problems?

Anyone who gambles can develop a gambling problem. If you begin at a young age and if gambling is a frequent activity in your home or among friends, you are at greater risk for developing a problem. You may not experience any problems at first, but problems may develop later on. Often, people with gambling problems have troubles in other areas of their lives that they need to sort out, such as feeling lonely or arguing a lot with spouses or parents.

Helping Friends & Family

If someone close to you is gambling too much or too often, you may be affected mentally, emotionally, and financially. If this sounds like what you’re experiencing, but you aren’t sure if it’s due to a gambling problem, look for one or more of the following warning signs. Is someone you care about...

• Borrowing money for gambling?
• Lying to hide the gambling?
• Accumulating unpaid bills?
• Absent for unexplained reasons?
• Losing work time because of gambling?
• Preoccupied with gambling and unable to stop?
• Bragging about gambling, exaggerating wins and minimizing losses?
• Restless and irritable when not gambling?

If you think someone you know has a gambling problem, it can be scary considering how to talk to him or her about it. Knowing how to start can help you find the courage to have the conversation.

• First, choose a comfortable place where you feel safe and will not be interrupted.
• Then, keep it simple and straightforward.
• Tell the person you care about her and you are concerned about how she is acting.
• Tell the person exactly what he’s done that concerns you.
• Tell the person how her behavior is affecting other people – be specific.
• Be clear about what you expect from him, “I want to talk to someone about your gambling”) and what he can expect from you, “I won’t cover for you anymore”).

If someone’s gambling problem has left its mark on you, it is important for you to take care of yourself. Even if the person who has the problem is not yet ready or willing to get help, it may still be beneficial for you to talk to someone. You can call the Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline and speak to a certified gambling counselor. All information shared is confidential and this service is FREE to Oregon residents. Call 1-877-MY-LIMIT or click the buttons below to contact us online through Live Chat, IM or Email.

Where can you get help?

If you are worried that you or someone you know may be having problems related to gambling, the Oregon Gambling Helpline provides trained gambling addiction counselors who will be able to answer your questions and help you decide if you need further counseling. All services are FREE.