A gambling disorder, also known as problem, pathological or compulsive gambling, is gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational. It is an addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.

"When gambling is more than a game, no one wins."

 

Are you or a loved one experiencing problems with gambling? If someone answers YES to any of the questions below, that person should seek the advice of an experienced gambling counselor.

  1. During the past 12 months, have you become restless irritable or anxious when trying to stop/cut down on gambling?

  2.  During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you gambled?

  3.  During the past 12 months, did you have such financial trouble as a result of your gambling that you had to get help with living expenses from family, friends or welfare?

Click here to access the E-Screener for additional information. If you or a loved one have questions or need to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline at 1-877-770-STOP (7867). All calls are 100% confidential, and gambling treatment is free to Louisiana residents.

 

The resouces listed below are available for printing:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about problem gambling

Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS)

Problem Gambling: Screening for Gambling Disorder, developed for clinicians. 

Signs & Symptoms

  • Feel the need to be secretive about your gambling
  • Have trouble controlling your gambling
  • Spending more time gambling than intended
  • Increase in size of bets (sudden and dramatic)
  • Working up special occasions for gambling (canceling other plans)
  • Gamble even when you don't have the money
  • Intensity of interest in gambling (constant tension & excitement)
  • Boasting about winning; evasive about losing
  • Family and friends are worried about you
  • Exaggerated display of money and other possessions
  • Drop off in other activities
  • Preoccupied
  • Frequent absences from home and work
  • Withdrawal from family
  • Personality changes (increased irritability/hostility)
  • Diversion of family funds
  • Borrowing money
  • Criminal activity

Resources

There are resources available at no cost for Louisiana residents. The Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Behavioral Health provides a variety of options for the treatment and prevention of gambling disorders. For more information or to set up an appointment to address a gambling problem or concern, contact the office nearest to you or call the Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline.

  • Click here for a list of gambling service providers.
  • The Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline:
    • Phone: 1-877-770-STOP (7867) - The helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is toll-free and confidential.
    • Social media: Text 1-877-770-STOP.
    • Online: Live chat at www.helpforgambling.org

Additional Information and Links