Problem Gambling
Get help
There is hope for people who have a problem with gambling. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 800-333-HOPE for free, confidential information and referral to services in your area.
To participate in a motivational text messaging program, text EncourageMeMN (English) or AnimameMN (Spanish) to 53342. This program is offered for both gamblers and affected individuals to provide both information about gambling and problem gambling, encouragement to change, and tips and suggestions on how to make the changes you want to make.
Contact us
The Behavioral Health Administration of the Minnesota Department of Human Services oversees problem gambling prevention and treatment.
More information
Call: 651-431-2460
YourOpinionMatters.DHS@state.mn.us
Behavioral Health Administration
PO Box 64977
St. Paul, MN 55164-0977
Your opinion matters!
We want your feedback about what works and what doesn’t with Minnesota’s Substance Use Disorder treatment system.
Common problem gambling phases
Problem gamblers typically go through four phases as their problem develops. Of course, every situation is different, but you may want to watch for the following signs.Winning
- Marked by occasional gambling and frequent winning.
- Gambling is a fun, social, exciting activity.
- Gambling makes the gambler feel like a big shot.
- Gambler fantasizes about how to spend the money.
- Amount gambled and frequency of gambling begins to increase.
- At some point, the gambler experiences the "big win." This is the most common hook for a compulsive gambler.
Losing
- Marked by lying, borrowing, missed work and missed bill payments.
- Gambler chases losses.
- Amount gambled and frequency of gambling increases more rapidly.
- Gambling alone.
- Gambler stashes money and grows more protective of it.
- Gambler is preoccupied.
- Personality changes (more irritable, anxious and withdrawn).
- Home life becomes unhappy.
- Bailouts from loved ones begin.
Hopelessness
- Gambler experiences suicidal thoughts and attempts.
- Gambler may be arrested for illegal acts.
- Substance abuse and depression are common.
- Gambler may experience withdrawal including headaches, shaking, aching, nausea, diarrhea and constipation. These symptoms may last for a week.
- Marital problems may result in divorce.
Desperation
- May be marked by an increase or decrease in amounts and frequency of gambling (depending on funds available).
- Gambler experiences remorse, panic and alienation from family and friends.
- Gambler is unable to pay debts.
- Gambler blames others including friends, family members, the government, the casino, etc.
- Gambler commits illegal acts such as writing bad checks, embezzlement, fraud and forgery.