Gambling Addiction

While most people gamble to relax and have fun, for some, gambling can develop into a real problem. When that happens, gambling may not only be hurting them but also their family, friends or anyone else who tries to care for them.

An addiction to gambling may have become a problem if you find you are:-

• Spending more money and time on gambling than intended.
• Hiding your gambling habit from other people.
• Borrowing money to pay for general living expenses – e.g. phone or gas bills, basic groceries and petrol etc.
• Losing interest in any other activity than gambling
• Finding your work or home life is being affected.
• Starting to lie about your gambling.
• Not going to work or are not at home as often.

If you are concerned with any of the above or feel gambling is taking over your life the Isle of Man can offer the following free services:-

For Isle of Man based individuals who feel they have, or are developing, a gambling problem and wish to consult with a counselling service please telephone 642540.

For Isle of Man based individuals who may be in Crisis, i.e. with thoughts of self harm should contact the 24 hr Crisis Response Team on 642860.

For Isle of Man based individuals who have a debt problem arising from gambling can contact a debt councellor confidentially on 686510.

For those who wish to contact an off - Island confidential advice and assistance service please call the Gamcare helpline on 0845 6000 133, or vist their website at http://www.gamcare.org.uk/ .