What are the "red flags" that indicate recreational gambling might be becoming problematic?

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

For me, it’s when you stop caring about the fun and only think about the money. I noticed I’d skip hanging out with my friends because I wanted “one more game.” That’s not healthy. Another red flag is when wins don’t even feel good anymore. Those are my red flags. What about you?

 

[Flow-er]

When you start to borrow money to stake, or playing non-stop without rest, that's a big red flag. I had one friend like that, always saying “just one more game,” till he lost everything. Once you notice that gambling is affecting your sleep, work, or relationships, you need to pause immediately.

 

[1stop]

If you are spending more than he can afford, skipping work or family time, it could be a red flag. I remember a few guys that lose focus on their gambling, and it start to affect their everyday life. Also, if you are chasing losses every time, it's not a good sign at all.

 

[Kins G]

As someone that prides on my sport betting activities being recreational, I know I am on that healthy path when I can share my sport betting tickets, wins and losses with family members and friends. The moment I feel embarrassed showing it to them, it is a clear indication that I am stepping out of boundaries with my gambling activities. And I know it.

 

[Shortie]

I would say that the two biggest red flags that gambling is becoming a problem would be that the game you are playing when gambling no longer is fun to you anymore and you are only bothered about winning and will keep playing until you win, and also when you start to borrow money to keep gambling.

 

[Naza]

For me, the biggest red flags are when it stops being fun and starts feeling like a chore. Another one is when it starts affecting other parts of life, like skipping plans with friends or letting it stress you out. If the wins don’t even feel satisfying anymore, that’s a clear sign something’s off.

 

[KatsyCoL]

I know someone who is into gambling, and I'm not sure how far along she is with addiction, but when there are football games on, she's glued to her phone and the betting sites she uses. It's kind of annoying, but also worrying. So I think that being glued to the phone on those sites can be a huge red flag.