Problem Gambling Awareness Month: The signs of gambling addiction and how to help

March marks Problem Gambling Awareness Month, serving as an important reminder that what feels like a casual pastime can sometimes turn into a gambling addiction impacting finances, relationships and wellbeing.

Gambling addiction can affect anybody who gambles, and it doesn’t always appear the way people expect. Gambling can take many forms from casinos to online betting, lottery and scratch cards, betting shops and slot machines. Many of these options are readily available, accessible at the touch of a smartphone and heavily advertised making it easy for habits to morph over time from occasional entertainment to addictive behaviour.

What are the signs of a gambling addiction?

Gambling addiction doesn’t necessarily mean betting large sums of money or even gambling every day – problem gambling means that the behaviour is damaging to a person or their family, often disrupting their daily life and career. Habits often develop quietly but friends, family members and colleagues may notice small changes before the person themselves recognises a problem. Signs of a gambling addiction include:

• Constantly thinking about gambling

• Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling

• Chasing losses by continuing to gamble

• Gambling more frequently or gambling larger amounts of money

• Making repeated unsuccessful efforts to cut back or stop gambling

• Using gambling as a means of escapism

• Lying, becoming secretive and hiding the extent of gambling activities

• Neglecting responsibilities such as work, school or family obligations

• Mood swings – elation from a win and low mood after a loss

• Borrowing money to relieve financial pressures caused by gambling

What is the impact of gambling harm?

The impact of problem gambling can be huge – affecting relationships, families, employment, finances and communities. A person struggling with a gambling addiction may face relationship breakdowns, financial stress or debt, the risk of job loss and mental health challenges.

Why community support matters

The theme of Problem Gambling Awareness Month 2026 is “Caring Communities, Stronger Futures”. The importance and power of community is close to our hearts here at CADAS and we know the positive impact a strong community can have on people facing addiction. Gambling addiction is still unfortunately stigmatised, and it can feel very isolating and lonely for those struggling. When community comes together it opens the conversation, helps break down stigma and makes it easier for people to get support. A strong community helps by:

• Encouraging open conversations

• Sharing reliable information

• Promoting healthy lifestyle choices (activities, sports, groups, volunteering etc.)

• Signposting support to those who need it

• Fostering a culture where people feel supported and listened to

At CADAS, we understand how prevalent problem gambling is and we know just how hard it is to avoid the constant bombardment of enticing gambling adverts which makes addressing addictive habits even more difficult. Events such as the recent Cheltenham Festival are big business and last year it was estimated that £108 million was lost by people gambling over the races’ 4-day period.

A gambling addiction is surprisingly easy to slip into. By building a compassionate community, opening the conversation and knowing when to turn to CADAS we can all help people to open up before they reach a point of crisis.

If you feel your gambling is becoming a problem or you are concerned about someone you know, know that you are not alone. CADAS provide support to anyone facing addiction through 1-1 coaching and group sessions.

For support please call our helpline on 0800 254 56 58 or email contact@cadas.co.uk