Online betting and money-based games are available 24 hours a day on phones. For some people, play becomes uncontrollable.
Gambling disorder is recognised in ICD-11 and responds to treatment.
Key concepts
- 'Chasing losses' is a core warning sign
- Debt and secrecy damage families
- Depression and suicide risk rise with gambling debts
Symptoms and signs
- Betting more money to win back losses
- Borrowing, selling items or taking loans to bet
- Lying about time or money spent
Causes
- Reward system activation by wins and near-misses
- Easy access and aggressive advertising
- Financial stress and hope of quick money
Risk factors
- Young men, cricket and sports betting
- ADHD, impulsivity, alcohol use
- Depression or loneliness
Evidence-based management
- Self-exclusion and blocking apps; hand over financial control temporarily
- CBT for gambling urges and thinking errors
- Treat depression, anxiety or ADHD
- Debt counselling and family sessions
When to seek professional help
- Hiding debts or borrowing to gamble
- Thoughts of ending life because of debts — urgent
- Families can book a consultation even if the person is not ready yet
Frequently asked questions
Are fantasy sports apps gambling?
Whatever the legal label, if play involves money and becomes uncontrollable, it can cause the same harms as gambling.
Should the family pay off the debts?
Bailing out without a treatment plan often leads to more gambling; get professional advice first.
Medical references
Guidelines and official sources used for this article.
- ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics. World Health Organization.
- Mental disorders — fact sheet. World Health Organization.
- Author
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
- Medical reviewer
- Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MD Psychiatry
- Last reviewed
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
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