If gambling is a problem, there is hope, help and support.

Gambling problems can affect people from all walks of life. Most people see gambling as a way to have fun, enjoy life and relax. But if gambling starts to strain other areas of your life, like home, work, finances and relationships, it may be time to seek help.

Gambling is a problem when it becomes an unhealthy pattern that’s hard to control, similar to other addictions like drinking, smoking, drug use and other compulsive behaviors. If you have found yourself saying something like, “I’ll stop after winning the next big jackpot,” but you can’t, you may have a problem. Another sign of a gambling problem is when you feel like you need to hide your gambling habits from your friends and family.

Like any other addiction, the road to recovery from a gambling problem begins with reaching out for help.