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Problem Gambling Information

When gambling stops being fun, there’s hope, there’s help. Please read further to see some of the symptoms of problem gambling and answer our questions to help determine if gambling has become a problem for you or someone you know.

Do you know someone who displays these problem gambling symptoms?

• Preoccupied with gambling.
• Unable to stop gambling.
• Brags and boasts about gambling & exaggerates wins.
• Minimizes losses.
• Increases the size of bets.
• Has unexplained financial difficulties.
• Is restless or irritable with severe mood swings when not gambling.
• Gambles to "feel better".

Whether it’s a spouse, a friend, a member of your family, or even you, the answers to these questions can help you realize if gambling has become a problem.

• Is gambling making your home life unhappy?
• Are you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
• Do you ever feel remorse after gambling?
• After losing, do you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
• Do you gamble to escape worries and troubles?
• Does gambling keep you from sleeping?
• Do arguments, disappointments or frustration create an urge to gamble?
• Does gambling make you careless about your welfare or that of your family?
• Do you gamble longer than you had planned?
• Do you gamble until your last dollar is gone?
• Do you gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
• Do you borrow to finance your gambling?

If you or someone you know shows these symptoms, there is hope. Problem gambling is a treatable illness. With proper treatment, a problem gambler can begin the recovery process and regain control of his/her life.

Call the Problem Gambling Hotline, sponsored by the Rhode Island Lottery, 1-877-9GAMBLE if you or someone you know may have a gambling problem. Available 24 hours a day to listen, to help, and provide information. Treatment is available for those with or without insurance at locations throughout the State.  Call Problem Gambling Services at 1-401-499-2472 for an appointment.

There are many services available in Rhode Island:

• The Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling (RICPG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advocacy of research, prevention, education, and treatment for problem gamblers, their families, and the community.
• The Problem Gambling Services (PGS) confidentially assists problem gamblers, with or without insurance, in finding a treatment setting comfortable for them at locations throughout the state.
• The Rhode Island Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Staff members are highly trained and multi-lingual. Take the first steps toward recovery or help. Guide someone you know toward a better path and call 1-877-9GAMBLE (1-877-942-6253) for more information.