No, it isn’t. Guilt can be a sign you’re spending too much time or money on gambling.

People with gambling addictions often feel like they need to spend more on their gambling to get the same hit of adrenaline they once got with a smaller amount.

Sometimes the urge to spend more is especially strong after a loss. They think if they spend more, they could make up for their losses. This is not a logical way of thinking.

If you often feel this way, it could be a sign of a gambling problem. It can also quickly lead to financial problems.

If you’re frequently blowing your gambling budget or increasing it beyond your means, this is certainly a sign you should stop.

If you have a gambling problem, it can lead to negative effects on your personal relationships and on your job.

If you find yourself gambling more and seeing your personal life and career starting to suffer, this is a clear sign you should stop.

When people are addicted to something, it can sometimes surpass all other things in their lives. But you need to stop and consider. You don’t want to throw away a career or studies you’ve spent years building up. And even more importantly, you need to keep friends, family and partners close to you and not push them away as a result of a gambling problem. Nothing is more important than your relationships.

Yes, it can. While for many people, gambling can be a casual pastime, for some it can be all consuming.

Those with gambling problems often report feelings of stress, anxiety and restlessness that can affect their wider lives.

For those with a gambling problem, it can be difficult to stop gambling. But it is possible to do it, especially with the correct supports.

A good first step is to stop online gambling by taking a long term break. This is called self-exclusion. There is also the option to take short term breaks (time outs) but they are not long enough if you have a gambling problem.

You also need support from professional organisations. You can find more information about ones in your area below.