When identifying clients with gambling problems, there are some common signs to look for that may indicate your client has a gambling issue.

Behavioural signs

Your client:

• has stopped doing things he or she previously enjoyed
• complains about changes in their patterns of sleep, eating or sex
• neglects self-care, work, school or family tasks
• uses alcohol or other drugs more often
• neglects personal or parental responsibilities

Emotional signs

Your client:

• feels guilty about mood swings, anger or frustration vented at their family or friends
• complains about unexplained stress, anxiety or sleeplessness
• complains of boredom and restlessness
• seems depressed or suicidal

Financial/legal signs

Your client:

• frequently seeks unexplained emergency financial assistance
• has ongoing financial problems that cannot be logically explained
• seems to have a bare house (very little food, no utilities, little furniture)
• has legal problems related to gambling

Health signs

Your client has complained about stress-related health problems, such as:

• headaches
• stomach and bowel problems
• difficulty sleeping
• overeating, or loss of appetite.

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