If you are concerned that gambling may have taken over your (or someone else's) life then the following questions may help you find out:
1. Do you stay away from work, college or school to gamble?
2. Do you gamble to escape from a boring or unhappy life?
3. When gambling and you run out of money, do you feel lost and in despair and need to gamble again as soon as possible?
4. Do you gamble until your last penny is gone, even the fare home or the cost of a cup of tea?
5. Have you ever lied to cover up the amount of money or time you have spent gambling?
6. Have others ever criticised your gambling?
7. Have
you lost interest in your family, friends or hobbies?
8. After losing, do you feel you must try and win back your losses as soon as possible?
9. Do arguments, frustrations or disappointments make you want to gamble?
10. Do you feel depressed
or even suicidal because of your gambling?
The more you answer 'yes' to these questions, the more likely you are to have a serious gambling problem. To speak to someone about this contact the The South African National Responsible Gambling Programme confidential Helpline on 0800 006 008
or visit their website at www.responsiblegambling.co.za for further information.
Take a test and see if you or someone you know may have a gambling problem. Go to http://www.responsiblegambling.co.za