It could also be more serious than that. It could mean you're spending a lot more time and money than you can really afford on gambling, and it's having a noticeable negative effect in other areas of your life-causing excessive debt, marriage problems, even illegal activity. Spends large amounts of time gambling. This allows little time for family, friends or hobbies. Begins to place larger, more frequent bets.
Larger bets are necessary to get the same level of excitement.
Has growing debts. The person with a gambling problem is secretive or defensive about money, and may borrow money from family members or friends. The problem gambler believes the big win, rather than changing the gambling behaviour, will solve financial or other problems. Promises to cut back on gambling. The problem gambler is unable to reduce or stop gambling.