Gambling and Mental Health

If you’re struggling right now: call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or 1-800-GAMBLER for gambling support. Both are free, confidential and available 24/7.

For many people, gambling is a source of fun and excitement. But gambling and mental health are closely connected, and the relationship works in both directions. Gambling problems can cause stress, anxiety and depression, and people who are already struggling with their mental health may be more vulnerable to gambling problems.

Understanding this connection can help you notice when gambling is affecting your wellbeing, and when to reach out for support.

How Gambling Affects the Brain

Gambling activates the brain’s reward system, the same system involved in other pleasurable experiences. The uncertainty of not knowing whether you’ll win is a big part of what makes gambling exciting.

For most people, this stays manageable. For some, repeated gambling can make it harder to feel the same excitement from everyday activities, and increase the urge to gamble more often or with bigger amounts.

Gambling and Stress

Money worries, hidden losses and the constant ups and downs of results can create ongoing stress. Even small, regular losses can build into a background sense of pressure, especially if gambling is being kept secret.

Gambling and Anxiety

Many people with gambling problems describe feeling anxious when they aren’t gambling, worrying about money, or feeling on edge while waiting for results. Anxiety can also become a reason to gamble, as a way to distract from worry.

Gambling and Depression

Losses, debt, broken promises to stop and feelings of shame can contribute to low mood and depression. Some people also turn to gambling to escape feelings of sadness or emptiness, which can make depression worse over time.

The Cycle of Gambling and Mental Health

Gambling and mental health problems can feed each other:

1. Someone feels stressed, anxious or low.
2. Gambling offers a temporary escape or a sense of excitement.
3. Losses or secrecy create more stress, guilt or worry.
4. Those feelings increase the urge to gamble again.

Breaking this cycle often means addressing both the gambling and the underlying feelings, which is where professional support can help.

Gambling, Alcohol and Other Substances

Gambling problems often occur alongside alcohol or substance use. Drinking while gambling can reduce self-control and lead to bigger, riskier bets. If you use alcohol or other substances to cope, it’s worth considering how they interact with your gambling.

The Serious Risk of Suicide

Research has found that people with gambling disorder face a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior than the general population, especially when gambling has led to debt, shame or isolation. If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out now. Call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.

Signs Gambling Is Affecting Your Mental Health

• Feeling anxious, irritable or low after gambling
• Losing sleep over money or results
• Gambling to escape stress, boredom or sadness
• Feeling guilt or shame about gambling
• Withdrawing from friends, family or hobbies
• Feeling that your mood depends on whether you win or lose

Looking After Your Mental Health

Notice Why You Gamble

Ask yourself whether you’re gambling for fun, or to change how you feel. Gambling to escape difficult emotions is a warning sign.

Find Other Ways to Cope

Exercise, time outdoors, talking to friends and hobbies can all help manage stress and low mood.

Take a Break

Stepping away from gambling, even for a few weeks, can help you see how it’s really affecting you. Our 30-day gambling reset can help.

Talk to Someone

Talking to someone you trust, a doctor or a counselor can make a real difference. Treatment for gambling problems often addresses mental health at the same time.

Where to Get Help

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
• National Council on Problem Gambling: ncpgambling.org
• Gamblers Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org
• Your doctor or a mental health professional

Frequently Asked Questions

Can gambling cause depression?

Gambling problems are closely linked with depression. Losses, debt and shame can contribute to low mood, and some people gamble to escape depression, which can make it worse.

Is gambling addiction a mental illness?

Yes. Gambling disorder is recognized as a mental health condition in the DSM-5.

Can treating my mental health help my gambling?

Often, yes. Many treatment approaches address gambling and related issues such as anxiety and depression together.