18+ Responsible gaming Addiction help Gambling Therapy

Addiction help

Gambling addiction: signs and help

Gambling disorder is a recognised health condition: an urge to keep playing despite the harm it causes. It can affect anyone, and help works. This page explains the signs, how to stop and where to find support in Zambia and online.

Free and confidential help Self-exclusion at every casino Recovery is possible
Last updated
Reading time
9 min read
Table of Content 9
  1. In short
  2. What addiction is
  3. Why it happens
  4. Signs to watch for
  5. Steps to stop
  6. Help in Zambia and online
  7. Recovery is possible
  8. Free support
  9. Addiction help: questions

In short

  1. Signs

    Thinking about play all the time, chasing losses, hiding it, borrowing to play.

  2. First step

    Block access: self-exclusion at each casino plus blocking software.

  3. Talk

    Lifeline Zambia on 933 and Gambling Therapy online are free and confidential.

  4. Family

    People close to a player can get support too.

Full text

What addiction is

Play activates the brain's reward system in a similar way to alcohol or drugs. Over time some players need bigger stakes for the same feeling and find it hard to stop, even when they want to. Online casinos make this easier to hide because play is private, always available and paid from a phone.

Why it happens

  • Near misses and wins at random intervals keep players hooked.
  • Play used to escape stress, debt or loneliness.
  • Chasing losses in the belief that a win is due.
  • Easy access on a phone, at any hour.

Signs to watch for

In yourself

  • Thinking about play most of the day.
  • Raising stakes to feel the same excitement.
  • Chasing losses.
  • Using savings, loans or money for bills.
  • Feeling restless or irritable when you try to stop.
  • Neglecting work, family or study.
  • Hiding how much you play.

In someone close

  • Unexplained money problems or borrowing.
  • Mood swings tied to wins and losses.
  • Missing work or family events.
  • Withdrawing from friends.

Steps to stop

  1. Self-exclude at every casino where you have an account.
  2. Install blocking software such as Gamban on your phone and computer.
  3. Hand control of money to someone you trust for a while, and remove saved cards and wallets from casino accounts.
  4. Talk to someone: a friend, a counsellor, Lifeline Zambia on 933 or Gambling Therapy online.
  5. Fill the time with something else: sport, church or community activities, a course.

Help in Zambia and online

ServiceWhat it offersHow to reach it
Lifeline ZambiaFree 24-hour telephone counselling for adultsCall 933
Gambling TherapyFree online support, chat and forums in several languagesgamblingtherapy.org
Gamblers AnonymousPeer support groups and online meetingsgamblersanonymous.org
Chainama Hills College Hospital, LusakaZambia's national psychiatric referral hospital, for addiction and mental health careReferral through a clinic or hospital

Lifeline Zambia is a general counselling line, not a dedicated gambling service, but its counsellors can listen and refer you on.

Recovery is possible

Many people stop or regain control with support. Slips happen; they are a reason to use the tools again, not to give up. More on limits and tools on our responsible gaming page.

Get help now

Free support

Addiction help: questions

What is gambling addiction?

A health condition where a person keeps playing despite harm to their money, relationships or health.

How can I tell if I have a problem?

If you chase losses, hide your play, borrow to play or cannot stop when you want to, talk to someone and take a break.

Can I stop on my own?

Some people do, using self-exclusion, blocking software and support from family. Counselling and support groups make it easier.

Where can players in Zambia get help?

Lifeline Zambia on 933, Gambling Therapy online and Gamblers Anonymous meetings online.

More information