Gambling addiction is a serious habit and can ruin many lives. This can not only apply the the actual person gambling, but also those close to them such as family and friends. It should be a fun and enjoyable activity so if you feel it is becoming a too serious part of life, please do seek help before gambling starts to ruin the lives of others as well.
The negative effects of gambling can escalate in several forms: 
- Leads to economic difficulty and debt
- Has serious negative and harmful consequences for the individual concerned, for his/her family, and for others
- Takes over the life of the gambler to the exclusion of everyone else
- Becomes a cause of relationship stress and strain that can have detrimental effects on adults and children
- Be the cause of serious criminality, the victims of which are often employers
- Creates such feelings of despair so as to lead to suicide attempts
