Michigan Council on Problem Gambling is a non-profit corporation and is the pending Michigan affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (Hot Line, 1-800-522-4700). Other affiliates of the National Council include the following states, regions and countries: Arizona, California, Canada, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota. 

Signs of Gambling Problems: 

• Increasing the frequency and amount of money gambled.
• Spending an excessive amount of time gambling at the expense of job or family time.
• Being pre-occupied with gambling or with obtaining money with which to gamble.
• Gambling creates a special and intense pleasure, an aroused sense of being in "action."
• Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences such as large losses, or work or family problems caused by gambling.
• "Chasing" or the  urgent need to keep gambling--often with large bets--or the taking of greater risks in order to make up for loss or serious losses.
• Borrowing money to gamble, taking out secret loans, or maximizing credit cards.
• Bragging about wins but not talking about losses.
• Frequent mood swings, higher when winning, lower when losing.
• Gambling for longer periods of time or more money than originally planned.
• Secretive behavior such as hiding betting slips or receipts, having mail, bills, etc. sent to work, a P.O. box or other address.

The Progression...
Problem Gambling has three phases:

1. The Winning Phase (Search for Action). Wins enhance self-esteem and ego. Losses are rationalized as bad luck, or poor advice. The gambler will frequently describe "The Big Win."
2. The Losing Phase (The Chase). As losses increase and self-esteem is jeopardized, the gambler will borrow money to "get even," hiding losses and borrowing even more. Lies, loan fraud, absenteeism, family disputes and job changes are common danger signals.
3. The Desperation Phase. The gambler becomes obsessed with covering stolen money, withdrawals from family bank accounts, and secret loans. He or she panics at the thought that the gambling action will end if the credit or bailouts stop. The gambler will often turn to illegal activities to support the addiction. He or she can experience severe mood swings. Suicide may be contemplated as a way out.