Regularly taking some time to reflect on your gambling behaviour can be an effective way of making sure you maintain control. Honest contemplation on the money and time you spend can be a real eye-opener. It can help you avoid gambling-related harms such as financial difficulties or neglect of other aspects of life. 

Self-Reflection Exercise

Various self-assessment tools exist, but the following self-reflection process can also be insightful to reflect on your gambling behaviour. It will help to understand the feelings that you experience in relation to gambling.

So just relax and ask yourself the following questions. Answer as honestly as possible to get authentic results. Try to be aware of your emotions and thoughts while you perform this brief exercise.  

• What is your motivation to gamble?

• How do you feel when you gamble?

• How does it feel after you gamble?

• Do you lose track of time or money spent while gambling?

• Do you know how much time and money you spend gambling on a daily, weekly or monthly basis?

• If you do, how do these numbers make you feel?

• How often do you think about gambling when you’re not gambling?

• Does gambling interfere with other aspects of your life? 

• How would you feel about sharing how much you gamble with someone close to you?

• Has gambling ever left you short of money? 

If you answered honestly, you’ll have real insight into whether or not you have a gambling problem.

If you felt uncomfortable during the exercise, tried to explain away your actions, or even lied to yourself, you may have an issue. Take these things as a sign that you could benefit from reducing your gambling or seeking professional help. 

Further Help

You can supplement this reflection exercise with the Gamalyze self-assessment. You can try the test here. It will give you further insight into your personal gambling habits and the risks this can expose you to.

Hopefully, the combination of these exercises can leave you with a clearer view of how you feel about your gambling behaviour.

Please reach out to Gamble Aware if you feel like you might benefit from discussing your gambling with a professional or need advice on how to reduce your gambling.