among the homeless population. A Clark County, Nevada, homeless and census survey conducted annually reports that anywhere from 3 to 6 percent have said that gambling was a primary reason for their homelessness, and as many as 21 percent reported they were experiencing a gambling problem. Being homeless only continues the “tragic hero” story and affirms a problem gambler’s losing role. Gambling makes it just that much harder for a homeless person to retain hope and understand the path toward a more economically safe and stable life. Underfunded and Underreported W hether problem gambling is on the rise among the homeless population or fits more into the cause of home- lessness, and whether it is simply more of a symp- tom to other social or mental health concerns, is difficult to assess, primarily because the problem is underreported, and local and federal funding for research is scarce. According to the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, in 2016 only 17 states funded one or more full-time state employee positions dedicated to administering problem gambling programs, Ī 29 WWW.AGRM.ORG MAY/JUNE 2018 Most authorities agree that problem gamblers will progress with compulsive behavior—no matter their economic status—unless they themselves take initiative with self-awareness, a desire for recovery, and a lifelong commitment to managing their compulsion. Answering “yes” to seven or more of these questions, according to Gamblers Anonymous, is indicative of problem gambling. Ī Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling? Ī Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy? Ī Did gambling affect your reputation? Ī Have you ever felt remorse after gambling? Ī Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties? Ī Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency? Ī After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses? Ī After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more? Ī Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone? Ī Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling? Ī Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling? Ī Were you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures? Ī Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family? Ī Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned? Ī Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble? Ī Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling? Ī Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping? Ī Do arguments, disappointments, or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble? Ī Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling? Ī Have you ever considered self-destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling? Source: www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/content/ 20-questions For immediate help and treatment, the National Council on Problem Gambling offers a 24-hour hotline: (800) 522-4700, and online chat with help specialists at www.ncpgambling.org. Problem Gambling Warning Signs An easy self-check to see if gambling should be a concern