Problem gambling affects people across all income brackets and lifestyles. It does not always look like the dramatic scenes you see in movies. More often, it starts quietly — a few extra sessions here, a slightly bigger deposit there, a growing feeling of anxiety when not playing. The Hiyas Plus team has put together the warning signs that most commonly appear before a player recognises they need support.
If any of these sound familiar — whether for yourself or someone you know — please take the self-assessment below or reach out to our responsible gaming team directly. Catching it early makes a real difference.
Chasing losses: placing bigger bets or playing for longer specifically to try to recover money you have already lost — not because you are having fun, but because you feel you have to.
Playing with essential money: using funds meant for rent, groceries, utilities, or family expenses to fund gaming sessions at Hiyas Plus or elsewhere.
Hiding your gaming activity: feeling the need to lie to family members or close friends about how much time or money you are spending on gaming.
Gaming to escape problems: turning to gaming as a way to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, boredom, or relationship difficulties rather than as a form of recreation.
Unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut down: deciding multiple times to play less or stop completely, but finding yourself back at it shortly after — often with bigger stakes.
Neglecting responsibilities: missing work commitments, family events, or important obligations because of gaming, or spending time at work thinking primarily about your next session.
Borrowing or selling to fund play: asking to borrow money, selling personal items, or accessing savings that were meant for something else in order to continue gaming.
