Do you believe that you, or someone close to you, might have a gambling problem? If so, help is available! Please click the following link to the California Office of Problem Gambling or call 1-800-GAMBLER. Most people who gamble do so socially and for fun and usually don’t risk more than they can afford. These gamblers may “chase” their losses to get even, but not for long. Normal gamblers do not get obsessed about gambling. Medical professionals refer to problem gamblers as “pathological” gamblers, while Gamblers Anonymous calls them “compulsive” gamblers. These gamblers may start out having fun but then they begin to lose control of their urge to gamble, and gambling begins to damage their lives. A compulsive gambler may be consumed for a short or for a long time with gambling, finding money to gamble with, irrational thinking, and continuing the gambling behavior in spite of negative consequences. For more information on problem gambling, please click on the following links: California Office of Problem Gambling or California Council on Problem Gambling or call 1-800-GAMBLER.