Addiction and Responsible Gambling

Addiction and Responsible Gambling Gambling addiction is considered by many experts as an impulse-control disorder similar to kleptomania or pyromania, which is where the term “pathological gambling” originated. Unfortunately, it can be a financial disaster for many people, losing everything they’ve earned to the addiction, as well as their loved ones who often are the victims of these gambling debts. Along with other addictive disorders such as alcohol dependency and drug addiction, it can put a person in a state of derangement disallowing them to think rationally about the consequences of gambling. However, credit for its being considered an addiction actually goes to researchers whose objective evidence has proved gambling addiction acts similarly to other drug dependencies. In addition, serious problems can occur due to this type of addiction, and these can be much more severe than associated with legal adult actions. Recent studies suggest the incidence of problem gambling in the U.S. is about 2% of the population, with 5% to 10% being at-risk gamblers. Worldwide, 0.5% to 1.5% of the general populace is thought to be pathological gamblers. Statistics on gambling addiction can vary significantly from state to state and between different countries. The important point is that research, determination, and treatment can help overcome addictive gambling behavior.

Gambling has become a natural part of many adult social activities. Indeed, it has been proven that gambling is ingrained in our nature, as it actually fulfills a basic need of our species. However, gambling has its advantages and disadvantages; in moderation it can provide fun and excitement, but in excess to relieve impulse control, anxiety, or other mental problems, it can lead to financial and personal disaster. For this reason, casinos and online gambling organizations care enough about their customers to enact programs to encourage responsible gambling. The gaming industry recognizes these programs are vital to ensuring that gambling can be a fun entertainment for most people while protecting the interests of a small number of customers who experience gambling problems.

Understanding Gambling Addiction

Gambling can be a fun and dizzying experience, but some players might end up at the wrong end of the spectrum, disrupting both their own lives and the lives of others. More than 200,000 Americans are classified as having a severe gambling problem, while another 400,000 are considered to have a gambling problem. And many more could be at risk.

Estimates suggest that more than 2.5 percent of the U.S. population meets criteria for pathological problem gambling at some point in their lives. Whether you call it ‘problem gambling,’ ‘compulsive gambling,’ or ‘pathological gambling,’ gambling addiction is a disorder that doesn’t just affect the gambler. It can have disastrous effects on family relationships, friendships, community relationships, work, school, and money issues.

Gambling addiction is caused by some factors including an increased production of dopamine in the brain, higher risk of suicide, reliance on addictive substances, close family members with a gambling problem, stress and anxiety, high-pressure jobs, and an exposure to gambling at an early age. But the severity of the disorder depends on different risks.

Some gamblers can suffer for a short time after a big loss and recover just as quickly. Others go through a series of ups and downs before reaching a crisis. The third group would slowly become more restless and miserable and gamble more often and longer until they hit rock bottom. While some compulsive gamblers find themselves stealing from their families or declaring bankruptcy, others remain close to their families or may be viewed as successful breadwinners. Compulsives may work hard all week and play hard all weekend. They may even hold high-paying jobs.

Responsible Gambling Practices

While the legal age to gamble is typically 18 or 21, gambling at younger ages does occur, and many individuals engage in gambling for years without developing problems. However, for others, gambling becomes a major focus, taking precedence over family and friends. Lost money, missed school, and borrowing become common occurrences. These individuals may go to great lengths to hide, deny, or rationalize gambling behavior that has become pathological. When gambling does become problematic, people often feel as though they are completely alone and that no one understands or believes their situation. It is important to know that there are various resources that can provide help. Perhaps the best way to understand gambling problems is to learn the common trends of gambling behavior. This would allow for a broad understanding of gambling and its relative abnormalities, as well as steps that can be taken to avoid problems.

Guidelines for responsible gambling include: stay in control; gamble for the fun/enjoyment; do it for the social experience; do it for the thrill/excitement; play for small amounts; avoid gambling when in an altered mood, for example never gamble when extremely happy or unhappy; take frequent breaks; keep track of your winnings and losses; count gambling losses as a cost of entertainment; gamble only for what you can afford to lose; never borrow money to gamble; never gamble alone; never gamble on credit; never chase your losses; never play while intoxicated or using drugs; avoid gambling use as a coping mechanism; play games that require skill; avoid new electronic games; avoid money where the risk of loss would cause a personal financial crisis; never bet more than you would be willing to invest in something with a negative return; limit your gambling when on vacation or other trips; remember that most people lose; expect to lose; don’t gamble just for something to do; and know the odds of any game you are playing.

Resources for Help

People from a variety of backgrounds, descriptions, and walks of life can suffer from gambling addiction. Fortunately, if done with the correct intent in a healthy and appropriate manner, seeking help is perfectly natural and can lead to recovery and a better quality of life. Not everyone will be able to beat gambling addiction and be happy without gambling but for most, it is a possibility. Among those who will remain gamblers for the rest of their lives, many will find that they can learn to gamble responsibly and within familiar, acceptable boundaries.

The following is a list of resources for people seeking help with gambling problems or trying to help loved ones:

Gam-Anon is a 12-step fellowship for family and friends of compulsive gamblers who meet to share their experiences, feelings, and hopes to help themselves and each other solve their common problems. They are concerned with helping family members and loved ones recover from the effect of compulsive gambling, including financial debt, emotional turmoil, and lack of trust. There is no need for someone to feel alone because Gam-Anon offers caring relief.

GamCare is the leading provider of support, information, and advice for anyone affected by gambling. They offer practical advice and emotional support through the National Gambling Helpline, which is available 24/7, as well as through online live chat, a forum where visitors can connect with other people and accredited counseling services. They also provide information on safer gambling and gambling addiction.

GamblingHelpOnline is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services, reducing gambling harm with counseling and referrals for support. They have 24/7 online chat and phone support, webinars, and an extensive knowledge base.