Gambling Addiction – Always a Risk
Due to the gambling addiction, widespread among gamblers, and the easy availability of online casinos, the risk of pathological gambling is increased. In many cases, gambling addiction develops insidiously, and the first signs go unnoticed. As a result of the gambling addiction, the affected gamblers often get into financial difficulties and fall into debt to continue financing the addiction. Like all addictions, gambling addiction can be treated with professional support and psychotherapy.
Explanation – Pathological Gambling
The term pathological gambling refers to a psychological disorder manifested by a lack of ability to resist gambling. It is, therefore, also classified under impulse control disorders and dependency-related illnesses.
Causes
Gambling addiction can be caused by various factors, and pathological gambling develops insidiously. It is suspected that genetic, as well as biological and psychosocial factors, play a role in the development of gambling addiction.
- Genetic factors: Studies show that children who grow up with a parent who suffers from gambling addiction have a 20 percent risk of developing a gambling addiction. While genes are not the sole cause, they definitely play a part in the development of pathological gambling.
- Biological factors: Similar to eating or drinking, gambling releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, also known as the happiness hormone. With regular gambling, the effect of dopamine gradually decreases. However, to experience the high again, those affected gamble longer or wager higher amounts of money.
- Psychosocial factors: People who suffer from gambling addiction often have low self-esteem due to negative experiences. Since a gambler’s attention is focused on the game, gambling represents an escape from reality. The winnings make it seem like they are in control of the gambling and they continue to gamble despite losses.
In addition to these factors, the addictive nature of gambling itself plays a critical role. Online casinos, in particular, offer games 24/7 without restrictions. The use of credit cards or e-wallets can make it difficult to track spending, increasing the risk of wagering more than intended.
Effects (Criminality, Financial Problems, Private Problems)
Gambling addiction affects all areas of a gambler's life. Since large sums of money are often used for gambling, financial problems with far-reaching consequences occur. For example, those affected can no longer meet financial obligations such as rental payments or other regular costs. To still be able to play, they often borrow money from friends or family members or take out a loan. However, since it isn’t possible to repay the amounts, the financial pressure increases, which leads, in the worst case, to a risk of slipping into criminality. Since the addiction and the urge to gamble are so strong, people often resort to fraud, theft or embezzlement to obtain money.
Apart from the financial difficulties, pathological gambling also takes a toll on the mental health of those affected. Gamblers are permanently in an inner conflict caused by their emotional roller coaster ride. On the one hand, they experience guilt, sometimes even anger, but on the other hand, they can’t stop gambling since the urge for the feeling of happiness is too strong. Even when those affected know their gambling behavior is out of control, they can’t stop. To relieve the pressure, they often turn to alcohol, drugs, or medication, which increases the risk of developing other addictions.
How Widespread Is Gambling Addiction?
Studies have estimated that a small percentage of the adult population struggles with gambling addiction or is at risk of developing problem gambling behaviors. Research conducted in different regions has found that problem gambling prevalence rates can vary, with some areas reporting rates between 0.4% and 0.8% for problem gamblers and higher percentages for moderate-risk gamblers.
Gambling Addiction Phases (Winning Phase, Losing Phase and Desperation Phase)
In most cases, gambling addiction develops over a long period of time, and the first signs are not interpreted correctly. The development of gambling addiction usually occurs in three phases:
- Winning phase: In the winning phase – i.e., the introductory phase – gambling still takes place in a controlled manner, and the bets are low. However, success through winnings strengthens self-esteem and increases the hope of making a big win at some point. Gamblers often start developing a winning strategy to get closer to their goal. At the same time, the frequency of gambling also increases, causing players to invest more time and money.
- Losing phase: As gambling increases in intensity, a habituation phase occurs. This is automatically associated with higher losses. In the losing phase, the monthly income is no longer enough to cover the gambling expenses. In order to compensate for the financial losses, money is borrowed from friends or family members, or loans are taken out. In addition, those affected lose touch with money and only see it as a means to an end. With increasing financial pressure, gamblers try to influence gambling with strategies to finally achieve the long-awaited big win. In this phase, most gamblers still can’t admit their addiction and manage to hide their problem from relatives.
- Desperation phase: In the third phase, gamblers entirely lose control over gambling, which becomes the center of their lives. Even winnings don’t bring excitement anymore and gambling increasingly fails to satisfy. Nevertheless, gamblers don’t succeed in giving up gambling. It is more and more difficult to obtain money and the pressure from creditors increases. The despair is often so deep in this phase that even criminality is no longer avoided. In addition, changes in the gamblers’ personalities occur. They are becoming more aggressive, listless and withdrawn.
Gambling Addiction in Figures – How Many Addicts Are There?
According to various studies, hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide struggle with problem gambling. Additionally, millions of people engage in risky gambling behaviors that could escalate into addiction. Studies suggest that men are more likely to develop gambling problems than women.
How To Recognize Gambling Addiction (Key Signs)
Unlike substance addictions, gambling addiction is often hidden, making it harder for friends and family to detect. Some key warning signs include:
- Increased secrecy about gambling activities
- Borrowing money frequently or financial difficulties
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression related to gambling
- Neglecting personal responsibilities due to gambling
- Trying to quit but failing repeatedly
How Do Casinos Deal With Gambling Addiction?
Trustworthy casinos are aware of their responsibility as gambling providers and take action against gambling addiction. For this purpose, they offer various restriction options and help players recognize problem gambling behavior.
- Self-exclusion: Many online casinos allow players to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling for a set period. This can be done through the player’s account or upon request to the casino.
- Automatic detection of problematic behavior: Some casinos use software to monitor gambling patterns and detect risky behavior. This allows for early intervention and prevention measures.
- Deposit and loss limits: To help control spending, players can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on deposits or losses. Once the limit is reached, no further deposits can be made.
Can Gambling Addiction Be Prevented?
While gambling addiction cannot always be entirely prevented, certain precautions can help reduce the risk:
- Keep track of gambling expenses and stick to a budget
- Play only familiar games to avoid impulsive betting
- Set personal limits for deposits and losses
- Take regular breaks to maintain perspective
Online Gambling Sources
If a person realizes their gambling behavior is out of control, or if family and friends express concern, seeking professional help is advisable. Various organizations provide support and counseling for those struggling with gambling addiction.
- Responsible Gambling Council: Is an independent non-profit organization that provides self-assessment tools, safe gambling guidelines, and access to support services.
- Gamblers Anonymous: A worldwide organization that offers a 12-step recovery program and group meetings for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
- Gambling Therapy: An international online service that provides multilingual support through live chat, forums, and self-help resources for those affected by problem gambling.
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