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Problem Gambling – How to Know the Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

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Problem gambling is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences. Some people might feel they need to gamble recreationally because it’s fun.

But the reality of this behavior and its effects on those who do not treat it as such show just how wrong things go when you’re addicted or obsessed with games like blackjack , slot machines, and Baccarat, where your entire world revolves around winning more money than ever before without considering what will happen if these habits continue long term.

The reclassification of “gambling disorder” by the DSM-5 has brought about many similarities to addiction. Problem Gambling addicts with these conditions show characteristics similar to substance abuse issues, including harm due to excess.

The term ‘Gambling Addiction’ is often used among recovery organizations and groups like Gamblers Anonymity Union (GAU), founded on these grounds in 1989.”

The behaviors in problem gambling and most primary substance use disorders (i.e., those not resulting from a desire to “self-medicate” for another condition, such as depression) seek either activation or relief by activating our brain’s reward system. In contrast, those characterizing obsessive-compulsive disorders tend more towards overactive and misplaced signals from fear-related mechanisms within the body.

As with many other illnesses, there seems at first glance little connection between Pathological Gambling/or syndrome and Psychiatric Disorders, but data suggests a closer relationship exists.

Problem gambling is a serious issue that can lead to alcohol abuse. Common behaviors among those with both problems in addiction include impulsivity, irritability, and aggressiveness.

Gambling addicts are more likely to have impulsive traits, which may explain why they often resort immediately to betting sites after boredom sets in at home.

What is Problem Gambling and Gambling Addiction

Gambling is a huge problem in America. The consequences of problem gambling can be devastating, from financial ruin to addiction and mental illness if left unchecked for too long.

A person might start out playing casual games like poker or slots at home now and then. Still, soon enough, their obsession has taken over where.

It becomes all they want to do no work anymore because there’s this feeling that comes with winning big time, which makes you forget everything else around yourself, including your family members who don’t seem so friendly anymore when suddenly one day we’re told our bank accounts have been closed due entirely too much spending.

Gambling may seem fun, but it’s very harmful and can lead to addiction. A compulsive gambler will always gamble even when they are up or down financially.

If you have a family member who struggles with this behavior, there is something that needs attention right away because the consequences could be devastating on both ends of things.

The odds aren’t in your favor, nor does having money afford safety from these kinds of destructive habits – don’t let them get into too deep before realizing how serious problem gambling can become.

It’s hard to tell when someone is suffering from problem gambling. They might be able to take out some money and spend it on slots, but then also not enjoy the experience because of how much stress this brings in their life – which makes me think there could easily become an issue with these types of things if we don’t watch out.

The signs that somebody may have difficulty controlling themselves around gaming devices or tables can vary depending upon whether you’re looking at online casino Blogs, websites where gamblers share stories about what leads people towards becoming addicts, and social media platforms such as Twitter.

Gamblers are often People with other disorders. Many have been diagnosed as having gambling addiction and problems in their psychological health, such as depression or anxiety flair-ups from stressors like work deadlines that can’t wait until they get home at night because it’s too stressful during the day.

You’ll also want to look into any underlying causes if you hope for success – this could mean taking care of physical symptoms before delving deeper into mental matters though specialist help is available here.

We know how difficult life gets when dealing with not just one problem, but several interacting issues all rolled up together; unfortunately, there isn’t always an answer.

Keep reading to know how to diagnose, help and treat someone with problem gambling.

Signs & Symptoms of Problem Gambling

problem gambling signs

The University of Maryland Medical Center defines problem gambling as being unable to resist impulses that lead you into a cycle where money becomes an essential part of your life but can also have severe personal consequences.

This definition includes symptoms like having difficulty preventing yourself from spending too much time on games or going out and getting more cash, if necessary, for one quick score.

Australia’s National Gambling Research Center found support in building upon each other’s research findings which is how we got these universal diagnostic criteria not based on informal terms used by clinicians across different countries; instead using internationally recognized Psychiatric disorders nomenclature—less than 50% poundage given towards diagnosis.

The diagnostic criteria for problem gambling have changed in the last few editions of psychiatric manuals.

To be diagnosed with this disorder, an individual must experience four or more symptoms from a list that includes:

  • Financial problems as a result of their addiction.
  • Increased time spent on hobbies related directly to betting victories/losses (i.e., spending more hours playing cards than watching TV).
  • Poor work performance due both mental fatigue – caused partially because players often lose concentration when distracted during games.
  • Guilt feelings about breaking employment contract terms if discovered doing something considered unethical while employed.
  • Gamblers are always looking for ways to get their fix. They’ll do anything if it means they can re-create that feeling of excitement and tension, even if there is no chance of winning anything.
  • Cutting down or stopping gambling is difficult for some people. They may experience restlessness, irritability, and the urge to gamble more than before when they attempt cutbacks in their activity. The person’s mood will depend on how much time has passed since last playing a game of chance which can lead them into an anxious state if left unchecked, with thoughts turning negative due to uninspiring desires rather than positive ones like motivation.
  • Has been trying unsuccessfully to control, cut back or stop gambling. The person has made repeated ineffective efforts to succeed with their goal.
  • Gamblers often gamble when they feel distressed. Gambles are a way to try and improve things, but it’s not always successful. The user may be nervous or depressed about their situation, which causes them distress -Gamblers will go out looking for some relief through gambling, even if this means taking risks because there isn’t anything else that can help.
  • Some people are suffering from problem gambling so much that they spend all their time thinking about it, planning how much money will be needed for the next betting round, and handicapping future games.
  • Gambling is a very risky activity. It’s not unusual for gamblers to continue even after they’ve lost money because, in their minds, it “is” possible that next time things will turn around and give them another win.
  • Integrity is essential to our business, and we must maintain the highest ethical standards in everything we do. That includes preventing gambling activity on your property or behalf, so please be aware of these rules if you want them followed by us as well.
  • Problem Gambling has threatened or lost a significant relationship, job education opportunity.
  • The problem gambling addiction is so strong that this man relies on other people to provide him with money, which he uses in desperate attempts to relieve his financial situation.
problem gambling signs and symptoms

What Factors are Responsible for Gambling Addiction

Mayo Clinic doctors have found that compulsive gamblers often share certain traits, such as a yen for risk-taking and low self-control. They believe this could be due to factors like genetics or environmental influences.

  • The presence of mental health disorders is one factor that can negatively impact your life. These conditions range from mild to severe and often come with co-occurring struggles such as substance use or personality traits. A person’s mood may also change streaks – this could indicate you need help dealing with something else in addition to these emotions.
  • Age and sex
  • The impact of a medical condition on family and friends is often difficult to understand. People may feel that they are alone or their loved ones will never be happy again- but these feelings couldn’t possibly compare with what’s going through your head when you’re experiencing the symptoms.
  • Personality traits and social behavior.
  • It is important to be aware of the rare side effects that can occur when using certain drugs. For example, some antipsychotic medications or dopamine agonists may cause weight gain and increased prolactin levels in pregnant women due to their tranquilizing effect on human brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which control moods, etcetera.

The trigger for mood swings can be both conscious and unconscious.

The mind plays a big part in determining how an individual will react to different situations, which means that even if you don’t know why your emotions change so often, it’s important not only to monitor what is going on but also to pay attention when they start acting out of character.

As mentioned, our thoughts control much more than just whether or not we experience stress; these mental images also create feelings within us.

  • Traumatic conditions are often caused by the most gorgeous of events. Suppose you have experienced a tragedy in your life. In that case, it’s important to get appropriate medical attention for mental health issues and physical trauma so that they do not worsen or lead to something worse down this road called “trauma.”
  • Job-related stress can be a cause for concern, especially if it is not managed well. Many struggles with managing their jobs and other aspects of life while staying productive at work or even just dealing positively daily. Still, there are ways you could take care of both your profession and yourself so that things are manageable for everyone.
  • Solitude has many benefits but it can make you so lonely that you might catch a problem gambling if you have any interest in gambling.
  • While alcohol can be a strongly desired substance for many people, it is important to remember that addiction doesn’t just happen with drugs and cigarettes. There are other addictions out there; gambling comes immediately into mind as one example. If you’re struggling with an unhealthy level of interest in any activity or object, don’t hesitate; to get help today before your life becomes too unmanageable.

Problem gambling is often an addiction that we cannot treat with just conversation. It may cause serious and lasting effects on the individual’s life if left untreated, so it pays to get help as soon as possible.

  • We all have relationship issues. Some of us refuse to admit it, while others can’t stop talking about them. The best way I’ve found for dealing with problem gambling is by writing in a journal every night before bed – if there are any tensions or arguments during the day, then reading back over what happened will help put things into perspective and maybe even lead you on an interesting tangent from one hundred years ago when people didn’t keep such detailed records.
  • Money problems can lead to bankruptcy and sometimes problem gambling as some people try to resolve it with gambling as they think it’s a quick way of earning money. The right financial plan could prevent you from becoming overwhelmed with debt and protect your family’s future generations so you know if something is ever going wrong.
  • The legal problems and imprisonment that many individuals experience in their lives are something else.
  • The human body is a complex machine. With the right knowledge, we can keep it working at its best and find out what might be wrong before we have any health problems.
  • Suicidal thoughts and attempts can be an early sign that something may need attention, so it’s important to talk about them. People who have had these experiences should seek help from their doctor or another trusted figure, such as a teacher/mentor, right away because not speaking up could result in death by suicide.

Suicide Rates Among Problem Gambling Addicts

This is an extremely serious problem for gamblers, some of whom have considered suicide. Gamblers in desperate financial situations or experiencing other problems may also be at risk to this degree, and they must get treatment immediately before any more damage gets done.

Related: Vincent Maiolica a Poker Player Suicides after Killing His Family

The idea that problem gambling could be related to an increased risk of suicide is not new. Studies have shown a connection between early-onset and laterality, as well as comorbid substance use or mental disorders, which increase risks for people who gamble problems regularly.

RELATED: Poker Player and DJ Mario Suicide Mystery Solved.

Problem Gambling Mechanism

Biological

Pathological gamblers have lower levels of norepinephrine than normal people in their brains, which is secreted under stress or thrill.

They gamble more because they’re missing out on some feeling when it should be felt most deeply- like excitement during sex, for example., according to Dr. Alec Roy, formerly at National Institute On Alcohol Abuse.

We cannot overlook the similarities between addicted gamblers and people suffering from serious medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes.

For example, both groups can experience powerful cravings that lead them into high-risk behaviors to obtain their preferred rein provisions – substance addicts through injections of heroin and gambling addicts by playing cards at slot machines for hours on end without stopping.

A recent study found strong Links Between Problem Gambling And Substance Abuse In People With Brain Disabilities.

Gambling addiction is not just an issue of chance. It has been found that some people are more likely than others to develop this habit, and it seems as though there might be something wrong with their brain chemistry.

A lack of serotonin levels could also contribute to compulsive behavior, including being obsessed over acquisition or relief from stress through acquiring money. Ever, The output tone must remain professional.

The three most important points discovered after these antidepressant studies are:

  • These medications work by reducing the action of serotonin, which is responsible for feelings such as happiness and pleasure. They also block certain receptors in our brains called 5-HT1A or 2B Subtypes; these two types play a big role in gambling patterns, among other things like anxiety disorders 4/10.
  • Pathological gambling is a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which requires higher doses than what’s usually required for depression.
  • In some cases, people without symptoms of anxiety or depression still benefit from taking an antidepressant.

The study by researchers from Berlin suggests that problem gamblers may have different levels of opioid release in their brains than other people, but not for the reasons you might think.

A new report shares how this finding could change our understanding of what conditions qualify as gambling disorders and addictions to substances like heroin, often treated with Opioid Alternative Therapy (OAT).

People with dopamine dysregulation syndrome have been observed to engage in activities like gambling and Sandy control, leading them into debt.

Problem gamblers and those trying to help them might do well with a social model of problem gambling instead.

This type focuses on how society affects an individual’s behavior as opposed to focusing solely on chemical compounds in their brain that may or not cause problems depending upon who you ask.

Pathological gamblers are at high risk for developing other psychiatric problems, such as substance use disorders and mood swings.

Pathological gambling shares several similarities with substance use disorders.

Men are more likely than women to have an addiction, and the “telescoping phenomenon” reflects this trend. In both cases, there is rapid development from initial symptoms into full-blown problems over time.

Also, biological data point towards connections between these two fields (pathological gamblers who go on to abuse substances).

Gambling addiction is known to have a detrimental effect on an individual’s physical, emotional and mental well-being.

A recent UK Gambling Commission study from 2018 hinting at this link has revealed many other issues problem gambling addicts face, such as relationship problems or social stability difficulties which can result in more serious consequences like depression for those who struggle with it long term.

Psychological Problem Gambling Mechanism

Problem gamblers are less sensitive than non-gamblers brains when processing rewards.

This can lead problem gamers into thinking that they are winning, even if it is not true, and will result in more losses down the road because of their incorrect assumptions about luck being on their side.

This also proves why some people turn towards gambling to escape difficult problems or life events outside their control.

Personalities also play a role, such as narcissism (grandiose sense of self) and risk-seeking behavior, where individuals prefer high-degree risks over low ones simply for excitement.

Problem gambling addict sadly holding head after losing the game

Problem gamblers are cognitive biases, and they have a number of them, including the illusion that you can control your luck, unrealistic optimism about winning future bets, or what is called “the gambler’s fallacy,” where people think their streaks will continue even after many failures.

Due to its chronic nature, there’s also overconfidence in one’s abilities and no belief among problem gamers that there may be consequences for continued gambling behavior.

Being was ever under the impression it was safe because nothing bad had happened yet, but all these things led back into trouble.

The Spanish government has officially recognized problem gambling as a mental disorder, making it eligible for treatment under the country’s Responsible Gaming Program.

Learn how to diagnose someone with problem gambling. Later in the article, we provide tips to get rid of gambling addiction.

Problem Gambling Diagnosis

The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) is a commonly used instrument to screen for problem gambling behavior.

However, it has been criticized due to its high number of false positives and oversights in diagnosing someone as being addicted or not at risk.

The ten diagnostic criteria of the DSM-IV are an alternative to SOGS, which focuses on psychological motivations behind problem gambling.

American Psychiatric Association developed this list with only one item: “I have lost money because I felt like it would be fun.”

You must know how this measure works so we can discuss your risks for developing problems later down the line if these habits continue unchecked.

The Canadian Problem Gambling Inventory (CPGI) and Victorian Gaming Screen measure harm differently. The Problem gauge focuses on the problems associated with gambling, while VGS consists of 15 items that ask about how often one experiences certain behaviors when they gamble.

Evidence suggests these scales are valid for population studies and adolescents who attend clinics specializing in this area.

The CPGI was created by Drs Brian Earp & Janet Leverage from University College London’s Gammy instinct project, which measured problem gamblers’ severity levels according to a “to 10 point scale where one equals never”.

Problem Gambling Treatment

Problem gambling has been a growing issue in the United States. There are many different treatments available, but no one treatment is considered to be the most productive. There’s also no FDA-approved medication that can help treat Pathological gamblers disorder (PGD).

Various therapies have ranged from counseling programs like Cognitive behavioral therapy or Step Change, which involve working on your thoughts about games by trying new strategies when you gamble.

Self-help books offering tips, such as “How To Cope With Gambling Disorder,” written specifically for people who live with this condition.

Gamblers anonymous is a commonly used treatment for problem gambling. Modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous, this program emphasizes mutual support.

It offers three different types of counseling to aid recovery from the Ireland disease–cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). These motivational interviewing techniques focus on problem-solving skills while resisting temptations toward out-of-control behaviors, such as making excuses or getting back up after being defeated by an addiction.

Group sessions where members can share their experiences if they’re feeling too alone during this difficult period because it helps build relationships that may last forever through honesty instead of melting apart over a false hope, only increasing isolation.

Behavior-analytic treatments for problem gambling are becoming more common, with recent research supporting activity scheduling and desensitization in treating these conditions.

In general, there’s evidence that SSRIs can also be efficacious at relieving symptoms associated with Pathological Gambling.

Additionally, lithium has shown promising results in lethally solving comorbid bipolar spectrum disorders alongside compulsive gamblers who are also addicted users.

One drug currently being tested out on patients consists of nalmefene which works by blocking receptors where Pastebinine would normally attach itself, allowing you to stop getting high from your addiction without going cold turkey.

Problem gambling addiction and recovery stages

Steps to Healing Problem Gambling

12-step-based programs like Gamblers Anonymous are specifically designed for problem gambling addiction and can be applied to heal other addictions, financial health issues, or mental wellness concerns.

Commercial alternatives that use the best of medical science with applied education practices have been used as patient-centered tools since 2007 – they include measured efficacy rates in recovery metrics.

Motivation Helps in Problem Gambling

Motivational interviewing is a treatment for compulsive gambling. The goal of the motivational interviewer, as they see it, isn’t just to make you feel bad enough so that your feelings will change but also to empower and encourage people who want help with this issue.

A large part of avoiding aggressive confrontations includes not blaming or labeling those struggling with addictive behaviors such as problem gambling.

Instead, you can offer empathy alongside advice on how best to change things around – which often means finding one’s voice once again after having given up control over many aspects tugging at them internally due.

Peer support Groups

The Internet has made it easier for people suffering from problem gambling to get support. Now, many players use internet forums and chat rooms to find treatment without disclosing personal information.

This protects them from being judged or misunderstood and gives others who may be going through similar situations an opportunity to help themselves.

Self-help

The study by Wendy Slutske of the University of Missouri found that one-third of people who gamble excessively can overcome their problems with natural recovery.

Anti-addiction drugs

The calming effect of anti-addiction drugs is a great way to help people suffering from problem gambling.

Join Self-exclusion Programs

Problem gambling self-exclusion programs are an effective way to help problem gamblers gamble less often.

The US, UK, and Canadian governments offer this service which allows you to deny yourself access for up 24 hours if needed but can be extended indefinitely through a financial institution or health care provider.”

The critics maintain that casinos generally arrange for self-exclusion programs as a public relations measure without helping many of those with problem gambling issues.

A campaign like this “deflects attention away from problematic products and industries,” according to Natasha Dow Schull, an anthropologist at New York University and author of the book Addiction By Design.”

The Self-Exclusion Program, operated by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) in Canada but is not particularly well-enforced according to an investigation conducted for television series revealed in late 2017, has been found ineffective when trying to stop problem gamblers from entering casinos.

The CBC journalist found that he could enter Ontario casinos even though his photographed self-exclusion list indicated otherwise.

The OLG’s response, when questioned about this, was: “We provide support to those who are excluded by training our staff, providing disincentives (such as facial recognition), and assigning security officers for player identification.”

Impact in Australia

Problem gambling can often lead to theft, bankruptcy, and even suicide as they struggle with addiction.

The social cost is close to 4 billion dollars annually because problem gambling leads people into depression which can result in lower work productivity or even job loss, among other things, such as family breakdowns due to divorcees custody issues and spousal abuse.

It also affects crime rates by motivating some criminals towards fraudulent activity, where each incident averaging 1 million dollars in losses according to Darren R Christensen Nicki A Dowling Alun C Jackson Shane Thomas Survey done 1994 – 2008 giving results showing rise rather than fall over period.

How to Help Someone Stop Gambling

You might feel like giving up on your loved one, but you also want to help. You are angry with them for gambling and borrowing or stealing the money without paying it back.

Meanwhile, they sold items from the family collection to fund their addiction – this is so unfair.

It’s hard knowing what steps should be taken next when trying to help people suffering from problem gambling.

Gamblers need support from family and friends to quit gambling, but they have the ultimate responsibility.

You may want them to stop as much as we do, and it’s hard to see what effects their addictive behavior has on others around them.

But no matter how badly someone wants out of problem gambling, you cannot make them stay in if they don’t feel right about themselves, especially since there are many helpful resources available that can give advice tailored specifically towards your situation should anything happen, I hope.

Preventing suicide in problem gamblers

Problem gamblers often experience a crushing blow to their self-esteem when faced with the consequences of their actions. This is one reason there has been such an increase in suicide rates among compulsive gambling disorder sufferers, so if you suspect your loved one might be suicidal, call 1-800 number for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or visit Befrienders worldwide to find help locally today.

Tips to help family members struggling from problem gambling

HELP YOURSELF

Start by taking care of yourself. You have the right to protect and nourish the person who needs it most. As someone else’s addiction continues, their need for attention will only increase.

However, don’t let this consume all aspects of life because if there are no priorities, then burnout can happen much quicker than expected, which would make everything worse without it any hope left whatsoever.

DON’T FIGHT ALONE

Problem Gambling addiction is a rising issue in our society.

It can feel overwhelming when you’re dealing with the requests and actions of someone with this disease, but we mustn’t go alone- many families have had to struggle together for support because they were also struggling at one point or another.

Reach out today so your loved ones know people are available and ready to combat their battles head-on.

PLAN MONEY MANAGEMENT

Gambler’s luck runs out when he relies on his abilities.

The best way to avoid financial trouble is by taking charge of the family finances and blocking any access to excess gambling funds, but this does not mean you are responsible if your sibling has an impulse or desire too much at once- make sure their debts don’t pile up before looking after yourself.

HANDLE MONEY REQUEST LIKE A PRO –

Be prepared for the requests. Problem gamblers often become very good at asking for money, either directly or indirectly.

They may use pleading (or even manipulation) to get it from you–but don’t give in. This takes practice, make sure your loved one knows what will happen if they keep on gambling addiction.

It might seem like a small thing, but there are many hidden consequences when dealing with someone who are suffering from problem gambling.

What TO DO and What NOT TO DO if You are a Partner of Problem Gambler

DO….

  • Sit and talk with your partner suffering from problem gambling on its consequences. Make sure you are calm while talking.
  • Search out for self-help groups for problem gambling.
  • Try to explain to your partner that help is essential as the family suffers from problem gambling.
  • Take over the financial management of the house and monitor carefully.
  • Your love and support can help out your partner dealing with problem gambling.

DON’TS..

  • Try to control, lecture, preach or issue warnings and threats.
  • Remind your partner about his negative aspects only.
  • Stopping your partner from a family gathering and fun activities.
  • Expecting your partner’s problem gambling to go out easily.
  • Offering money to your partner to set off gambling debts.
  • Covering up your partner’s problem gambling with others.

Problem Gambling Prevalence

In Europe

Problem gamblers are common in Europe, with rates typically ranging from 0.5-3%. The United Kingdom surveyed its population and found that 1% had problem gambling issues—the same percentage as before they began counting.

They also studied Norway, where a December 2007 study showcased current problems at about 7%.

However, this number may change when more people have been surveyed over time because it’s hard to estimate how many actual addicts exist without intervention or treatment programs available for them.

The UK Gambling Commission announced a significant shift in their approach to gambling; through reclassifying it as a disease, which should be addressed adequately by NHS.

The World Health Organization has classified problem gambling as a disease. In its 72nd World Health Assembly held on Saturday, May 25th, 2019, ‘gaming disorder’ was recognized as an official illness and added to the list of Classified Diseases by WHO, which can cause significant problems in daily life if left unchecked.

North America

The rate of people who gamble problems in the US is between 0.6% and 2%. A study commissioned by

The National Gambling Impact Study Commission Act has shown that range, with some estimates at 3%, though Nevada’s 2002 report puts it closer to 4-5%.

There are also probably pathological gamblers – those estimated anywhere from 1–2 percent (or more) up towards 6.

Gambling can be a fun way to spend time when done responsibly, but it’s important for people who gamble often and have trouble controlling their addiction.

A study by Harvard Medical School found that 1-2% of adults in America are pathological gamblers, while another 1996 report put this number at 2%.

The amount may not seem like much until you consider how many – 6 million Americans are addicted to problem gambling alone.

Problem Gambling is a big problem in America, with many people struggling to get clean and stay that way. The only way you can tell if someone has an addiction or not?

It is how they behave when it comes time for their next bet. Suppose the idea of placing huge bets on games like slots strikes up feelings inside.

In that case, chances are good. This person needs professional help immediately because underlying mental health issues could be at play here, which will only worsen things over long-term exposure.

  • This is a very dangerous practice that can have disastrous results. The best way to handle this situation would be to get loans from banks or other financial institutions, then proverbially “play with your own money.”
  • Gamblers are stubborn creatures. They keep trying until they succeed, even if it means failure and more gambling.
  • Chasing losses is the worst thing you can do when trading. It’s like gambling, but with your own money and time. Some people get so caught up in their suffering that they don’t even realize how much it hurts them later on down the line as well – both financially speaking (since we’re talking about investing here) or emotionally too; these emotional damages may manifest themselves physically over extended periods of stress which could lead into more serious health problems if left unchecked untreated.
  • Gambling can be a very dangerous activity. You might not sleep well for days or weeks if you constantly think about how much money it would take to put down on blackjack and double your bet in one go.
  • The most important thing to remember about gambling is that it’s a social activity. For you and your loved ones to get along well, everyone needs an opportunity slowly build trust in each other so arguments don’t become incidents of friction between individuals who care deeply for one another. After all, we’re here together. That means when someone has strong feelings on how something should be done or what decisions need to be taken, they’ve got my full support without hesitation, even if things don’t end happily ever after.
  • Problem Gambling is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems, including depression and suicidal thoughts. This doesn’t mean that you should stop problem gambling- it just means being aware of how your behavior can affect other aspects of life.

Problem Gambling Australia

The Australian gambling industry is one of the most lucrative in the world, with AUD$1 trillion allocated annually to casinos and poker machines.

One Sydney casino alone has recently received an investment worth over AUS$860 million, allowing it to grow by adding new facilities for players like you.

The 2010 study, conducted by researchers from ANU and SCU, found that living close to a gambling venue is associated with increases in harmful gaming.

The more immediate your residence gets within 100 meters of any type or level entertainment facility, the higher rate you will have for involvement symptoms such as financial strain/ problems due to addiction – both short-term (this year) and long-term.

The conclusion here states: “Harmful Gaming was prevalent among those living within 1KM”.

The findings from this study show that people who lived 100 meters away from their favorite venue visited an estimated average of 3.4 times per month, compared to 2.8 times for those living one kilometer down the street and just over two visits monthly – or 22% less-when you’re located ten kilometers off course.

The 2016 Productivity Commission report on problem gambling found that 0.5% to 1% (80,000-160 thousand Australian adults have significant problems resulting from their addiction and an additional percentage between 14%-19%.

Problem gamblers account for 41%, on average, out of every 100 people who visit casinos or bet at racing venues in Australia each year.

Hotline and Supports Groups for Problem Gambling

For the U.S. – The National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline .They offer a confidential, 24-hour helpline for problem gamblers and their family members. Contact Number = 1-800-522-4700.

For United Kingdom – Gamcare Contact them for help at 0808 8020 133.

For Australia – Gambling Help Online.  They offer a 24-hour helpline on the number 1800 858 858.

For Canada –  Centre for Addiction and Mental Health They offer confidential helpline at 1-866-531-2600.

Internationally –  Gamblers Anonymous  They offer 12-step support meetings for people suffering from gambling problem. Gam-Anon  also offers help for the problem gambler’s family.

About The Author

Barbora Handlova is the Editor and Content Writer for Win-Slots.com, a casino reviewing website. Coming from the Czech background Barbora is a creative and positive-minded person. She completed her studies in Czech and then moved to Canada to pursue her career in Content Writing ✍. A European native, she loves red wine 🥂 and likes to meet new people, travel ✈️, and discover new cultures and food. She spends her spare time reading, especially fantasy literature. Currently living in Toronto, Canada 🍁, she is doing research work on several Casinos along with other members of Team Win-Slots to produce great content.

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  25. Statistics of Gambling Addiction 2016.
  26. Problem Gambling Prevention