What is problem gambling?

Problem gambling is gambling to the extent that it causes emotional, family, legal, financial or other problems for the gambler and the people around the gambler. Problem gambling can get worse over time, and gambling problems can range from mild to severe.

“What are some signs of problem gambling?”

When people have a problem with gambling, many times they feel like they need to

bet more money more frequently,
feel irritated when they try to stop, and
think that they can “chase” their losses to recover money.

This can lead to more gambling, despite financial loss and the trust of friends and loved ones. In general, people with gambling problems usually spend a large portion of their income on gambling.

“Do a lot of people have problems with gambling?”

If gambling is becoming a problem for you, you are not alone. Research shows that 1.1% of the adult population in the U.S., Australia and Canada has had severe problems with gambling in the past year. Also, another 2.2% of that same population has had at least some problems with gambling in the past year.

Self-assessment

Understanding how gambling works and the dangers that are associated with gambling is an important step in your journey. This part of the guide will help you to understand your gambling patterns. Complete the questions below to see if you should examine your gambling patterns more closely:

Have you ever tried to cut down on your gambling? How often? Did it work?
Are others annoyed by your gambling? Partner, colleagues, friends or family?
Do you ever gamble alone? When? Where? Does it make any difference?
Do you ever feel guilty about your gambling? Even when you won?
Do you ever gamble to feel better? Comfort gambling?

If you answered “yes” to one or more questions, then you may want to consider looking at your gambling more closely. Many people are not aware of all the ways that gambling can affect their lives. The exercise on the following page will help you to identify difficulties you may be facing. Answering these questions can alert you to problems that you might not have thought about before.

Money Problems

One may also consider the financial impact it has on you. Many problem gamblers experience various kinds of money problems. For example, some problem gamblers are always short of cash despite adequate income, and others will borrow, pawn, or even steal to get some quick cash to gamble.

Another way to understand ones gambling is to look at the classification of gamblers. Gamblers can generally be classified as;

Recreational Gamblers

Recreational gamblers gamble on social occasions with friends or colleagues. They have pre-determined acceptable losses and by and large their gambling activities cause little harm and their behaviour is associated with minimal guilt. They simply require information and education on gambling behaviour in order to make sensible decisions.

Problem Gamblers

Problem gamblers spend too much time and money gambling. Their behaviour causes harm both to themselves and others and is associated with much guilt. Most NRGP patients requiring treatment fall into this group and they very often respond positively to the intervention.

Compulsive Gamblers

Compulsive and pathological gamblers have a psychiatric disorder diagnosable by strict clinical criteria. It is regarded as a disorder of impulse control and has a very poor prognosis. Such gamblers have an inability to control their gambling, with consequent significant damage to themselves and others. They are often very difficult to treat.