Problem Gambling
Gambling is looked upon as a harmless pastime. Over 70% of US adults report gambling as least once in the past year. 1% of the U.S. adults (3 million) meet criteria for pathological gambling. Pathological Gambling is a term used to cover both pathological gamblers and those who are having some gambling-related problems but do not have a sufficient number of symptoms for a diagnosis of pathological gambling. Pathological gamblers are significantly more liked to have:
- Substance abuse disorders
- Depression
- Anti-social personality disorder
- Strong association with suicide
Gambling effects extend into the workplace. Some of the ways that gambling impact the workplace are:
- Productivity loss
- Absenteeism
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Theft
Problem Gambling has been called the hidden addiction because there are few outward signs until it is too late. Even though Problem Gambling is less visable than other forms of addiction, it effect is equally damaging. Gambling problems cost the nation $5 billion annually.
At Risk Groups
While Problem Gambling affects individuals from all walks of life, several groups have been identified as being at risk.
At Risk Groups
- Gaming employees
- Youth
- Seniors
- College Students
Signs and Symptoms
The following are some of the signs and symptoms associated with problem gambling.
Signs and Symptoms
- Betting large amounts of money
- Betting more frequently
- Borrowing to support gambling
- Thinking about gambling even when not gambling
- Lying to people close to you about your gambling
- Doing illegal acts to support gambling
Internet Gambling
The newest form of gambling, Internet Gambling, grows in popularity every year. The list below lists some of the differences between Internet Gambling and other forms of gambling:
Internet Gambling
Internet Gambling differs from other forms of gambling:
- Few regulations to assure fairness of games or establish the responsibility of game operators
- Most operate from servers located outside the US
- No control on the hours of availability
- Age of participants not known
- Type of game offered
- Hackers can potentially interfere with the process:
- Manipulation online games
- Stealing funds by accessing the credit card numbers used in gambling.
As the popularity of Internet Gambling increases, so does its impact.
- 1997:
6.9 million potential Internet gamblers
Revenue of about $300 million - 1998:
14.5 million potential Internet gamblers
Revenue of about $651 million
10%-15% of young people surveyed in the US and Canada report having experienced one or more significant problem related to gambling. Online game sites that target children and teens have direct links to gambling sites which offer freebies’ and other supposed discounts to get young people started.
Athletics and Gambling
Sporting events have long been associated with gambling. The following statistics illustrate some of the ways that athletics and gambling are connected.
- 72% of all athletes have gambled since entering college
- 48% gambled in casinos
- 30% of males and 11% of females gambled on NCAA Basketball Tournaments
10 Questions about Your Gambling Behavior
Do you think you might have troube with problem gambling? Here are some questions that can help.
Gambling Questions
The following 10 questions can be asked to help identify situations involving problem gambling:
- Have you:
- often gambled longer than you had planned?
- often gambled until your last dollar was gone?
- had thoughts of gambling have caused you to lose sleep?
- used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?
- made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop gambling?
- broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance your gambling?
- borrowed money to finance your gambling?
- felt depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses?
- been remorseful after gambling?
- gambled to get money to meet your financial obligations?
If your or someone you know answers Yes to any of these questions, consider seeking assistance from a professional regarding this gambling behavior.
Types of Treatment
There are a variety of methods available for problem gambling.
Types of Treatment
- Professional Help
- Psychotherapy
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Referral Services
- InPatient
- OutPatient
- Twelve-Step Help
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Gam-Anon (for family members)
Here are some of the issues involved with treatment:
Treatment Issues
- Depressions
- Anxiety
- Low Self-Esteem
- Debt Repayment
- Abstinence From Gambling
- Relapse Issues
Links
The following resource provides information and assistance to colleges, addressing gambling and gambling-related issues on campus communities.
Links
CollegeGambling.org
Sponsored by the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG).
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Anna M. Gove Student Health Center, 107 Gray Drive 27412
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
VOICE 336.334.5340
FAX 336.334.5343