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Compulsive Gambling

By: James Snow

www.RiseAboveAddiction.com

April 5, 2008

Over the last 30 or more years the gambling industry has flourished. Gambling revenues are hitting all-time highs. In some locations revenues are doubling almost every year. Lotteries now exist in 37 states. Interestingly, it is those in the lowest income brackets that spend the most on lotteries. It is hard to put into perspective the fortune being spent on gambling in America. According to PBS.org and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, “gambling generates more revenues than movies, spectator sports, theme parks, cruise ships, and recorded music combined¹^,².” That amount is staggering.

How many Americans gamble or at least say gambling in legitimate casinos is okay? You may be surprised. A whopping 80% of Americans are okay with gambling, and in fact, 60% of Americans reported gambling in the previous year². So what is compulsive gambling? Compulsive gambling is when the need to gamble causes them to do things that are detrimental or harmful to themselves or others. So when does gambling become compulsive gambling? Here are a few things to watch for:

Out of control betting behaviors.

Excessively large wagers

Using necessities like cars or even houses as collateral in wagers.

Selling those same items for wagers or gambling debt.

Betting on unusual things, or things they know little about.

Lying about their gambling, or trying to hide it.

Keeping separate gambling accounts secret from their spouse.

Gambling daily.

Skipping work or school to gamble.

Gambling at work or school.

Continuing to gamble when the person is aware of the harm it is doing to their life.

Multiple failed attempts to quit gambling.

Amassing large gambling debts.

Taking on highly risky wagers.

Chasing losses with more gambling.

Using a regular percentage of monthly income for gambling.

Stealing or engaging in other dishonest or risky behaviors to pay for gambling or gambling debts.

Trouble maintaining life relationships because of gambling.

If you or a loved one is affected by compulsive gambling there is help. For select individuals medical treatment may be beneficial. Certain medications called mood stabilizers may help control gambling behaviors. Making yourself accountable to someone else specifically regarding your problem with gambling is an important first step. Individual therapy with a psychiatrist or councilor as well as group therapy from organizations like Gambler’s Anonymous has also been proven effective. Marriage counseling and financial counseling for gambling debt are often important steps in recovery. For spouses or family members, it is important to for you as well to talk with knowledgeable professionals about your loved one’s problem and to consider joining support groups or online support forums. The key is to get help and support today. Hope and healing are possible.

1 PBS.org “Gambling Facts & Stats” http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/gamble/etc/facts.html.

2 "Facts About Las Vegas" (1996 statistics from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.)

This article should not be used as or interpreted as medical advice. Full legal disclaimer.

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