How to define a problem gambler

A problem gambler is someone who has lost control of their gambling. Gambling has become the ruling factor in their lives. Maintaining and continuing the habit is the most important thing in the world to them, and they are prepared to risk a lot in order to do so. Problem gambling damages the life of the gambler and those around them, but the negative effects are overshadowed by the need to continue gambling.

Although debt and financial difficulties are a major factor, problem gambling is not a financial problem. You cannot define a problem gambler by the frequency of losses or the amount of debt they are in. The gambler may tell him or her self that once they pay off their debts, earn back their losses and get on top of things, they will change their habits. Unfortunately this is simply not true. They are lying to themselves under the influence of a powerful addiction. If someone were to step in and pay off all the gamblers debts, it would not make any difference. A problem gambler will simply start again, convinced that this time they will win. Basically the term describes someone who has lost control over their gambling to the point of obsession. Alternative terms to describe problem gambling include excessive, compulsive, addictive and pathological.

Like all addictions it is important to think of problem gambling as an illness. Problem gambling is not the action of an unrealistic, weak-minded individual; it is a compulsion, a psychological dependency. The gambler does not control the gambling, it controls them. Just as an alcoholic needs a drink, a problem gambler needs to make that bet. Compulsive gamblers experience a positive psychological effect when they gamble, just as those suffering from substance or addiction feel a positive psychological effect when they have a drink or a ‘hit’. The gambler seeks to repeat the positive psychological feeling induced by gambling, and begins to gamble more frequently and/or with higher stakes in order to attain that rush again and again.

One of the most important factors in defining a problem gambler is whether the gambling is having a detrimental effect on their live and the lives of those around them. The effects vary from person to person, depending on many factors including age, social status, financial position, the severity of the problem and the amount of time it has been allowed to develop for. In severe cases the negative impact of the gambling is massive and often crippling, and yet the gambler cannot stop. He or she will deny the existence of the problems, often actually fooling themselves into believing the lies they tell themselves and others. Judgement is impaired and values become skewed in order to accommodate and justify the gambling. Effects of problem gambling can be social, emotional, physical and mental.

Warning Signs

• Preoccupation with gambling, continually thinking about gambling and planning the next gambling opportunity.
• Using gambling as a means of escape; dealing with stress and worry by gambling.
• Lying about gambling habits to friends and family.
• Getting into debt through gambling and attempting to clear those debts with further gambling.
• Missing work in order to gamble.
• Gambling more frequently and with higher stakes; repeatedly ‘chasing losses’.
• Gambling alone.
• Stealing or borrowing under false pretences to fund gambling.
• Feeling guilty, annoyed or depressed about gambling habits, yet unable to stop gambling to relieve these feelings.
• Becoming obsessed with the ‘buzz’ you get from gambling, and being unable to replicate that feeling elsewhere in life.