Is problem gambling becoming more widespread?

The simple answer is yes, problem gambling is more prevalent today than in previous generations. There are a number of reasons for this. Addiction in whatever form is the malady of the modern age. Perhaps this is largely due to the fact that addiction is now more widely recognised as a legitimate illness. Rather than being disregarded, told to mend their ways or pull themselves together, those suffering from addictive illnesses can today expect to find help and support from general practitioners and specialist counselling services and self help groups. Addictions such as alcoholism and gambling are closely linked to depression; which, as we are repeatedly reminded by the media, is also a widespread problem of our times, affecting all ages, genders and socio-economic groups For a problem gambler depression will almost certainly be a factor at some stage; whether it be causal or symptomatic. Factors that exert pressure on the individual, pushing him or her towards a gambling dependency are looked at in detail in other sections. It is important, however, to look some of the wider, more general reasons behind the spread of gambling, and in turn problem gambling. The social context of gambling, in other words how the perception and promotion of the act has changed in recent times, is something we rarely consider, yet it must be a contributory factor in the increasing number of problem gamblers in the world today.

The attraction of gambling

Gambling appeals to our desire to take risks and explore the unexpected; to step out of the mundane necessities and staid conventions of life and have some fun. It is human nature to seek pleasure and the act of gambling creates feelings of pleasurable tension and excitement. For many people gambling is a break from the mind numbing monotony of daily life. The risk taking, regardless of how small or insignificant in financial terms, creates a ‘buzz’. It is this ‘buzz’ that the problem gambler is addicted to. The problem develops as they try and recreate the feeling over and over again. And, as is the nature of addiction, they need to stake higher and higher sums, more frequently and with greater consequences as to the potential loss, in order to recreate this feeling. Problem gambling develops as an unreasonable response to a very simple, ordinary human desire. Gambling in its myriad forms has been part of our culture since time immemorial. The gaming industry caters to and exploits the human need for excitement and ‘play’. In recent years the gambling industry in the United Kingdom has spread into mainstream culture, and become part of daily life.

It could be you…

Gambling also caters to another, more contemporary human desire or ‘want’: the desire for celebrity and credibility through wealth and status. Even high-achievers can feel inadequate in this society that celebrates excessive wealth and empty celebrity. Today’s celebrity culture has engendered an overwhelming preoccupation in large sections of society with being rich and famous. Often this fame is achieved through little more than money and a willingness to spend it in the public eye. Paris Hilton and her cohorts, the Pop Idol phenomenon, footballer’s wives and Hollywood excess are all celebrated as something to aspire to. Celebrity for celebrity’s sake is perpetuated by print and TV media. Money is a way into this world. The National Lottery ‘It could be you’ slogan, the crossed fingers logo, which magically appears in the sky like some kind of vision or blessing from above, all fit with this mode of thinking. Social statues, personal value and worth, can be obtained in this simple, magical way. You do not need to work or strive, just cross your fingers, scrunch up your face like a kid blowing out birthday candles, buy your ticket and hope for the best. Because you never know, it could be you. We are all equal, everyone has an equal chance (all be it an alarmingly slim one), at riches beyond your wildest dreams and tabloid style-instant (and instantly forgotten) celebrity. This nonsense is fed and nurtured by the government and the massive corporations who make money through taxes and revenue created by legitimate and sanitised gambling ventures – in particular the National Lottery.