CasinoShortlist is passionate about initiatives that promote responsible gambling. We consider problem gambling to be a genuine scourge on an otherwise fun-filled industry - and we're committed to disseminating factual, educational and up-to-date information to help spread awareness of the issue. If you, or someone you know, may be suffering with a compulsive gambling habit, we go over everything you need to know right here on this page.
Problem gambling is a phrase used to denote any type of gambling habit that has negative consequences on a subject's life. It is considered to be a less severe form of 'pathological gambling' - though in many cases it is referred to as subclinical or intermediate in relation to its more severe variant. The differences between problem gambling and pathological gambling are nuanced, requiring a diagnosis from a qualified clinical, yet the two phrases are often used interchangeably.
There are a number of questionnaires and checklists online that help those suffering determine the extent of their problem.
The following questionnaire, promoted by Gamblers Anonymous, consists of 20 questions to which you are expected to answer with a simple 'yes' or 'no'.
Upon completing the questionnaire, Gamblers Anonymous will provide you with results and any necessary advice or information. Typically, most problem gamblers will answer Yes to at least 7 of the questions provided.
Problem gambling is a disorder that qualifies as systematic, which means that its causes and effects follow a 'typical' development. The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery has divided the development into four phases, which traces the beginning of problem gambling to its potential apex.
These four phases can be summarised as followed:
Problem gambling often begins with a substantial win. Winning on a pokie or a table game tends to lead the subject to a positive view of gambling in general. Either the subject believes that they are 'lucky' or that they have an unusual talent for gambling. This phase culminates in the subject deceiving themselves into the false belief that winning is inevitable. Subsequently, the subject begins to spend more time gambling and spending more in each session.
The second phase occurs once the subject becomes more preoccupied with gambling, and further indulges in habits that are categorically unhealthy. Such habits include gambling alone, borrowing money to gamble, making gambling their ultimate priority (i.e. neglecting their career), lying about gambling to their close acquaintances and family, as well as showing contempt for their financial commitments. The subject will typically start to chase their losses.
Once the subject enters the 'desperation phase' their gambling habit begins to reveal itself as compulsive. Anyone in the desperation phase will exhibit an almost inexorable impulse to gamble and are likely to feel guilt, shame and remorse after gambling. Their addiction may result in financial problems, which they may try to resolve by stealing or cheating. In this stage the subject's addiction is revealed to others, either through the loss of their job, by breaking up with their long-term partner, or through legal punishments resulting from their attempt to fund their gambling problem.
The subject becomes painfully aware of their addiction and they become dejected. It's likely that they won't believe there is any hope for overcoming their situation. This phase is when the severity of the subject's mental state is most acute: the subject may experience suicidal ideation, or worse, become suicidal. At this stage the subject is most likely to develop a drug or alcohol dependency.
Clinicians tend to recommend one of two treatments for those suffering with a gambling problem.
The available treatments are as follows:
Did you know: Disorders that can Benefit from CBT and REBT include: Anxiety, Depression, Panic Attacks, Addictions, Eating Disorders, Anger and Phobias.
Additionally, there is a psychotherapeutic method promoted by Dr. Jefferey Schwartz in his book, Brain Lock, which illustrates how a problem gambler begins to overcome their gambling addiction.
Schwarz breaks down his recommended treatment into 4 simple steps:
In this stage, the subject is led to the awareness that their urge to gamble is simply a symptom of their addiction. The clinician's job is to convince the subject that this is a medical condition like any other, and that it is treatable with the right approach. The subject becomes aware that the feeling (or 'urge') is not rational and deserves to be dismissed.
The following stage centres on the subject dissociates themselves with the urge to gamble and, rather, attributes it to a chemical reaction in their brain. For the subject to successfully pass through this stage, they must begin to exhibit signs of self-control, even if these signs are only transient.
The 'refocus' stage in the path to recovery is fairly self-explanatory: when the subject feels the urge to gamble, they are able to sublimate their urge by directing their attention to more productive tasks. This change illustrates that the subject's value structures are beginning to be modified.
Finally - by the fourth stage of Schwartz' treatment method - the subject's value structures are almost completely modified. The subject is able to completely dissociate themselves from their previous uncontrollable urges and any thought about gambling is overridden by their new ability to dissociate.
You may not qualify as a problem gambler, but you may feel as if your gambling is getting slightly out of control. According to the Australian company, Gambler's Help, there are 10 things you can do to help reduce your gambling.
Here's what they advise:
Setting a budget and allocating a period of time reserved for gambling ensures that you don't spend more than you can afford and that you have time to reflect on your gambling session as well as doing other, more vital tasks and activities.
If you gamble for a long stretch of time you can lose perspective. It is essential that you regularly reflect on whether continuing is a good or bad idea.
Try to ensure that gambling isn't your main hobby. Gambling is a form of entertainment, but it should not be your only form of entertainment. It will certainly become a problem if you spend all of your leisure time gambling.
Problem gamblers are plagued by irrational thinking. Generally, the longer you play for, the more you lose. You should reduce your gambling to short intervals and walk away no matter if you've won or you've lost.
Gambling is only a form of entertainment. You should treat it similarly as a trip to the movies. Remember that the odds are stacked heavily in the favour of the casino, and to consider it as a way to make money is irrational.
Problem gambling is usually accompanied by other, often serious, problems, such as depression or alcoholism. If you're feeling lonely, or anxious, or bored, it can warp your capacity to make rational decisions.
appropriately spent on necessities, such as your rent, mortgage, phone bills or groceries.
If you leave your credit or debit cards at home, you will not be tempted to withdraw more cash and carry on gambling once you have spent your pre-set budget for the evening.
Both alcohol and drugs are known to reduce your inhibitions. You are more likely, therefore, to make poor decisions under the influence of alcohol. Keep drinking to a minimum or don't partake in both activities at the same time.
If you feel remorse after gambling, you're gambling irresponsibly. Don't carry on gambling and seek support if necessary. Recognising your bad habit early will make it easier to overcome.
Problem gambling does not only affect the subject whose gambling has become a problem, but also the friends and family members of the subject. If you know someone close that has succumbed to problem gambling, there are a few things you can do to help.
The American Psychiatric Association provides the following advice:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
Contact anyone you know that has dealt with similar issues, or, if it is your spouse, attend a nearby self-help group for families. |
Attempting to preach, lecture or display aggression towards your partner will not help. Maintain your composure. |
Make sure you remember and consistently reassure yourself of your partner's positive characteristics. |
Do not exclude your partner or friend from family life or everyday activities. These activities will provide a helpful distraction and support network. |
Attempt to remain calm. This is especially necessary when talking to your friend or family member about their habits and the potential or real consequences of their actions. |
Think that the subject will recover in the short-term. Recovery from problem gambling, as with any type of addiction, is a long-term process with highs and lows. |
Reassure your friend or family member that you are reaching out to support groups or clinicians for your sake as much as their own. |
Provide finances to pay for the personal debt accrued by the problem gambler. |
If the subject is your spouse and you have children, make sure to explain to your children what problem gambling is. |
Try to hide the problem from family, friends, or anyone that can positively assist the problem gambler. |
Recognise that overcoming a gambling addiction can be a slow process. It takes time and patience. Professional help is always encouraged. |
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If required, take charge of your family's finances to make sure your money is being spent appropriately and to relieve your partner of temptation.
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There are many ways you can access helpful information and guidance on problem gambling online in Australia.
Here at CasinoShortlist we always recommend that anyone with a gambling problem seeks professional help from one of the following institutions:
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