Gambling addiction, or gambling disorder, is a clinically diagnosable behavioral condition in which an individual engages in persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.1 The progression toward addiction generally happens over the course of years and is marked by increased frequency and amount wagered.1
The condition is treatable, and there are numerous organizations that support individuals struggling with problematic gambling. There are many therapy, medication, and lifestyle options available to help someone with gambling addiction.
What Is Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction happens when someone has trouble stopping gambling, even if it’s causing them distress or harm. Gambling disorder is the first and only non-substance-related behavioral addiction officially listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Though it was not added to the manual until 2013, concerns surrounding problematic gambling have been around for decades.
In some cases, people who are struggling financially resort to gambling in an attempt for divine intervention to fix their problems. For others, gambling may be a means of overcoming boredom and having something fun to do. If not careful, and perhaps by winning a bit here and there, gamblers may begin to feel lucky and continue pushing their luck.
Further, gambling addiction is not necessarily implicated by daily activity. While it would seem obvious that someone who gambles daily may be engaging in problematic use, again, it comes down to the overall detriment to the well-being of self or others.
How Common Is It?
It is estimated that nearly 10 million Americans meet the criteria for gambling addiction in any given year.2 Further, about 2 million U.S. adults are estimated to meet the criteria for a severe condition while some 4 to 6 million may have a mild or moderate condition.3
Unfortunately, many people affected by gambling addiction do not recognize it exists or see it as a problem.2 While this is true of most addictions, the issue here is that many individuals who ultimately develop gambling addiction have been viewed as “responsible and strong by those who care about them.”3
Why Is Gambling Addictive?
Like drug or alcohol consumption, gambling activates the reward center in our brains.4 Engaging in gambling, or even thinking about it for that matter, triggers dopamine in the brain, creating a cascade of neurotransmitters including serotonin, which bolsters excitement. The more excited you become, the more you want to engage.
Gambling is exciting. At any time, a gambler may hit the jackpot or hold a royal flush that may cash in at many times the amount of money put forth. The dream car, big house, family vacations, and everything else the heart has ever desired are just one bet away. Further, the sound of the slot machine dinging bells when the jackpot is hit or the anticipation of seeing a sports team beat the spread make it even more thrilling.
Gambling also comes with cravings and withdrawal. When not gambling, individuals experience feelings of depression and/or anxiety, as the brain is saying, “I want more.”4 At the same time, when you lose a significant amount of money gambling, negative feelings occur, like depression, anxiety, regret, guilt, frustration.
As these negative feelings surmount and the brain becomes more dependent on gambling, it begins consuming the person. Even when someone knows gambling is causing harm, the thought is that “just a little more won’t hurt,” or, “today I’ll finally catch my big break.”
Are There Different Types of Gambling Addiction?
The reasons for someone’s gambling addiction can vary in terms of personality characteristics and reasoning for engagement. Each type of gambling addiction does vary in context and satisfies a different need.
Some of the more common types of gambling personalities that could lead to addiction include:5
- Professional Gambler: Professional gamblers are skilled and calculated. This goes beyond casual gambling and serves as someone’s livelihood.
- Casual Social Gambler: A casual social gambler, which is more common, is someone who might occasionally bet on card games, sporting events, or go to casinos with friends.
- Serious Social Gambler: The serious social gambler is someone who partakes in similar social gambling, but more frequently, the serious social gambler uses gambling as their sole means of coping with life challenges.
- Relief and Escape Gambler: Relief and escape gamblers engage in gambling to relieve an emotional need that might be tied into a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. Because of their emotional dependency, decisions are less calculated, which may lead to bigger losses.
- Conservative Gambler: Conservative gamblers are more about the experience and are cautious about spending. Because of this, the addiction potential is lower.
- Personality Gambler: The personality gambler has an intention to make money by any means necessary, even if that means is illegal.
- Compulsive Gambler: The compulsive gambler is one who lives a life primarily controlled by gambling and money. This is where we see most of the classical signs of gambling addiction.
Given that further research is still needed on gambling addiction, in general, the subtypes of gambling addiction do vary and are not necessarily concrete.
Signs of Gambling Addiction
Depending on the person and severity of the condition, the signs of gambling addiction may or may not be very obvious. More affluent individuals with higher incomes and personal bank accounts may be able to hide their problem gambling better than those with lower incomes and shared family accounts.
Signs of a gambling addiction may include:4
- An inability to stop gambling
- Hiding or lying about gambling
- Continuing despite the consequences
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not gambling
- Dysfunction in their daily lives
- Financial problems
- Stealing or unlawful behavior
- Expressing guilt or remorse after gambling
Symptoms of Gambling Addiction
According to the DSM-5, to be diagnosed with a gambling addiction, someone has to have a persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as indicated by the person exhibiting four (or more) of the following symptoms in a 12-month period:1
- Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement
- Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
- Has made repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
- Is often preoccupied with gambling (e.g., having persistent thoughts of reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble).
- Often gambles when feeling distressed (e.g., helpless, guilty, anxious, depressed).
- After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” one’s losses).
- Lies to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling.
- Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
- Relies on others to provide money to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.
The diagnosis is then provided a severity rating along a continuum of mild, moderate, and severe. For a mild diagnosis, 4 to 5 criteria are met; moderate diagnoses have 6 to 7 criteria met, and severe diagnoses have 8 to 9 criteria met.1
What Causes Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction can be set off by a major life transition, stress, negative emotions, et cetera. The onset of gambling addiction may also be complicated by the presence of a mental health or substance use disorder, as well as other physical health conditions.1 Given that the causes and triggers generally stem from something negative in someone’s life, it is important to consider and actively address those factors as well.
Common causes and triggers of gambling addiction include:6
- Retirement
- Traumatic circumstances
- Job-related stress
- Emotional upheaval, such as depression or anxiety
- Loneliness
- The presence of other addictions
- Environmental factors, such as friends or available opportunities.
Potential Risk Factors for Problem Gambling
Risk factors of gambling addiction do vary across individuals. For some, addiction begins as a means of feeling lucky, enjoying the excitement of gambling, having won money in the past, being influenced by others who gamble, or as a means of trying to “get rich quick” or get out of debt. In other cases, gambling may be convenient, as there is a local casino nearby or lottery ticket machines at every gas station and liquor or grocery store.7
Common risk factors for developing a gambling problem include:7
- Have an early big win (leading to false expectation of future wins)
- Have easy access to their preferred form of gambling
- Hold mistaken beliefs about the odds of winning
- Do not take steps to monitor gambling wins and losses
- Have had a recent loss or change, such as divorce, job loss, retirement or death of a loved one
- Often feel bored or lonely, or have a history of risk-taking or impulsive behavior
- Have financial problems
- Have few interests or hobbies, or feel their lives lack direction
- Have a history of mental health problems, particularly depression and anxiety
- Have been abused or traumatized
- Have a parent who also has (or has had) problems with gambling
- Have (or have had) problems with alcohol or other drugs, gambling or overspending
How to Stop Gambling: 6 Self-Help Tips
A lifestyle change is necessary if you want to quit gambling. A common saying with addiction recovery is that someone must change the “persons, places, and things” around them. The more changes made that further remove you from opportunities to gamble, the better.
Here are six effective strategies to help you stop gambling:
1. Distance Yourself From Locations & Situations Where People Are Gambling
Opportunities to gamble are all around us, especially now that online gambling is common. But a healthy starting place is distancing yourself from casinos, racetracks, bingo halls, off-track betting sites, and social events involving gambling. By avoiding these locations and situations, you are less likely to be tempted. When temptation does happen, try to engage in another healthy activity that serves to curb urges and cravings.
2. Join a Support Group
Support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous can provide a helpful network that not only help fight temptation to gamble in the moment but contribute toward an overall lifestyle change. By meeting with former gamblers, you are in the presence of others who “get it.” They have been there and can share their experiences, tips, tricks, and strategies to recover. And when things get tough, they can be there to help hold you accountable. Remember, you are never alone with gambling addiction—or any other problem for that matter. Strength is greater in numbers.
3. Block Online Gambling Websites
Given that 24/7 access to gambling is available online, it helps to block gambling websites. Beyond blocking gambling websites, reinforce the change further by unsubscribing to gambling emails and removing any browser cookies that show you gambling ads. If you find you’re still engaging in online gambling, think about limiting your time online to situations when it is more supervised, such as at work.
4. Befriend a New Social Circle
Although gambling can occur alone, many find it more fun with friends. When your social circle is primarily that of other gamblers, it can be tempting to gamble—even while in recovery. By befriending individuals who do not gamble but participate in other prosocial activities, gambling may become “out of sight, out of mind.” And when the activity is something healthy, it contributes to an overall better lifestyle.
5. Limit Your Access to Finances
When finances are limited, so are opportunities to gamble. The best bang for your buck occurs by setting up savings or brokerage accounts with limited access, cash deposits (CDs), bonds, stocks, money market account, 401K plans, or Roth IRAs. Having an additional individual to help monitor money is also helpful. This may include a trusted loved one, financial advisor, or accountant. Keep in mind, though, with your money on lockdown, it is then important to fight any temptation to sell personal valuables for money to gamble.
6. Engage in New or Old Enjoyable Activities
Aside from gambling, consider other activities you might enjoy or have enjoyed in the past. These may include working out, meditating, writing, drawing, sculpting, playing an instrument, reading, volunteering, and so much more. And if money is the primary driver of what you consider enjoyable, then invest time into something profitable such as inventing something, opening a business, or providing a service based on your knowledge and skillset.
Gambling Addiction Treatment
Treatment for gambling addiction must begin with an acknowledgment and acceptance of the problem.9 This is especially challenging, as many people don’t see their gambling as a problem or are in denial.2,9 Fortunately, there are many outpatient, inpatient, and residential programs available.9 And, because gambling disorder is a formally recognized diagnosable condition, it may be covered through one’s insurance or managed care organization.1
Gambling Addiction Therapy
Therapy is recommended, as it provides the opportunity for a patient and professional to acknowledge the problem; assess its severity; pinpoint causes, triggers, and risk factors; devise an individualized treatment plan; and provide ongoing support as necessary.
- Behavioral Therapy: Through the use of systematic exposure to the behavior one wants to unlearn, behavioral therapy teaches patients the necessary skills to reduce gambling urges.9 Over time, the urges subside, and the individual may more easily abstain from gambling.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT utilizes some similar strategies while working through problematic beliefs and thoughts that encourage one to gamble. By correcting problematic beliefs and thoughts, the urge to engage in gambling lessens—producing a similar result to that of behavioral therapy.
Motivation is critical toward positive treatment outcomes and timelines. Regardless of the type of therapy you choose, the outcome may be similar if you really want to stop. You have to be committed to change, and have consistency and intention throughout the recovery process.
If you relapse, it is important to get back on track immediately by engaging in coping skills, utilizing behavioral interventions, challenging negative thoughts, and speaking with people you trust (include a therapist).
Medication for Gambling Addiction
Similar medications to those used for mental health and substance use disorders have demonstrated promise for gambling addiction.9 Antidepressants and mood stabilizers, as well as narcotic antagonists, have been prescribed and have helped many people with gambling addiction.9
If you’re prescribed medication for another disorder, it is important to take it as prescribed. The better regulated your thoughts and emotions, the greater likelihood of recovery. Medications should be used to augment the above-mentioned therapies, not in place of them.
In-Patient Rehabilitation Facilities
For more serious gambling disorders in which you struggle to participate in healthy coping skills on your own (and even with some professional help), it may help to get away for a bit. In-patient rehabilitation facilities generally take place over the course of 30, 60, or 90 days. When you’re in an in-patient facility, you are removed from real-world temptations while participating in group counseling, individual counseling, structured activities, and family counseling and/or medication management (as applicable). Once you’ve gone through treatment, you now have the benefit of gamble-free time on your hands to rebuild your life.
How to Get Help for a Gambling Addiction
There are numerous organizations offering help for gambling addiction. Many major gambling organizations even offer information, advice, and assistance toward mitigating problematic gambling. You can also search an online therapist directory, where you can sort by expertise and credentials.
Once you’ve found a potential therapist, the next step is to follow up with a phone call or email with any specific questions. Considerations here may be the frequency of treatment, specialization of provider, patient success rates, and cost. If anything seems to be a mismatch, then proceed to the next therapist on your list. Once a match is found, schedule an appointment for as soon as possible. It is important to begin treatment right away, as a common issue beginning addiction treatment is that every passing moment is an opportunity to talk oneself out of going.
How to Help Someone With a Gambling Problem
If you believe that a loved one is addicted and want to help, it is important to first become informed about the addiction. Second, learn about what treatment options are available. Third, it’s time to have a difficult conversation. Here it is important to remain objective and supportive. Denial is likely.2,9 Do not take it personally and continue to remain objective and supportive.
“Do’s” & “Don’ts” for Helping a Loved One With Gambling Addiction
Do the following if a loved one has a gambling addiction:8
- Seek the support of others with similar problems; attend a self-help group for families such as Gam-Anon
- Recognize your partner’s good qualities
- Remain calm when speaking to your partner about his or her gambling and its consequences
- Let your partner know that you are seeking help for your own sake because of the way gambling affects you (and possibly children)
- Explain problem gambling to children
- Understand the need for treatment of problem gambling despite the time it may involve
- Set boundaries in managing money; take control of family finances; review bank and credit card statements
Don’t do the following if a loved one has a gambling addiction:8
- Preach, lecture or allow yourself to lose control of your anger
- Exclude the gambler from family life and activities
- Expect immediate recovery, or that all problems will be resolved when the gambling stops
- Bail out the gambler
- Cover up or deny the existence of the problem to yourself, the family or others
Remember that everybody is different and may respond differently. If your loved one immediately acknowledges the problem and is open to treatment, great. If the opposite happens, continue to remain by that person’s side but adhere to the recommendations above.
How to Cope With a Gambling Relapse
Although it’s not inevitable, the likelihood of gambling relapse is around 90%.10 Knowing this, it helps to prepare accordingly. Gambling relapse management plans, generally created by a therapist and client together, can go a long way. A relapse management plan is a strategic plan in which one prepares for relapse. Such plans should include healthy coping skills, safe settings, prosocial support contacts, emergency hotlines, support groups, and contingency financial plans.
A relapse management plan is only as good as the follow-through. That said, it is important to include people, places, and things that you are likely to go to when problems arise. It is important to check in with this plan early and often. The more you do this, the more likely you are to resort to it when necessary. Without a thoughtful plan, there is an increased likelihood that a single lapse or minor relapse may ultimately result in a return to the old, undesired behavior. Given that professionals are trained in addressing relapse and come from a nonjudgmental position, the best course of action is to work with a licensed therapist.
Gambling Addiction Facts & Statistics
Fortunately, much research has been done specific to gambling, in general, as well as gambling addiction. It’s important consider, however, that numbers associated with gambling addiction are estimated, as it is impossible to survey every gambler. Further, not every person with a gambling addiction will be honest regarding the severity of such behaviors. Regardless, the numbers collected indicate that there is a need for treatment and support to combat this growing problem.
Consider the following statistic about gambling addiction in the US:11
- 1% is the estimated percentage of Americans with severe gambling problems
- An estimated 3 million adults in America are at risk of compulsive gambling
- 3 to 5 out of 100 gamblers struggle with gambling addiction or disorders
- In America, about 15% of people gamble weekly and more than 80% of adults in America gamble annually
- American gamblers spend about $500 billion of their income each year on wagers
- Gambling addiction risk increases by 23 times for gamblers who also have alcohol disorders or addictions
