Gambling is insidious of all the behaviours human possesses because it gives the illusion of easy money-making, which, on the contrary, can lead to financial ruin. No doubt, gambling is both fun and entertaining activity, but only when done in limits. However, when anything ‘fun’ and ‘interesting’ gets out of hand, it solely becomes a problem. The same theory is applied in the gambling world as well. It is called compulsive gambling or problem gambling. Read more to find out everything about gambling addiction.

Types of gambling addiction

Since gambling involves various activities and games, so does gambling addiction. It is not always easy to spot a problem gambler because it can be anything from buying a lottery ticket or betting with a friend, to slacking entire day in front of the slot machines or blackjack tables.

One type of gambling addiction is the addiction to earn more money due to financial issues. It can occur when a person feels the need for more money and the only way to achieve it is by betting lumpsum amounts, with the expectation of gaining back the same or a more substantial sum of money. Unfortunately, this seldom happens, and they one end up losing their investment.

The next type of problem gambling arises due to choosing the emotion of gambling high, that occurs when you’re on a winning streak. Some are just addicted to the feeling it provides when there is a win or even loss as they get the calling nerve to bet more amount into it.

Causes of compulsive gambling

• Emotional needs
• Desperation and greed to earn more money
• Social status of being a successful gambler
• The entertainment it provides

Signs of gambling addiction

Although like mentioned above, it is not always easy to spot a problem gambler as the intensity of addiction varies from one person to another, some sure shot hints scream ‘addiction’. They are:

• The need to be secretive about their gambling whereabouts and routines
• Gamble despite having no money
• Putting relationships at stake for gambling
• Continually increasing the stakes to win higher amounts
• Gambling to escape emotional, financial and other personal problems.

Risk factors involved

The risk factors involved in compulsive gambling are:

• Mental health issues: They will tend to have mental health issues, and they’re not just limited to depression or anxiety, but also other conditions like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder etc.
• Medical conditions: It can lead to medical conditions that need immediate attention. Patients who undergo treatment are usually provided medications that are used to relieve restless legs syndrome and eliminate Parkinson’s disease.
• Involvement among family and friends: Although it sounds stupid in theory, it is medically proven that a family history of compulsive gambling can be passed on to their offsprings and generations as well.

Treatment and Prevention

For many problem gamblers, it is a problem to quit gambling, but the biggest challenge is to contain themselves permanently from gambling. Online gambling’s’ popularity, with various games available at the tip of your fingers, it is often a task to keep them in radar. However, appropriate and necessary steps need to be taken to ensure that they do not develop the habit again or relapse.