What We Know (and don’t know) About Problem Gambling

Who is at risk?

Until recently, the “problem gambler” was profiled as an outgoing, intelligent, competitive, middle class male. As opportunities to gamble have increased and our understanding of the problem has broadened, we know that problem gamblers can be male or female, and they can be found among all age groups, in all walks of life.

While there is no longer a typical problem gambler, we do know that problem gamblers are more likely than others to exhibit one or more of the following traits:

• a family history of addiction, abuse, or neglect
• recent loss, trauma, or stress
• poor coping and problem-solving skills
• early positive associations with gambling
• belief in “magical thinking” and illusions about the odds of winning

What does problem gambling have in common with other addictions?

• short-lived pleasurable feelings, euphoria
• anticipation accompanied by a physical “rush” (sweaty palms, rapid heard beat, nausea)
• relief from negative feelings
• tolerance: increasing amounts (bets, doses) needed to achieve the desired effect
• withdrawal symptoms during abstinence, including craving, anxiety, and insomnia
• dependence
• loss of control
• dissociative-like states
• continued involvement despite negative consequences

Can problem gambling lead to substance abuse and vice versa?

Problem gamblers have a higher rate of alcohol and other drug abuse than the general population. Conversely, alcohol and drug abusers are more likely to have a gambling problem. However, the nature of the relationship between addictions is not always clear. In general, drinking is thought to decrease the gambler’s self-control but is not a primary cause of problem gambling.

When the underlying problems have not been addressed, a person may switch from one type of addictive behaviour to another. For example, recovering alcoholics may find that the “action” of gambling is similar to the high they get from drinking. Both gambling and substance abuse can produce an absorption state. Clients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, or who are currently in recovery, should be screened for gambling problems and warned of the potential for these problems. Heavy gambling can also be a factor in relapse to a chemical addiction.

Addiction Services

For additional information contact 1-800-461-1234.