Gambling Addictions
Winning is great. The knowledge that you are the best, one-upping everyone around you, that glorious shining moment where everything comes together... It feels amazing. Gambling takes the excitement of anticipation with the pleasure of potential wins and then adds a cash incentive. For some, this can be a once-in-a-while play that's just a bit of fun. A night out with the girls. Raising the excitement at a football game. For others though, gambling can quickly spiral into a destructively addictive pattern of behaviour.
Popularity of Gambling
Something is considered a gamble when there is the promise of a reward but a significant risk is also present. Most often, this involves the gambler putting in some of their money with the hopes of a much larger payout. There is a wide variety of options available for those who wish to gamble, from the National Lottery to fruit machines in the local pub, but the rise in online gambling outlets has made it easier to play than ever before.
Research in 2016 by the UK Gambling Commission found that 48% of adults had engaged in some form of gambling in the month preceding their survey, rising from 45% the previous year. While these numbers are high, the number of respondents who identified as problem gamblers (scoring eight or above on the Problem Gambling Severity Index) was a comparatively low 0.7%, though GambleAware does suggest that this number is actually likely to be around 1.1%. Another 5.5% of those surveyed by the Gambling Commission considered themselves to be a moderate or low risk due to their gambling behaviour, scoring between two and eight on the PGSI.
While bingo dominates the field when it comes to betting in person, the rise of online gambling has made it easier for people to engage in a wide variety of gambling opportunities from home rather than venturing out to make a bet. The UK Gambling Commission found that 97% of gamblers play and bet at home. Many of these gamblers access their chosen outlet on a mobile or a tablet, meaning that it is more accessible and potentially harder to regulate than ever before.
The majority of the population only gamble once a week or less. Only 23% of respondents reported gambling two or more days in a week, with men showing the highest rates of gambling behaviour. Gambling was also especially prevalent in respondents between the ages of 35 and 64, though young people – between 16 and 24 - proved more likely to be highlighted as having a gambling problem than any other age group.
Research in 2016 by the UK Gambling Commission found that 48% of adults had engaged in some form of gambling in the month preceding their survey, rising from 45% the previous year. While these numbers are high, the number of respondents who identified as problem gamblers (scoring eight or above on the Problem Gambling Severity Index) was a comparatively low 0.7%, though GambleAware does suggest that this number is actually likely to be around 1.1%. Another 5.5% of those surveyed by the Gambling Commission considered themselves to be a moderate or low risk due to their gambling behaviour, scoring between two and eight on the PGSI.
While bingo dominates the field when it comes to betting in person, the rise of online gambling has made it easier for people to engage in a wide variety of gambling opportunities from home rather than venturing out to make a bet. The UK Gambling Commission found that 97% of gamblers play and bet at home. Many of these gamblers access their chosen outlet on a mobile or a tablet, meaning that it is more accessible and potentially harder to regulate than ever before.
The majority of the population only gamble once a week or less. Only 23% of respondents reported gambling two or more days in a week, with men showing the highest rates of gambling behaviour. Gambling was also especially prevalent in respondents between the ages of 35 and 64, though young people – between 16 and 24 - proved more likely to be highlighted as having a gambling problem than any other age group.
Health Risks
An addiction to gambling can have many of the same effects as any other addiction. Fulfilling cravings by playing or winning a bet can give the gambler a great feeling of reward and pleasure, followed by a swift low once the stimulation leaves. The stress caused by the financial strain of a gambling addiction can cause a great amount of worry and the gambler may feel guilty about the money they have spent. All of this can have a detrimental impact on their mental health. As with substance abuse problems, however, research has found it difficult to determine whether gambling is the root cause of the associated depression or anxiety or if a predisposition towards these illnesses also makes addictive behaviour more likely.
Unlike addictions to cocaine or alcohol, there is no physical limit to how much gambling an addict can take part in. While an alcoholic may drink themselves into a stupor, preventing further consumption, a gambling addict can keep playing as long as they have access to some money or means of payment. This makes it very easy for them to rack up huge debts in a short amount of time, playing to try and recoup their losses but instead plunging themselves further into debt. This, along with the increased likelihood of the gambler struggling with depression or anxiety, mean that suicide rates are abnormally high among gambling addicts. It is estimated that around a fifth of problem gamblers will attempt suicide at some point – a significantly higher percentage than any other addiction.
A gambling addiction can be all-consuming, leading the gambler to neglect their body's needs. Sleep is one of the big victims in this as they may find themselves focusing on their game instead of thinking about going to bed at a sensible time. It can also be harder for a gambling addict to switch off properly, leaving them with fragmented or unsatisfying sleep. This can go on to affect their ability to function properly in every day life and can even affect their judgement while gambling, increasing the likelihood that they will bet outside their means and push themselves further into debt. One study on the sleeping habits of problem gamblers found that, on average, they lost 69 hours of sleep per month.
Obesity is a common side-effect of a long-term gambling problem. It's thought that this may be due to the impulsive behaviours associated with gambling addiction but the emotional stresses of a gambling problem may also increase the likelihood of comfort eating, further raising the probability of weight issues. The sedentary nature of gambling is thought to also contribute to the problem, as most forms of play require little to no physical activity from the individual gambler.
Unlike addictions to cocaine or alcohol, there is no physical limit to how much gambling an addict can take part in. While an alcoholic may drink themselves into a stupor, preventing further consumption, a gambling addict can keep playing as long as they have access to some money or means of payment. This makes it very easy for them to rack up huge debts in a short amount of time, playing to try and recoup their losses but instead plunging themselves further into debt. This, along with the increased likelihood of the gambler struggling with depression or anxiety, mean that suicide rates are abnormally high among gambling addicts. It is estimated that around a fifth of problem gamblers will attempt suicide at some point – a significantly higher percentage than any other addiction.
A gambling addiction can be all-consuming, leading the gambler to neglect their body's needs. Sleep is one of the big victims in this as they may find themselves focusing on their game instead of thinking about going to bed at a sensible time. It can also be harder for a gambling addict to switch off properly, leaving them with fragmented or unsatisfying sleep. This can go on to affect their ability to function properly in every day life and can even affect their judgement while gambling, increasing the likelihood that they will bet outside their means and push themselves further into debt. One study on the sleeping habits of problem gamblers found that, on average, they lost 69 hours of sleep per month.
Obesity is a common side-effect of a long-term gambling problem. It's thought that this may be due to the impulsive behaviours associated with gambling addiction but the emotional stresses of a gambling problem may also increase the likelihood of comfort eating, further raising the probability of weight issues. The sedentary nature of gambling is thought to also contribute to the problem, as most forms of play require little to no physical activity from the individual gambler.
Social Consequences
The health risks associated with a gambling addiction may seem less impactful than those of individuals with a substance addiction, the social impacts can be devastating. While an alcoholic can wean themselves off alcohol and eventually return to some level of normality, it is possible for the effects of a gambling addiction to be felt long after the final bet is placed. A gambling addiction can ravage savings and build up debt, causing strain and financial stress on families far beyond the duration of their addiction.
With money being used to fuel their gambling addiction, a problem gambler may find themselves unable to afford the needs of their family. This can force the gambler to rely on other family members to take care of these needs, like putting food on the table or sorting out phone bills, putting a great strain on these relationships. Arguing over finances can increase the tension within a household and create a distance between the gambler and their family members. Depression and anxiety can affect the family members of a gambling addict just as much as the addict themselves.
Children can be impacted by the arguments and financial strain that a gambling addiction causes. Their gambling parent may be distant because of their addiction or miss important events due to their focus on a particular game, leading to feelings of abandonment or sadness over broken promises within the child. They can feel responsible for their parent's problem behaviour or concerned over the arguments at home. This can have long-lasting consequences as the child may go on to develop problematic coping strategies and behavioural issues at school. Children who have grown up around problem gambling are also far more likely to form a gambling addiction when older themselves.
Even if a gambling addict manages to limit their gambling to prevent the impact it has on those around them, the secretive behaviours associated with a gambling addiction can cause strain in their relationships. A problem gambler may be secretive about their finances, working to conceal how much they've bet and how much money they have lost. There can also be a lot of guilt associated with a gambling addiction as the individual is likely to be aware of just how intensely it is affecting them.
With money being used to fuel their gambling addiction, a problem gambler may find themselves unable to afford the needs of their family. This can force the gambler to rely on other family members to take care of these needs, like putting food on the table or sorting out phone bills, putting a great strain on these relationships. Arguing over finances can increase the tension within a household and create a distance between the gambler and their family members. Depression and anxiety can affect the family members of a gambling addict just as much as the addict themselves.
Children can be impacted by the arguments and financial strain that a gambling addiction causes. Their gambling parent may be distant because of their addiction or miss important events due to their focus on a particular game, leading to feelings of abandonment or sadness over broken promises within the child. They can feel responsible for their parent's problem behaviour or concerned over the arguments at home. This can have long-lasting consequences as the child may go on to develop problematic coping strategies and behavioural issues at school. Children who have grown up around problem gambling are also far more likely to form a gambling addiction when older themselves.
Even if a gambling addict manages to limit their gambling to prevent the impact it has on those around them, the secretive behaviours associated with a gambling addiction can cause strain in their relationships. A problem gambler may be secretive about their finances, working to conceal how much they've bet and how much money they have lost. There can also be a lot of guilt associated with a gambling addiction as the individual is likely to be aware of just how intensely it is affecting them.
Work and Employment Consequences
Prioritising gambling can also impact the gambler's ability to function in the working world and wider society. They may struggle to focus at work or may even try gambling on the job, risking their employment along with their money. Additionally, the impact a gambling addiction has on the sleep and mental health of the individual can lead them to struggle in social situations, impacting their ability to build relationships or network effectively.
Financial Consequences
The cost of a gambling addiction on the individual can eat up savings and run up debt as around 90% of problem gamblers are thought to use credit to facilitate their play. Gamblers in the UK lost £12.6 billion in 2015, with the average Brit losing around £300 across the year. The cost to problem gamblers, however, is harder to pin down as so few will attempt to access treatment.
A report commissioned by the charity GambleAware in 2016 found problem gamblers - only around 1% of the population - could cost UK society £1.2 billion every year. Around £760 million of this is attributed to the NHS as it provides inpatient services and support for the mental health issues associated with the gambling addiction. Housing and welfare services also make up a significant portion of this cost. Those with significant gambling problems may find themselves unable to hold employment and, as debt increases, struggling with their rent or mortgages. The criminal cost – particularly jail time – is thought to cost around £190 million every year. These estimates are, however, thought to be well under the true figure.
A report commissioned by the charity GambleAware in 2016 found problem gamblers - only around 1% of the population - could cost UK society £1.2 billion every year. Around £760 million of this is attributed to the NHS as it provides inpatient services and support for the mental health issues associated with the gambling addiction. Housing and welfare services also make up a significant portion of this cost. Those with significant gambling problems may find themselves unable to hold employment and, as debt increases, struggling with their rent or mortgages. The criminal cost – particularly jail time – is thought to cost around £190 million every year. These estimates are, however, thought to be well under the true figure.
Criminal Risks
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For the most part, the legal age for gambling is eighteen years old. This includes any gambling that takes place in a casino, betting shop, and race tracks. Other forms of gambling – such as the National Lottery and certain low-stakes forms – have a slightly lowered restriction of 16 years of age, while games like coin pushers or grabbing machines have no recommended age restriction. Failing to follow these restrictions can result in the premises losing their licences and an underage gambler may be unable to collect any prize they win.
Research suggests that around a quarter of all gambling addicts engage in some sort of criminal act. Theft is the most commonly associated crime as the gambler becomes desperate for a way to fund their addiction. For some, this may be taking money from friends or family without them knowing but there are numerous cases of embezzlement or theft from stores to conceal their gambling debts across the internet. |
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Signs of Addiction
Secretive behaviour is common among addicts and problem gamblers are not different. While this can make it difficult to detect a gambling addiction until it has taken hold, there are warning signs to look out for.
The gambler may notice that their mind is obsessed with gambling, eagerly anticipating the next game and feeling unable to stop. They might notice that they don't want to tell anyone about their gambling or how much money they are spending on it. Realising that the compulsion to gamble even when it exceeds their budget can also signal an addiction.
Loved ones of a gambling addict may notice the secretive behaviour, particularly in relation to money, or may realise that the gambler's finances don't add up. They may also find that a gambling addict grows anxious or irritable if they are forced to go without playing for a period of time. The addict may choose to stay in and bet rather than engage in social situations or their entire social life may revolve around premises that allow gambling.
The gambler may notice that their mind is obsessed with gambling, eagerly anticipating the next game and feeling unable to stop. They might notice that they don't want to tell anyone about their gambling or how much money they are spending on it. Realising that the compulsion to gamble even when it exceeds their budget can also signal an addiction.
Loved ones of a gambling addict may notice the secretive behaviour, particularly in relation to money, or may realise that the gambler's finances don't add up. They may also find that a gambling addict grows anxious or irritable if they are forced to go without playing for a period of time. The addict may choose to stay in and bet rather than engage in social situations or their entire social life may revolve around premises that allow gambling.
Treatment Options
Therapy focused on the underlying cause for the addictive behaviour or the associated mental health issues is the most likely treatment option for a gambling addiction. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a talking therapy which helps the patient notice negative patterns of behaviour and enables them to break these cycles, has been found to be particularly effective. There are also groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous or GamCare, available to provide support for gambling addicts and there families.
The debt accrued through a gambling addiction can be one of the biggest inhibitors when it comes to a problem gambler seeking help as they can often find themselves caught in a cycle of trying to win back the lost money through more gambling. While support groups and therapies can provide guidance to help break this cycle, there is a wide variety of other agencies available to provide free debt advice. With support, the gambling addict can break their habits and begin to repair their finances and the affected relationships.
The debt accrued through a gambling addiction can be one of the biggest inhibitors when it comes to a problem gambler seeking help as they can often find themselves caught in a cycle of trying to win back the lost money through more gambling. While support groups and therapies can provide guidance to help break this cycle, there is a wide variety of other agencies available to provide free debt advice. With support, the gambling addict can break their habits and begin to repair their finances and the affected relationships.
Hypnosis for Gambling Addiction
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