Recent research by the UKGC has shown that more than 2,000 people per year seek help for their gambling addiction at casinos not on Gamestop. “Although the number of people seeking help for gambling has been declining for years, the share of people experiencing problems with online gambling is growing. And there are relatively many young people among them,” says the UKGC.
Recognizing Gambling Addiction
Recent research by the UKGC has shown that more than 2,000 people per year seek help for their gambling addiction.
“Although the number of people seeking help for gambling has been declining for years, the share of people experiencing problems with online gambling is growing. And there are relatively many young people among them,” says the UKGC.
The Definition & Characteristics of Gambling Addiction
The term ‘gambling addiction’ is now being replaced in psychiatry and psychology by ‘gambling disorder’. A gambling disorder is defined as persistent and recurrent gambling behavior that leads to significant impairment or distress. To meet the diagnosis, at least 4 of the following characteristics must be present:
- Having to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the desired excitement.
- Being restless and irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling.
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down, quit, or control.
- Often thinking about gambling (reliving it, planning next games, how to get money to gamble).
- Often gamble to escape problems or unpleasant feelings (helplessness, guilt, worry, sadness).
- Gambling again to win back lost money (chasing losses).
- Lying to conceal the seriousness of the gambling behavior.
- Endangering or losing important relationships, work, education, career due to gambling.
- Needing money from others to alleviate hopeless financial problems.
Even if someone does not meet these criteria, problem gambling can still occur. Various studies use a scale to divide gambling players into low-risk gamblers, risky gamblers and problematic gamblers:
Low-risk Gambler
Has gambled, but has never lost more than €100 in a day or has lost more than €100, but does not meet any of the above criteria.
Risky Gambler
Has lost more than $100 gambling in a day and meets one or two of the above criteria.
Problematic Gambler
Has lost more than $100 gambling in a day and meets three or four of the above criteria.
Causes & Risk Factors of Gambling Addiction at Non GamStop Casinos
The exact causes of gambling addiction are not fully known, but there are several risk factors that can contribute to the development of a gambling addiction.
One of the most important risk factors appears to be genetic predisposition. Research has shown that the risk of developing a gambling addiction is greater in people with a family history of addiction problems. In addition, the environment also seems to play a role, such as the availability of gambling games and the social acceptance of gambling. Furthermore, personality characteristics such as impulsiveness, sensation seeking and low self-esteem can contribute to the development of a gambling addiction. Psychological problems such as depression and anxiety disorders can also play a role, as people with these problems may see gambling as a way to reduce their negative feelings.
Finally, there are certain groups that have an increased risk of developing a gambling addiction, such as young adults and the elderly, men (there are two to three times more gambling-addicted men than gambling-addicted women) and people who previously or simultaneously deal with other forms of gambling addiction.
It is important to emphasize that having one or more risk factors does not automatically mean that someone will actually develop a gambling addiction.
