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This page discusses problem gambling highlighting two populations at the most risk: seniors and adolescents. Also discussed is the progression among female gamblers.

Problem gambling (or ludomania, but usually referred to as “gambling addiction” or “compulsive gambling“) is an urge to gamble continuously despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. Problem gambling is often defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others, rather than by the gambler’s behavior. Severe problem gambling may be diagnosed as clinical pathological gambling if the gambler meets certain criteria. Pathological gambling is a common disorder that is associated with both social and family costs.

The DSM-5 has re-classified the condition as an addictive disorder, with sufferers exhibiting many similarities to those who have substance addictions. The term gambling addiction has long been used in the recovery movement.^[1]Pathological gambling was long considered by the American Psychiatric Association to be an impulse control disorder rather than an addiction.^[2] However, data suggest a closer relationship between pathological gambling and substance use disorders than exists between PG and obsessive-compulsive disorder, largely because the behaviors in problem gambling and most primary substance use disorders (i.e., those not resulting from a desire to “self-medicate” for another condition such as depression) seek to activate the brain’s reward mechanisms while the behaviors characterizing obsessive-compulsive disorder are prompted by overactive and misplaced signals from the brain’s fear mechanisms.^[3]

Problem gambling is an addictive behavior with a high comorbidity with alcohol problems. Comorbidity is the presence of one or more diseases or disorders co-occurring with each other. A common feature shared by people who suffer from gambling addiction is impulsivity.

Gambling among older adults is on the rise, largely due to the availability and accessibility of options in the state. When gambling becomes a problem among seniors, it can be particularly challenging since it occurs at a time in a person’s life when recouping financial losses can be very difficult, if not impossible.

” Gambling among older adults is on the rise, largely due to the availability and accessibility of options in the state.”

For many seniors, gambling is an escape from boredom brought about by an increase of unstructured time after retirement, or following the death of a spouse or other loved one. For many, their social network may not be large enough to draw the necessary support. By 2020, there will be approximately 15 million Americans ages 65 and older living alone. As a result, many elders may turn to gambling, not only as a social and entertainment activity, but also as a means of trying to deal with the loss, the grief, and the time. However, gambling is not a risk-free activity, particularly among this population.

What makes seniors particularly vulnerable?

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There are several factors that contribute to why seniors are particularly vulnerable when confronting gambling-related difficulties. The ones most often identified include the following:

• The onset of retirement and unstructured time
• Loss of family members and other supports
• Memory challenges
• Physical limitations
• Lack of alternative activities
• Feelings of isolation
• Inability to recover financial losses
• Marketing by the gambling industry

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Harm Reduction-Positive Play Strategies

The vast majority of people that gamble do so without a problem. If you engage in gambling there are a number of strategies to keep in mind to reduce the harm that could be associated with gambling and keep gambling play positive.

• Gamble with others and set time limits
• Hope to win, expect to lose
• Have a plan B- other things to do
• Alcohol and gambling do not mix
• Don’t carry more money than you are prepared to lose
• Keep gambling as entertainment that has a cost

Characteristics of Social Gambling (not problem gambling):

• Play with a set amount of money, and when it’s gone, they are done. No IOUs to friends.
• Just want to have fun, doesn’t get worried about the money.
• Avoids high-stakes games with large pots.
• May play regularly, but limits playing to once or twice a week, and does so only with friends.

These Harm Reduction strategies may not work

Because gambling is quite popular in our society, many teenagers try out different gambling activities, including poker, dice, scratch cards and sports betting, among others.

Few adults and adolescents are aware of the risks associated with excessive gambling, which is expressed by a gradual loss of control over gambling behavior.

Youth Gambling

Why talk to Youth about Gambling? Studies indicate that Youth establish gambling patterns at an early age, often in the elementary school years. As youth get older these patterns advance with higher value items and an increasing number of games of chance. Evolving technology also allows youth to easily gain access to gambling activities. In addition, youth are at an increased risk of developing a gambling problem due to their risk-taking and developing decision-making skills.

Because gambling is quite popular in our society, many teenagers try out different gambling activities, including poker, dice, scratch cards and sports betting, among others.

Few adults and adolescents are aware of the risks associated with excessive gambling, which is expressed by a gradual loss of control over gambling behavior. Approximately 4-5% of youth, ages 12-17, meet one or more criteria of having a gambling problem. Another 10-14% are at risk of developing an addiction, which means that they already show signs of losing control over their gambling behavior.

• While the vast majority of players will gamble only on occasion and just for fun, others will gamble excessively and develop serious problems. Those players become preoccupied with gambling activities, become over-involved, neglecting their responsibilities and other activities, which can lead to various other problems.
• In general, between 60-80% of high school students report having gambled for money during the past year; 4-6% of these students are considered pathological gamblers (addicted to gambling) while another 6-8% are at risk of developing a serious gambling problem, or show signs of loss of control. Boys are more likely than girls to gamble and experience gambling problems. Yet for most parents and teens, gambling is seen as an innocuous behavior with few negative consequences. The difference between social gambling and pathological gamblinghttp://www.teenhelp.com/teen-issues/teen-gambling.html

Pathological teen gambling is a little more sinister. 4- 7% of teens display gambling problems – highschoolers have twice the rate of gambling problems as adults. At present, teen gambling addictions are more common among males, although females are becoming more involved in teenage gambling. Some signs of a pathological teen gambler include:

• Likes the rush felt when gambling.
• Takes money, but then makes desperate attempts to stay in the game by writing IOUs.
• Will try almost anything to stay in the game.
• Really wants to win “the big one,” but will keep playing even when losing a great deal.
• Plays online and has no qualms about using a credit card to gamble.

Signs of a teen gambling addiction

There are a few signs that a teenager may be involved in gambling addiction. Here are some of the red flags:

• Begins to sell personal belongings.
• Borrows money from friends and family and does not repay it.
• Steals and lies.
• Has large amounts of cash that cannot be explained.
• Has a great deal of debt that cannot be explained.
• Strangers call on the phone with increasing frequency.
• Withdraws from his or her regular social groups and activities.
• Makes “900” number calls to gambling numbers.
• Appears distracted and anxious; can be moody or depressed.
• Unexplained absences from school or work.
• Breaks curfew regularly.
• Spends hours on online gaming sites.
• Obsession with sports scores can indicate a sports gambling habit.

Monitoring gambling teens

One of the best things parents can do to prevent a teenage gambling addiction is to be involved. Let your teen know that he or she is welcome to have friendly poker games at your home, and then step in if the pot becomes too big, or if the teenagers start writing each other IOUs. Explain that social gambling on occasion can be fun, but that there are consequences to becoming too addicted to gambling. Some consequences for teen gambling addictions include:

• Declining grades.
• Habitual money problems.
• Less time for friends and family.
• The temptation to engage in illegal behavior to get money to pay off gambling debts – leading to possible jail time.

Associations with unsavory characters who could make life difficult if they are not paid.Teen Gambling Main source material:

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“Teens + Gambling = Trouble,” UConn Health Center in the News. UConn Office of Communications. [Online.]

Adolescents Self-evaluation

• Do you often find yourself thinking about gambling activities and/or planning the next time you will play?
• Do you need to spend more and more money on gambling activities to get the same level of excitement?
• Do you become restless, tense, fed-up, or bad-tempered when trying to cut down or stop gambling?
• Do you ever gamble to escape or forget problems?
• After losing money on gambling activities, do you ever return another day to try and win your money back?
• Have you lied to your family and friends about your gambling?
• Have you spent your lunch or transportation money on gambling activities?
• Have you taken money from someone you live with, without their knowledge, in order to gamble?
• Have you stolen money from outside the family or shoplifted in order to gamble?
• Have you experienced problems with members of your family or close friends because of your gambling?
• Have you missed school or work in order to participate in gambling activities?
• Have you ever had to ask for help because of your gambling?

IF YOU HAVE ANSWERED “YES” TO SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS YOU MAY BE LOSING CONTROL OVER YOUR GAMBLING BEHAVIOR

• Gap between women and male gamblers is dwindling
• Old estimates of 33% of compulsive gamblers as women seen as understatement
• Some states have more helpline calls from women than men
• Among gamblers age 45-64 women outnumber men
• 67% of women who seek help are between age 40 and 60

Causes of female gambling

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• Lifestyle changes such as retirement, loss or divorce lead to transition from social to problem gambling
• Gambling experience characterized by social isolation and self-abandonment
  Women gamble for anonymity and isolation, aim is to play (rather than win), dull feelings and forget
• Often victims of abuse or from family history of addiction

Escape gambling

• Gambling way to lose awareness of time, money lost and people
• 95% of women who gamble are escape gamblers- slots, video poker, lottery, bingo o Gambling as coping mechanism to forget overwhelming troubles and emotions
• Gambling used to escape, soothe, reduce stress and distract
• Mental health issues common: depression and anxiety
• Release from situational stress, demand from others and yearning for autonomy
• Gambling for mood management

Course of gambling

• Women begin gambling later than men but develop problems more quickly o Women engage in fewer types of gambling
• More likely to report financial problems, less access to financing than men o Women seek help faster than men
• Telescoping- rapid development of problem due to continuous play form of gambling and rapid reinforcement

Barriers to treatment

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• Women less accepted by society as gamblers, portrayed as mature nurturing mothers, loving daughters and responsible homemakers
• Societal gender roles and caregiver expectations
• Shame in breaching social and personal values, neglecting children and families, isolating from friends and jeopardizing employment
• Autonomy issues- drive to be self-reliant in dealing with problems
• Fear of judgment, exposure, shame and guilt
• Inaccurate information about treatment services and availability
• Women less likely to attend Gamblers Anonymous meetings: fear of being hit on by men, fear non-skilled gambling ridiculed, increased stigma and guilt, hard to share about abusive relationship and family issues
• Casinos as easy to get to, comfortable and familiar enough to go alone- safety and security

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