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Gambling addiction is a term heard with increasing frequency today. Some would claim that this is due to the increased accessibility to gaming facilities afforded by the growing online component of the casino industry. In fact, gambling addiction has long been known among race-goers and slot machine fans and it is more likely the recent calls for more responsible gambling that have highlighted this phenomenon.

 

Despite the huge turnover and profit enjoyed by casino operators worldwide, the vast majority of their clients demonstrate caution and common sense in their gambling activities. Casinos, both on land and in cyberspace, provide harmless fun and hours of enjoyment for the bulk of their visitors whilst less than five percent of punters are influenced negatively by the lure of a quick buck. Nevertheless, for this small but significant percentage of gamblers, the consequences can be far-reaching and disastrous. Frequently, homes, jobs and cars are lost to gambling debts and families irreparably damaged by the consequences of such losses.

 

Those affected by gambling addiction present either as problematic or pathological gamblers. The latter, and more serious category accounts for about a quarter of all those affected.

 

Casinos typically display a list of warning signs that may be used to detect early evidence of problematic gambling...

 

The following represent a useful guide for friends or relatives to appraise a player’s potential for addiction…

 

·         Gambling ever more frequently and spending more.

·         Ignoring work and family responsibilities to concentrate on gambling.

·         A tendency to obtain stake money by any possible means.

·         Clear evidence that the subject experiences an emotional high when playing.

·         Overlooking losses and other unpleasant consequences to continue gambling.

·         Borrowing or even stealing money to finance the habit.

·         Being oblivious to the losses whilst playing up every small win.

·         Modifications of mood that follow gambling successes and failures.

·         An attitude of secrecy designed to conceal gambling expenses.

 

A gambler exhibiting four or more of these signs may be well on the road to a serious addiction and in need of help as a matter of urgency. Delay is likely to lead to the appearance of further signs and the onset of more serious consequences.

Addiction occurs when a once occasional player progresses to habitual gambler. Very soon, only more gambling will satisfy this growing appetite.

The good news is that problematic gamblers can be successfully by seeking help from such concerned organisations as Gamblers Anonymous.