Counseling Center
Gambling Addiction and Compulsion
We now live in a society that openly encourages gambling. Most states have lotteries, many have established sites for legal casino gambling, and the Internet has made gambling accessible to almost everyone. Philadelphia will be opening casinos with slot machines within the year and Atlantic City is just a 45 minute drive from campus. The increased media coverage of sporting events has also contributed to a significant increase in sports betting in the United States. While most people handle recreational gambling in a controlled way, for many it can become an overwhelming addiction. In recent years, gambling has become recognized as a national problem. In particular, there has been a growing concern about gambling among youth and college students.
What is a Gambling Addiction?
Just like any addiction, gambling addictions can wreak havoc with an individual’s life as well as the lives of his or her loved ones. Financial, emotional, and mental health problems are some of the ways in which a gambling addiction can ravage a person’s life. The growth of Internet and online gambling has added to the problem. While healthy and monitored gambling is a fun activity, a serious gambling problem is nothing short of debilitating, not unlike other addictions like alcoholism and drug addiction. The good news is that, just like any addiction, an addiction to gambling can be managed and brought under control.
Some Facts about College Student Gambling
- Most people that gamble do so occasionally or in a controlled way. For 15-20%, however, it may create some problems in their lives.
- Five percent of adults and 8% of those under 21 fit the criteria for compulsive gamblers.
- Nationwide illegal sports betting is estimated to be $80 to $100 billion a year. In Nevada, the 115 legal sports books grossed $7.8 billion in 2005.
- A 2004 survey found problem or pathological gambling in 8% of young adults 18-24 (traditional college age range).
- Problem/compulsive gamblers are disproportionately represented among males, fraternity/sorority, members, binge drinkers, alcoholics, drug abusers, 16 to 23 year olds, and those obsessed with video games.
- "After two months of research into sports gambling, Sports Illustrated found it impossible to visit a college campus and not find sophisticated on or off campus book making operations with a large student clientele that included athletes."
- Gambling in the student population is often linked to missing classes, dropping out of school, drug abuse, engaging in criminal activities.
- In a 1999 survey of 640 collegiate officials, 40 percent indicated that they placed a bet on a sporting event, and more than 20 percent indicated they had bet on the NCAA basketball tournament. Fourteen referees acknowledged betting on sports with a bookie.
Compulsive Gambling Information
Compulsive gambling is a progressive behavior disorder in which an individual has a psychologically uncontrollable preoccupation and urge to gamble. Unless treated, the gambling will reach the point where it compromises, disrupts, and then destroys the gambler’s personal life, family relationships, and school/career pursuits.
Possible Progression of a Gambling Addiction
- Winning Phase Gambling wins enhance self-image and ego. Losses are rationalized as temporary bad luck. The gambler feels intense excitement and identifies with being a winner.
- Losing Stage Losses outweigh wins and all gains are wiped out. The gambler begins to chase losses (gamble in order to get even). He/she will borrow money, sell possessions to get gambling resources in the belief that losses can be won back.
- Desperation Stage Compulsive gamblers think only about gambling. They may exhibit visible personality changes. They are driven. Gambling takes priority over work, school, family, and other life aspects. They will pile up severe debts that create more life problems. They often experience severe mood swings and may commit crimes to get gambling money. Compulsive gamblers do not see a future without gambling. Suicide may be considered as a way out.
Gamblers Anonymous Compulsive Gambling Questionnaire
The first step to getting help for your gambling problem is determining if you have a gambling problem. Below is the Gamblers Anonymous twenty question test to determine if the signs/symptoms of an addiction exist.
- Do you lose time from school or work due to gambling?
- Have your grades dropped because of gambling?
- Have you gambled at school?
- Is gambling making your home or personal life unhappy?
- Is gambling affecting your reputation?
- Is gambling the most exciting thing you do?
- Does your life center around sports related events or literature?
- Have references to gambling or gambling language increased your language and/or conversation?
- Do you gamble to escape worry or trouble?
- Has gambling caused a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
- Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
- Have you ever been reluctant to use gambling money for normal expenditures?
- Do you ever gamble longer than you planned?
- Do you ever borrow to finance gambling?
- Have you ever sold any real or personal property to finance gambling?
- Have you ever committed or considered committing an illegal act to finance gambling?
- Does gambling cause you to have difficulty sleeping?
- Do you often gamble until your dollar is gone?
- After a win, do you have a strong urge to win more?
- After losing do you feel you must return as soon as possible and back your losses?
- Do arguments, disappointments, or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
- Do you have an urge to celebrate good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
- Have you ever considered suicide as a way of solving your gambling related problems?
On this Compulsive Gambling Questionnaire most compulsive gamblers answer “yes” to at least seven of these questions.
Why Students Gamble
- Attraction to risk-taking
- Increased campus proximity to casinos
- Entertainment
- The excitement of taking road trips to casinos
- The promise of quick riches
- Fascination with the stroke of luck
- Natural adrenaline-induced high
- Availability of easy credit
- Accessibility of ATM machines
- Free alcohol in casinos
Recognizing a Gambling Problem with Friends and Family Members
- Unexplained absences from school or classes.
- Sudden drop in grades.
- Change of personality
- Possession of a large amount of money; brags about winnings.
- An unusual interest in newspapers, magazines or periodicals having to do with horseracing.
- An intense interest in gambling conversations
- Exaggerated display of money and/or material possessions?
- Visible changes in behavior (e.g. mood changes, behavior problems, etc.)
- Increased use of gambling language including “bet” in conversation.
Actions to Consider When Trying Get Someone Help
- Verify that the person may have a gambling problem with a mutual friend or relative.
- Tell the person that you care about him or her.
- Tell the person what he or she has done that has raised your concern and how you feel.
- Be willing to listen to what each person has to say.
- Tell the person what you’d like to see him or her do including:
- setting limits on gambling
- talking to another trusted person
- getting professional help.
- Tell the person what you are willing to do. including:
- being available to talk again
- assisting in finding help
- Do not enable by lending money or helping to get gambling resources
Where You Can Get Help
- Counseling Center 610-660-1090
- National Council on Gambling Problem 1-800-522-4700
Web Sites