A gambling disorder occurs when someone has an uncontrollable urge to gamble, despite the harms—or negative consequences—they experience because of it. In recent years, the number of people with gambling problems has increased considerably.

First, Let’s Define Gambling

So, what is gambling? Gambling is when you bet money or something of value on the results of a game, competition, or event where chance partially drives the outcome. However, many are confused about what exactly gambling is. Would you consider poker gambling, even though there is skill involved? Would you consider sports betting gambling, even though someone knowledgeable about the sport could make a very educated prediction? Yes, although both games require some skill, a high level of chance is still necessary for you to win.

One reason why gambling disorder has become prevalent, is because access to gambling has dramatically increased over the past decades. Before 1990, legalized gambling was either lottery tickets or a trip to places like Las Vegas. By the 2000s, most people could drive to a casino within 100 miles of their home. By 2020, sports betting became accessible on your phone or computer. This growth in accessibility has changed how people gamble.

The increase in the number of people with gambling problems has shown to be linked to the increase in the availability of gambling opportunities. An estimated 1.2% to 6.2% of Americans suffer from gambling addiction, impacting up to 20 million individuals. In addition, over half of all slot machine players are reported to experience gambling-related problems. When gambling is easier to access, more people participate, increasing their exposure to the risks of problem gambling. This even affects younger populations, with an estimated 500,000 teenagers already dealing with gambling problems. As opportunities to gamble have increased, so too has the likelihood of individuals facing gambling-related difficulties.

That’s not to say that the increase in gambling has directly caused the increase in gambling problems. Think of it this way: if there is an increase in High School football teams, there will also be an increase in the number of football players. As a result, there will inevitably be an increase in players who become injured. But the increase in teams is not the reason for the increase in injuries; it merely increases the likelihood of injuries.

So, while increased availability does not directly cause gambling disorder, it significantly raises the likelihood of excessive gambling and the development of related problems.

Gambling disorder is a serious mental health problem that can be challenging to detect. Sometimes, even the person who experiences gambling harms may not recognize they have a problem. It is also one of the more stigmatized problems, as others tend to think the person with the problem can easily stop and fix it.

Gambling disorder symptoms include:

• Preoccupation with gambling, including actively gambling, planning future gambling activities, and thinking of ways to get more money for gambling.
• Having to increase the amount of money gambled to get the same thrill.
• Lying about gambling habits to family and friends.
• Inability to control or cut back on gambling habits.
• Frequenting gambling establishments often.
• Using gambling as a means to escape problems and stress.
• Experiencing symptoms like irritability and restlessness when attempting to stop gambling.
• Choosing to gamble even with the risk of losing relationships with family and friends.
• Loss of work and educational opportunities because of gambling.
• Asking others for financial help when you have no money left because of gambling.
• Involvement in criminal activity for money to continue gambling or to pay off debts.

People gamble for different reasons. Most gamble because it can be a fun social activity, and they dream about winning money or getting some comps. It creates excitement and a way to escape from life’s challenges. Sports betting, in particular, can be a fun way to enjoy an event.

For some people, however, distractions from life’s problems, the urge for the thrill of winning, and the need for money can drive them to treat gambling as more than a simple, fun activity. Instead, individuals may start to gamble to make money or to avoid difficult emotional experiences. These people may be at significant risk of experiencing gambling-related harms and develop a gambling disorder.

There is no simple answer to why or what causes people to develop a gambling disorder gamble. The fact is that processes in the brain are hard to identify or measure completely. Just like our thoughts and behaviors are rarely black and white, gambling addiction is also influenced by our desires, thoughts, and behaviors, as well as our biology and genetics. However, there may be psychological processes that occur in someone experiencing gambling addiction.

Gambling disorder is characterized by persistent gambling that is difficult to stop or reduce despite experiencing significant negative consequences, harming either the gambler or another person. Gambling disorder is within the Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5).

However, having a gambling disorder does not mean the brain is “broken.” Similar to Substance Use Disorders, individuals diagnosed with Gambling Disorder may show increased dopamine transmission within the mesolimbic pathway of the brain in the presence of gambling-related cues. This neural activation has been associated with motivational processes. However, neural connections are plastic—meaning the brain constantly adjusts its structure and function in response to our interactions with our environment. So, somebody can unlearn reactions to gambling cues.

The Reward System

Everyone’s brain contains a mesolimbic pathway, sometimes called the “reward pathway,” which includes a collection of
dopamine-releasing neurons. This tract regulates motivation, reinforcement learning, response-reward (stimulus-reward), and other necessary functions. When a particular stimulus leads to a dopamine release, the brain learns to repeat the behavior that caused the release. Although everyone’s brain experiences this dopamine release, this cycle is often associated with addiction.

Again, having a gambling disorder does not mean the brain is “broken.” Understand that reward pathways and related neurotransmitters are part of everyday life. It is part of being happy and part of being motivated to do the things we do.

For someone with a gambling disorder, however, there may be a lack of rewarding alternatives in their life. Others might struggle to control the urge or the impulse to place a bet. Further, life challenges or a history of life challenges or traumas may also make gambling engagement hard to control. Finally, some combination of these life events can lead to a strong desire to gamble. There also is a chance that the dopamine system may then become a coping mechanism that overrides any desire to stop gambling.

As psychologists, we also know that our thoughts, urges, impulses, and even our neural connections are able to be changed over time and with treatment to allow someone with gambling disorder to unlearn their addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, we at TGC® are here to help.

No one thing predicts that a person will likely develop a gambling disorder, but two predictors that do stand out as leading to a higher risk include:

1. has a family member who has/had a gambling disorder.
2. started gambling at a young age.

Is Gambling Addiction Disorder Genetic?

Contrary to popular belief, addictive behaviors are not a directly identifiable part of someone’s genetic code. What someone may inherit is a tendency to be impulsive.

Impulsivity contains three components:

1. recognizing that something might be rewarding
2. developing a drive or motivation to engage in the rewarding thing
3. having difficulty inhibiting a response

The tendency to act on impulse increases the likelihood someone may develop an addictive behavior. Therefore, it is not the addiction itself that is hereditary.

Furthermore, impulsivity is a complex trait that depends on a variety of factors in addition to genetics, which further removes addiction from being a hereditary trait.

No one thing predicts that a person will likely develop a gambling disorder, but two predictors that do stand out as leading to a higher risk include:

1. has a family member who has/had a gambling disorder.
2. started gambling at a young age.

Related Conditions to Gambling Disorder

Gambling disorder often coexists with various other conditions, some of which involve addictive behaviors or substance dependencies. Recognizing these related conditions can help in understanding the complexity and treatment of gambling disorder.

Substance Use Disorders

Individuals with gambling disorders frequently struggle with substance use disorders. This includes dependencies on alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications.

Those experiencing a gambling disorder often experience other mental health challenges or problems. When two or more co-occur, they are often referred to as comorbid. It does not mean that one caused the other, although that can happen. It frequently does mean that the problems may have an impact on the status of the other and, maybe treating one will change the status of the other.

When the topic is gambling disorder there are some problems that co-occur more frequently than others. For example, substance use disorders are more likely be evident in those experiencing a gambling problem. In fact some research suggests that up to 75% of those with a gambling problem also report another mental health problem, including substance use problems.

Behavioral Addictions

These addictions mimic the compulsive nature of gambling disorder. Common examples include:

Shopping Addiction: Compulsive buying and spending habits.

Food Addiction: Uncontrolled eating patterns leading to significant health issues.

Understanding the interconnectedness of these conditions is crucial for comprehensive treatment and support for those affected by gambling disorder.

Change can happen. Over 87% of those who complete gambling-specific cognitive behavior treatment will significantly decrease symptoms, reduce gambling frequency and intensity, and realize improvements in their overall well-being. So, the professional offering treatment must know the gambling-specific CBT research.

Gambling disorder treatment can be one-on-one, as a group, in-person, or via telehealth. Again, the professional needs to know the gambling treatment research. The process is to help a person change the way they think about gambling, understand risky situations related to their gambling, and build adaptive skills to support themselves on the road to recovery. Once these changes occur, the individuals seem to benefit most when they continue to repair the interpersonal and financial harms that gambling has caused.

Decades of research at The Gambling Clinic® prove this treatment can be effective in individuals who experience a gambling disorder. gambling-related harms.

What Support Groups and Self-Help Resources Are Available for Gambling Disorder?

When tackling gambling disorder, numerous support groups and self-help resources are available to offer assistance and guidance. Peer-support organizations, including Gamblers Anonymous provide communities where individuals can share their experiences and support each other in overcoming gambling addiction.

Additionally, research suggests that engaging in physical activity can significantly benefit those struggling with psychological problems including addiction, serving as a healthy distraction and a way to relieve stress.

Many states have established gambling helplines and assistance programs to offer immediate support and resources. For broader support, the National Helpline offers assistance for those dealing with various addictions, including gambling. You can reach this helpline at 1-800-Gambler (or 1-800-426-2537By leveraging these resources, individuals can find the support and guidance necessary to manage and overcome gambling disorder.

Dos and Don’ts for Supporting Someone with a Gambling Disorder

Living with or supporting someone with a gambling disorder can be challenging. Here’s a detailed guide on what you should and shouldn’t do to best support your loved one.

Dos

Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who are experiencing similar struggles can be valuable. Consider joining a self-help group for families.

Acknowledge Positive Traits: Remind yourself and them of their good qualities to strengthen your relationship.

Stay Calm: Approach conversations with a calm demeanor to avoid escalating tension.

Seek Help for Yourself: It’s crucial to recognize the impact the gambling disorder has on you, and take steps to find support for your own well-being.

Educate Yourself and your Family: Explain the nature of problem gambling to children and point out activities that resemble gambling, such as certain online game features.

Be patient. : Understand that recovering from a gambling disordertakes hard work and perseverance .

Manage Finances Smartly: Set boundaries concerning money management. Take control of family finances and keep a close eye on bank and credit card statements.

Consult Professionals: Seek advice from professionals to explore local resources like certified gambling counselors and treatment programs.

Don’ts

Avoid Judgment: Remember that gambling disorders can affect anyone. Don’t treat the gambler as immoral or inferior.

Stay Away from Lecturing: Preaching or losing control of your anger will not help. Keep communications respectful and constructive.

Involve Them in Family Life: Do not exclude the gambler from family activities, as isolation can worsen the situation.

Be Realistic About Recovery: Don’t expect an immediate turnaround. Understand that recovery is a journey and takes time.

By following these guidelines, you can provide effective support while taking care of your own needs.

If you or a loved one could benefit from gambling-related therapy, contact us at The Gambling Clinic® today. We are here for you.

Explore our additional learning resources to see how you or a loved one can gain control over a gambling disorder.

GET HELP FOR YOUR GAMBLING PROBLEM

If you would like to receive help for a gambling addiction, learn more about our services or schedule a consultation, call, email, or fill out the form.