Types of Gambling We Treat

Is gambling causing problems in your life? Maybe it’s affecting your finances. It could be straining relationships with people you love. Or maybe it’s just been on your mind more than you’d like. Below is a closer look at the types of gambling we commonly see. If you don’t see an exact match, or it feels like more than one, reach out to us, and we can help you sort through it.

There are many different types of gambling. Some are well known, and others receive less attention. Some are legal, and others are not. Some bet casually with people they know, and others are placed with large commercial gambling companies.

Sports Betting

For app-based, in-person, or fantasy sports wagering, including esports. Constant access and live-action pacing are part of what makes this form of gambling common today.

Casino Games

This includes games like slots, poker, blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette. Each game is different, from the quick, repetitive play of slots to the strategy needed for poker and blackjack.

Lottery & Scratch-Off

For lottery tickets, scratch-offs, and other draw-based games. Low cost of entry and routine play can make this easy to overlook as something worth paying attention to.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if gambling is affecting me?

When determining which avenue of gambling is affecting your life, it’s more about understanding the pattern: what triggers the urge to gamble, and what makes it hard to stop once you start. Recognizing your triggers and barriers is the first step toward building the skills and strategies to regain control over your relationship with gambling. If you’re unsure, our team can help you sort through it, or take our problem gambling screening for a clearer picture.

Can someone be addicted to more than one type of gambling?

Yes. It’s common for gambling problems to span multiple activities or platforms at once, especially as access to different forms of gambling continues to grow.

Does being good at a game protect you from developing a gambling problem?

Not necessarily. In games where skill plays a real role, like poker or blackjack, having skill generally means you’ll lose less. But that doesn’t make these games inherently safer from a gambling-harm standpoint, the risk isn’t just about how the game is played, it’s about the individual’s relationship with gambling.

What is the most addictive type of gambling?

Gambling addiction isn’t about the type of gambling; it’s about how a person’s brain responds to it, which is why gambling treatment gets tailored to the individual, not just the type.

If I don’t gamble every day, can I still be addicted?

Yes. Gambling disorder isn’t defined by how often you gamble, but by the impact it has on your life and how much control you have over it. Someone who gambles once a week but can’t stop thinking about it, hides it, or keeps chasing losses can still meet the criteria for a gambling problem.

What if I’m not sure I have a gambling problem at all?

That’s a normal place to start. This problem gambling screener takes just a few minutes, is completely anonymous, and can help you understand where you stand either way.

Get Gambling Help For All Types of Problem Gambling

The Gambling Clinic provides one-on-one, evidence-based therapy for people who want to change their gambling. We will work with you to understand your goals and determine what changes can help you regain control. Gambling treatment is confidential, effective, and available in Memphis, Nashville, and Johnson City, as well as through telehealth anywhere in Tennessee.

Ready to take the first step? Schedule an appointment or call 833-TGC-TN00 (833-842-8600).

Types of Gambling We Treat

Is gambling causing problems in your life? Maybe it’s affecting your finances. It could be straining relationships with people you love. Or maybe it’s just been on your mind more than you’d like. Below is a closer look at the types of gambling we commonly see. If you don’t see an exact match, or it feels like more than one, reach out to us, and we can help you sort through it.

There are many different types of gambling. Some are well known, and others receive less attention. Some are legal, and others are not. Some bet casually with people they know, and others are placed with large commercial gambling companies.

Sports Betting

For app-based, in-person, or fantasy sports wagering, including esports. Constant access and live-action pacing are part of what makes this form of gambling common today.

Online Gambling

Whether you use an app, website, or betting platform, gambling on your phone or computer has its risks. Because it is always available, it can be harder to notice when your habits change.

Casino Games

This includes games like slots, poker, blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette. Each game is different, from the quick, repetitive play of slots to the strategy needed for poker and blackjack.

Lottery & Scratch-Off

For lottery tickets, scratch-offs, and other draw-based games. Low cost of entry and routine play can make this easy to overlook as something worth paying attention to.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if gambling is affecting me?

When determining which avenue of gambling is affecting your life, it’s more about understanding the pattern: what triggers the urge to gamble, and what makes it hard to stop once you start. Recognizing your triggers and barriers is the first step toward building the skills and strategies to regain control over your relationship with gambling. If you’re unsure, our team can help you sort through it, or take our problem gambling screening for a clearer picture.

Can someone be addicted to more than one type of gambling?

Yes. It’s common for gambling problems to span multiple activities or platforms at once, especially as access to different forms of gambling continues to grow.

Does being good at a game protect you from developing a gambling problem?

Not necessarily. In games where skill plays a real role, like poker or blackjack, having skill generally means you’ll lose less. But that doesn’t make these games inherently safer from a gambling-harm standpoint, the risk isn’t just about how the game is played, it’s about the individual’s relationship with gambling.

What is the most addictive type of gambling?

Gambling addiction isn’t about the type of gambling; it’s about how a person’s brain responds to it, which is why gambling treatment gets tailored to the individual, not just the type.

If I don’t gamble every day, can I still be addicted?

Yes. Gambling disorder isn’t defined by how often you gamble, but by the impact it has on your life and how much control you have over it. Someone who gambles once a week but can’t stop thinking about it, hides it, or keeps chasing losses can still meet the criteria for a gambling problem.

What if I’m not sure I have a gambling problem at all?

That’s a normal place to start. This problem gambling screener takes just a few minutes, is completely anonymous, and can help you understand where you stand either way.

Get Gambling Help For All Types of Problem Gambling

The Gambling Clinic provides one-on-one, evidence-based therapy for people who want to change their gambling. We will work with you to understand your goals and determine what changes can help you regain control. Gambling treatment is confidential, effective, and available in Memphis, Nashville, and Johnson City, as well as through telehealth anywhere in Tennessee.

Ready to take the first step? Schedule an appointment or call 833-TGC-TN00 (833-842-8600).