What is problem gambling?
Problem gambling, also known as gambling addiction or pathological gambling, is a progressive condition similar to alcohol or drug addictions. Those with a gambling addiction have difficulty controlling their gambling, even when it has serious negative consequences for them and their families. Their gambling behaviour will increase over time, both in frequency and amount wagered.
WHAT ARE THE THREE PHASES OF GAMBLING ADDICTION?
Problem gambling develops from social gambling and a person typically goes through 3 phases in developing an addiction:
The Winning Phase
The person starts gambling as a social pastime, experiences the euphoria of winning and this fuels further gambling behaviour.
The Losing Phase
In this phase the gambler starts to lose control, become impulsive and win back losses. If losses accumulate, the gambler will lie and cover up to escape detection.
The Desperation Phase
At this phase, life spins out of control as losses become unmanageable. Gamblers feel powerless, remorseful and desperate.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF PROBLEM GAMBLING?
How does one know if he/ she is merely gambling socially or has fallen into gambling addiction? Tell tale signs to look out for include:
- Gambling longer than intended.
- Gambling until the last dollar is spent.
- Thinking of gambling losses causes stress e.g. loss of sleep, depression or suicidal thoughts.
- Using income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid.
- Repeated but unsuccessful attempts to give up or control gambling.
- Borrowing money to finance one's gambling needs.
- For a more in-depth look, refer to Symptoms of Problem Gambling or take our test.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN SOMEONE IS A PROBLEM GAMBLER?
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GAMBLERS?
Professional Gamblers
Gambling is their primary source of income.
Casual Social Gamblers
Those who gamble infrequently and for the enjoyment.
Serious Social Gamblers
Gambling has become a major pastime and source of entertainment for these gamblers. Although the gamblers can stop, they would miss gambling.
Relief and Escape Gamblers
Gambling is a major activity in the person's life, of equal importance with family and business. However the gambling has not started to hurt the gambler's life and relationships yet.
Compulsive/ Problem Gamblers
Gambling is the major activity in their life. They are unable to stop and lose control of their gambling habits. If untreated, their gambling behaviour would lead to despair, loss of hope, and even imprisonment should his/ her gambling lead to crime.
IS GAMBLING ADDICTION TREATABLE?
The good news is that people do recover from gambling addiction. Recovery begins with the desire to change, and the person with a gambling addiction is more likely to stay away from gambling with the right support. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. Honesty and perseverance are key factors in recovery.
HOW DOES ONE GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY?
Most people gamble without serious consequences. They make careful decisions about spending time and money, and their gambling does not badly affect themselves and those around them. Here's how you can gamble in a responsible way:
- Do not gamble for investment. It is not a way to make money.
- The house always has the advantage. You are really just paying to play the game.
- Make sure you know how the game works and what the odds are before you decide to play.
- Use only money that is not meant for something important, e.g. do not use money meant for everyday expenses, household bills, etc.
- Set a budget and stick to it. Stop playing once you reach it.
- Do not use ATM machines to get more money for gambling. Leave your debit and credit cards at home when you decide to gamble.
- Set a time limit.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Be aware – self-control decreases at times of loss or depression.
- Don't borrow money to gamble.
- Don't give in to peer pressure when betting – it should be your own choice.
- Do not 'chase' losses. Accept them as the cost of gambling, or as an entertainment/ leisure cost.
- Stop if you feel that you're starting to spend more and playing more often.
- Adopt other leisure and entertainment activities instead of gambling.
- (Adapted from the British Columbia Partnership on Responsible Gambling)
WHERE TO SEEK HELP?
If you have friends or family who are at risk, don't give up on them. Help is always available. You can call this helpline: 1800-6-668-668, or you can also visit:
Tanjong Pagar Family Service Centre
Address: 298 Tiong Bahru Road #03-06 Central Plaza Singapore 168730
National Addictions Management Service (NAMS), Institute of Mental Health
Address: 10 Buangkok View, Singapore 539747
For more information, visit the Support Service Centres section
here.
IS SOMEONE WHO GAMBLES A LOT A PROBLEM GAMBLER?
Not necessarily. Many people who gamble frequently are simply people who enjoy gambling as entertainment. Generally these people set aside a predetermined amount of money for gambling, and gamble for fun rather than for the "certainty" of winning, recognise that they are likely to lose, and don't bet more than they can afford to lose.
DO MOST GAMBLERS EVENTUALLY BECOME PROBLEM GAMBLERS?
No. For the vast majority of those who choose to gamble, it remains a harmless form of entertainment.
IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROBLEM GAMBLING AND CRIME?
Undoubtedly yes, though there is little hard information about the extent and nature of the link. As gambling losses increase, some problem gamblers resort to crimes such as embezzlement or writing bad checks. One Australian study showed about 36 percent of gamblers in treatment programmes had committed crimes that they attributed to their gambling problem (Blaszczynski et al, 1989).
However, a recent German study points out that in many cases the criminal behaviour preceded the gambling behaviour and points out that in at least some cases the factors causing an inclination to an addiction may also have the same effect on criminal activities (Meyer, 1997). The link between problem gambling and substance abuse and between substance abuse and criminal behaviour further complicates this relationship.
Source: North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries – Problem Gambling FAQ
WHAT FACTORS INCREASE THE RISK OF PROBLEM GAMBLING?
- Playing continuous games
- Easy accessibility to gambling
- High frequency of gambling sessions
- Quickly reinvested winnings
- Easily accessible money
- Increased social acceptance
- Lack of education about gambling
- Low cash outlays and variable stakes
- Technological advancements
- Source: Common Components in the Treatment of Problem Gamblers by Dr Ang Yong Guan
– 4 July 2007
WHAT ELSE CAN PROBLEM GAMBLING LEAD TO?
Problem gambling may be associated with mental health and well-being issues. These include feeling a loss in control, decision-making, ability to cope and autonomy. In addition, gamblers may also engage in other negative behaviours.
While a direct correlation hasn't been clearly proven, gambling has also frequently been observed alongside issues such as those found below.
- Personality disorders
- Compulsive shopping
- Anorexia/ Bulimia/ Eating Disorder
- Psychiatric problems
- Thoughts or fantasies of suicide
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse or other addictions
- Alcoholism
- Drug use
- Source: TSheedy/FutureDirections/Singapore/July07
You can also view this diagram, which shows the possible effects of problem gambling.
