Every person’s gambling addiction story is different. Some problem gamblers started to make money, others began because it was a good distraction from other emotional or physical issues, and many people crave the thrill gambling creates due to chance of winning money or other prizes.
But those early stages of gambling can all lead to serious problems as the addiction takes over other aspects of life, including financial, domestic and workplace behaviors.
While specific causes of gambling addiction are not easily identified there are some risk factors that make someone more vulnerable. Many people who develop gambling addiction also have co-occurring mental health disorders. Another factor that appears to influence the development of gambling addiction is proximity to casinos. 20 Most Common Gambling Addiction Causes 1. Poor impulse control. Almost all gamblers who become addicted suffer from poor impulse control. Impulse Control. According to a study from in the United Kingdom, male gambling addicts are more likely to have suffered.
Are you struggling with problem gambling, and don’t know what caused it? Addictions are hard to overcome, and you may often be asked by family, friends, and other acquaintances,
“Why can’t you stop gambling?”
“What made you start?”
“Look at what is happening – Why are you still doing it?”
And while it’s very frustrating to be asked those questions all the time, it can be even more stressful if you don’t know the answer yourself: What caused my problem gambling addiction?
Demographics
Anyone – of any age, gender, ethnicity and background – can be at risk of development problem gambling.
Age
Older people are more likely to gamble on a weekly basis, but young adults are almost three times as likely to have experienced problem gambling in the past year. Problem gamblers are all ages, though more people develop gambling problems while in their 20s and 30s than those who develop addictions in their 50s and 60s.
Older people are more likely to gamble on a weekly basis, but young adults are almost three times as likely to have experienced problem gambling in the past year. Problem gamblers are all ages, though more people develop gambling problems while in their 20s and 30s than those who develop addictions in their 50s and 60s.
Gender
If you took a poll on the street, you’d find that just as many women are likely to have gambled in the past year as males. That said, males are three times more likely to experience problem gambling.
If you took a poll on the street, you’d find that just as many women are likely to have gambled in the past year as males. That said, males are three times more likely to experience problem gambling.
Ethnicity
People across most ethnicities are equally likely to have gambled on a weekly basis. Studies have shown Blacks and Hispanics were almost twice as likely as Whites to have experience problem gambling.
People across most ethnicities are equally likely to have gambled on a weekly basis. Studies have shown Blacks and Hispanics were almost twice as likely as Whites to have experience problem gambling.
Background
Problem gamblers hold all levels of employment, are married and unmarried, and have all kinds of medical records, from healthy to having histories of substance use disorders and other medical issues.
Problem gamblers hold all levels of employment, are married and unmarried, and have all kinds of medical records, from healthy to having histories of substance use disorders and other medical issues.
Risk Factors
Gambling opportunities are not hard to find. You can gamble at home using the phone or internet, or go to the grocery store and purchase lottery tickets. You can visit your local OTB, casino or racetrack and gamble for five minutes or five hours.
Here are a few other risk factors:
– Beginner’s luck after your initial gambling attempts
– Boredom, loneliness or frustration
– Financial issues such as debt or low-income
– Experiencing traumatic experiences
– Existing addictions, such as drugs or alcohol
Identifying Problem Gambling
Even if the cause of your gambling addiction is never identified, you can seek treatment for problem gambling. Experts throughout New York State know the signs of problem gambling and can provide treatment to guide you toward your recovery.
![Gambling Gambling](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/gamblingpowerpoint-130719235515-phpapp01/95/gambling-powerpoint-5-638.jpg?cb=1374278595)
If you have a gambling addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact an expert right now: 1-877-8-HOPENY.
Causes Of Gambling Addiction
Related Posts
Most gamblers lose. So why do people bet their hard-earned money? Find out a bit about the psychology of gambling, why people bet money and the reasons for gambling.
Psychology of Gambling: Reasons for Gambling
Ok, so we all understand that gambling offers you the chance of winning money or prizes, but have you considered some of the other reasons for gambling? A look into the psychology of gambling offers insight into that question.
Why Do People Gamble? - Risk Taking
One of the reasons for gambling is that it's human nature to feel excited when taking risks and the positive feeling gained from gambling is no different. 'Will my numbers come up?' 'Will my team win?' The sense of anticipation creates a natural high, an adrenalin rush, a feeling that very many of us seek when looking for fun and entertainment. A feeling that some people believe they cannot live without.
Why Do People Gamble? - Escapism
The gambling environment can provide an escape from everyday life. Whether it be the glitzy casino environment, a loud and exciting amusement arcade or even an online betting company, for the time that we are taking part we can be surrounded by different people, different sounds and emotions, all of which stimulate and arouse our senses.
Why Do People Gamble? - Glamorous
The media and advertising agencies understand the psychology of gambling and often portray a stylish, sexy, fashionable image of gambling. In film and TV, we see characters enjoying a night at the casino or an afternoon at the races. There is often a suggestion of 'high society' and attending at 'a place to be seen'.
Why Do People Gamble? - Social
Gambling is accepted as part of this country's culture and as such is widely participated in (with varying frequency) by the majority of the population. Some young people are introduced to gambling by learning to play card games with their parents at home, maybe we go the bingo with friends on a Friday night or meet after school at the amusement arcade.
Psychology of Gambling: The Common Misperception
The above reasons for gambling all tie into this: most people think about gambling as a low-risk, high-yield proposition. In reality, it's the opposite: a high-risk, low-yield situation. The odds always favor the house. Despite that, the thought and excitement of hitting a casino jackpot are often too alluring - regardless of its probability.
Learn more about Types of Gamblers and Signs of Gambling Addiction.
Sources:
- Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery
next: What Type of Gambling is the Most Addictive and Why?
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Root Causes Of Gambling Addiction
APA Reference
Gluck, S. (2008, December 29). Psychology of Gambling: Why Do People Gamble?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, November 16 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/psychology-of-gambling-reasons-for-gambling
Gluck, S. (2008, December 29). Psychology of Gambling: Why Do People Gamble?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, November 16 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/psychology-of-gambling-reasons-for-gambling