A gambling addiction can manifest in many ways and for many reasons. Playing online casino games and visiting the casino floor should be a fun experience. Once gambling becomes compulsive, it stops being a fun pastime and can become worrisome. We discuss some important facts about gambling addiction below. 

What is a gambling addiction?

Because anyone can potentially develop a gambling problem, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling. But let’s first understand what a gambling addiction is. A gambling addiction is best described as an impulse-control disorder. People with a gambling addiction cannot control the need and impulse to gamble even when they are aware of the negative consequences. There is also something known as problem gambling, where there’s still some control even though the gambling behavior is already harmful to the individual’s life. This addiction is often associated with other behavior or mood disorders. 

What are the symptoms of gambling addiction?

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of compulsive gambling: 

• Constantly needing to plan gambling activities and how to get more gambling money
• Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same thrill of winning
• Unsuccessfully trying to control, cut back or to stop gambling
• A overriding restless feeling or irritable mood when you stop gambling as frequently as you used to
• Using gambling as a way to escape problems or relieve excessive feelings of guilt, helplessness, anxiety or depression
• Lying to family about your gambling activities
• Risking or losing important relationships, work or school opportunities because of gambling behavior.

Let’s look in more depth at the facts related to having a gambling addiction. 

1. It’s more than a financial problem

Some problem gamblers do not have financial problems even though they may lose money gambling. For them, being addicted to gambling is more of an emotional issue in the sense that they feel they need to gamble in order to release stress or chase the feeling of euphoria. 

2. Gambling problems are not caused by easy access to gambling opportunities

Some people argue that the various gambling opportunities, such as lotteries, casinos, racetracks and online slots, cause gambling problems. But it’s probably more accurate to say that a person’s inability to control their gambling habits leads to having gambling problems. There are way more people who gamble on occasion than those who are compulsive gamblers. 

3. Infrequent gamblers can become addicted

It’s interesting to know that the infrequency with which certain people gamble is no guarantee that their behavior won’t lead to becoming compulsive gamblers. Compulsive gambling takes time to develop and different forms of behavior and symptoms begin to arise along the way. Therefore, it’s important to address early signs and changes in gambling behavior.

4. Gambling issues are more common in younger and middle-aged people

Even though people between the ages of 25 and 45 are more prone to develop compulsive gambling habits, individuals in the younger demographic 18–24 are also at high risk – often, it is said, because control over their emotions has not yet fully developed. The rise of online gambling and online casino games becoming more accessible pose a threat to individuals in this younger age group.  

5. Gambling affects a person’s mood and state of mind

As you become used to the feelings caused by gambling, you may begin to repeat that behavior in an attempt to achieve the same effect. You may start to gamble more frequently or become careless when gambling in order to achieve the same “high.” This can result in chasing losses and the development of a vicious cycle.  

How a compulsive gambling diagnosis is made

The DSM-5 (“Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders”) states that to classify a person as a gambling addict, they must show at least four of the following six behavioral symptoms over the previous 12 months: 

• The need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel some form of excitement
• Irritability or restlessness when trying to stop gambling
• Always thinking of gambling and making plans to gamble
• Gambling when feeling distressed
• Lying about gambling behavior
• Relationship or work problems as a direct result of gambling

Gamble responsibly at Borgata Online

At Borgata Online, we provide helpful resources to ensure that you gamble responsibly. For us, it is important to keep gambling fun because we consider responsible gambling an integral part of our daily operations. When you register with us gives you access to a wealth of information to make informed decisions about your online gambling.