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Gambling Facts

  • Approximately 2% of individuals will experience a gambling disorder at some point in their lives, but problem gambling often goes unnoticed and gaming addiction is a recently acknowledged condition. 

  • Proximity to a casino, within 40-50 miles, heightens the risk of developing a gambling issue.

  • Gambling is linked to the highest rate of suicide.

  • Gambling is defined as wagering money or possessions on an event with an uncertain outcome, aiming to gain more material wealth or money.

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Problem gambling often goes unnoticed.

  • Establish a plan before you begin gambling.
     

  • Set a specific time limit for your gambling sessions.
     

  • Determine a monetary limit for your gambling activities.
     

  • Take regular breaks during your gambling sessions.
     

  • Refrain from consuming alcohol while gambling.
     

  • Familiarize yourself with the rules of the games and understand the odds of winning.
     

  • Avoid trying to recover losses by chasing them.
     

  • Engage in gambling activities when you are in a positive mood and seeking enjoyment.

Gambling Responsibly

Practicing responsible gambling involves implementing measures to minimize potential risks or negative consequences associated with gambling. Here are some tips for responsible gambling:

When does gambling escalate to Problem Gambling?

Warning Signs Include:

 

Financial distress:

  • Unexplained disappearance of money from bank accounts, wallets, or money containers

  • Absence of household items and valuables

  • Regular financial shortfall despite earning a steady income

  • Frequent borrowing or having multiple outstanding loans

  • Secrecy regarding financial records or income

  • Unpaid bills or receiving disconnection notices

  • Insufficient food supplies at home

 
Changes in mood or behavior due to gambling:

  • Employing deflection, rationalization, or minimization tactics

  • Engaging in dishonest behavior

  • Decline in work performance

  • Displays of worry, agitation, or distress without apparent cause

  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness, depression, frustration, or suicidal thoughts

  • Alterations in personality traits, such as disruptions in sleep, eating, or sexual habits

  • Exhibiting controlling or manipulative behavior, including the use of threats, lies, or charm to influence others

  • Reacting defensively when confronted about gambling behavior

 
Other warning signs:

  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to gamble

  • Becoming excessively engrossed in gambling activities

  • Family history of addiction

  • Presence of other addictive behaviors

  • Proximity to a casino

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Problem Gaming

Distinguishing Between Gaming as a Hobby and a Problem:
 
As a Hobby:

  • Engages in gaming for enjoyment.

  • Maintains performance at school or work.

  • Pursues other hobbies and interests.

  • Plays games during leisure time.

  • Capable of taking breaks from gaming.

  • Maintains a regular sleep schedule.

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As a Problem:

  • Plays games compulsively, unable to stop.

  • Withdraws from school or work due to excessive gaming.

  • Gaming becomes the sole activity of interest.

  • Never satisfied with the amount of gaming.

  • Experiences withdrawal symptoms when unable to game.

  • Frequently stays up all night gaming.

Similarities Between Gambling and Gaming:

Playing Video Games
  • Extended gaming sessions, often lasting several hours or extending late into the night, share behavioral similarities with gambling.

  • Games that incentivize daily logins for rewards can cultivate a daily gaming habit, reminiscent of behaviors associated with gambling.

  • In-game microtransactions, where the costs for elite gear progressively increase, mirror behaviors linked with gambling.

  • Games featuring loot boxes containing predominantly low-level items with a chance for rare items reflect patterns associated with gambling.

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