A gambling addiction, or problem gambling, is a progressive addiction that can have many negative psychological, physical, and social repercussions. It is classed as an impulse-control disorder. Gambling behavior becomes a problem when it cannot be controlled and when it interferes with finances, relationships, and the workplace. The individual may not realize they have a problem for some time.
Problem Gambling can have a serious impact on the physical, emotional, and financial health of individuals who gamble, as well as their families.
Some risks associated with problem gambling include:
Those impacted by gambling problems may resort to criminal activity to pay gambling debts, or to fund gambling. In many situations, these crimes are often non-violent, or “white collar” crimes, and may include writing bad checks, forgery, credit card fraud, theft, embezzlement or tax related crimes.
Depression and Anxiety are of the most common co-occurring disorders among those experiencing gambling related problems, presented by very high percentages of those being diagnosed.
Very high rates of suicide ideation and attempt are present among those with gambling problems. Research suggests as many as 20% have made suicide attempts.
Children of those with gambling problems may be victims of abuse and neglect as a result of their parents gambling.
Studies also indicate adolescents whose parents gamble excessively have higher rates of gambling and participation in other high-risk behaviors.
Research also indicates higher rates of abuse among the spouses of problem gamblers.