Covid-19 and Problem Gambling
Effects of Problem Gambling on the Gambler Problem Gambling can have a serious impact on the physical, emotional, and financial health of individuals who gamble, as well as their families. Why Can't I Just Stop? How did this happen? Mental and physical health problems, financial issues, and conflicts in the family are among the common negative effects of gambling. Six to eight million people in America are estimated to have a gambling problem. Gambling refers to the betting of money on an event with an uncertain outcome, with the intent of winning additional wealth.
Individuals with gambling problems may be impacted more severely by the covid-19 pandemic due to increased individual health risks, shifting gambling preferences and reductions in access or funding for problem gambling services. Below are a list of resources for everyone to use in this trying time.
Gambling is an interesting psychological phenomenon, and there has been extensive research on how psychological processes affect gambling behavior. Here are five interesting gambling phenomena. Gambling addiction begins once betting and gambling behavior causes distress, becomes habitual, leads to financial stress, disturbs everyday life functioning, or negatively impacts relationships. This condition (also known as compulsive gambling or pathological gambling) often leads people to experience an uncontrollable urge to engage in.
For individuals:
Individual health risks may be exacerbated by this time of uncertainty and stress, and job changes and financial stresses may well play a role. Symptoms may include depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts, which may trigger an urge to gamble — especially for people in recovery or those with existing symptoms of gambling addiction. Access to treatment providers like professional counselors or self-help meetings may be curtailed due to social distancing and personal illness.
Counselors and self-help meetings may be available to help address individual health risks, using phone or online platforms – see below for links. Some counselors can offer tele-therapy using online or phone video sessions; in some states, these may be covered under health insurance or Medicare – be sure to find out first before you incur costs. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is always available as well: call or text 1-800-522-4700 or use ncpgambling.org/chat.
The lack of other favorite activities, liking going to the gym or a group sports activity, or seeing a movie or performance outside the home, may no longer be available. Exercise in particular has beneficial physiological effects on mood and mental processes, and people who feel the need should seek out safe alternative opportunities for exercise.
Financial stresses may occur as people experience job changes due to the covid-19 situation. People who gamble may be tempted to think that they can make money by gambling. They should remember that in the long run, only the ‘house' is sure to win. They should not gamble with money that they need to pay for groceries, rent or mortgage, utilities, and other necessities of daily living.
Shifting gambling preferences may include a shift to personal games with family/friends or to online gambling, including with offshore, illegal operators. Red rock casino bowling center. People who gamble under these circumstances, as with any gambling situation, should use only legal platforms that are licensed in their state or jurisdiction. They should set a limit of the amount of time and money they want to spend on the activity before beginning, and be sure to stick to it. Other tools for responsible gambling can be found here.
For counselors:
visit igccb.org Making money from online poker.
For operators:
Gambling operators should configure their platforms to allow and encourage the use of these personal responsible gambling tools. Gambling operators will find additional information on NCPG's standards and verification programs, including IRGS, iCAP, RGV and other responsible gambling programs, here.
For governments:
Governments, like individuals and businesses, may see their revenue fall due to the COVID-19 situation. They may be tempted to use funds that were previously earmarked for problem gambling services to put toward other purposes instead. They may consider allowing online lottery or online gambling if they haven't already, or consider adding to the gambling options of existing platforms. They may curtail inspections and regulatory work on existing gambling. NCPG urges governments to carefully consider the potential negative effects on people affected by problem gambling and to do everything in their power to prevent harm and mitigate negative effects, both short term and long term.
The resources below are for the general public, problem gambling service providers and people in recovery.
IF YOU ARE AN NCPG AFFILIATE, we urge you to contact your local or state government using our Call to Action Template!
National Problem Gambling Helpline – Free, 100% Confidential, Available 24/7
Call or Text: 1-800-522-4700
Chat:www.ncpgambling.org/chat
To seek help in your state:www.ncpgambling.org/HelpByState
For additional resources, go to www.ncpgambling.org. Resources include:
• Residential/inpatient treatment programs that specialize in gambling addiction
• International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC) directory
• Self help including Gamblers Anonymous, Gam-Anon
• Moderated peer support forum and online workbooks
Resources for Finding Help for Problem Gambling
• International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB) resources including teletherapy
tips: https://www.igccb.org/resources-for-coping-with-covid-19.html
• Expanded GA telephone meetings: New option for GA members – Gamblers Anonymous
• Meetings by phone every night of the week 9-11pm ET (GMT-4) for at least the next 2 weeks.
http://www.gamblersanonymous.org
• Online recovery meetings: nobetdelaware@gmail.com
• Blocking software: http://www.gamban.com
Articles, White Papers and Helpful Information Sources
• NCPG Statement on Potential Impacts of Coronavirus on People with Gambling Problems
• Gambling During the COVID 19 Crisis: A Cause for Concern? (Journal of Addiction Medicine)
• The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidence.
Samantha K Brooks, PhD , et al. The Lancet. February 26, 2020: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30460-8
• Wall Street Journal article about shift to online gambling and dangers to public health
Online Gambling Stands Ready as Casinos Close, Wall Street Journal, March 20, 2020
• The Guardian article about the impact of gambling ads on children
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/27/children-more-likely-to-become-gamblers- due-to-high-volume-of-betting-ads
• Article with Keith Whyte interview about Coronavirus and Problem Gambling
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-problem-gambling-keith-whyte-20200325.html
• Article by CDC Gaming Reports about Responsible Gambling during Coronavirus
https://www.cdcgamingreports.com/commentaries/responsible-gaming-in-a-time-of-coronavirus/
• Article by Las Vegas Review-Journal about how problem gamblers could shift to online play following the shutdown of physical casinos due to covid-19
https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/business-columns/inside-gaming/casino-shutdown-could-move-problem-gamblers-online-instead-1993471/
•Press Release by Project Worth about Problem Gambling recovery providers going digital https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nevada-gambling-recovery-providers-go-digital-301032153.html
The National Council on Problem Gambling has developed this list as a starting point for those seeking help or information about gambling problems. Gambling addiction is preventable and treatable.
The information compiled by NCPG is intended to be a starting point for individuals to learn more about problem gambling — it is not a complete list of information or services. We encourage you to ask questions, gather information and conduct research on the type of help that is most appropriate for your situation. The information, resources and links on this page will be updated periodically.
Medically reviewed:06/22/2018
Last updated: 04/17/2020
Author: Addictions.com Medical Review
Reading Time: 7minutes
What is Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction or gambling disorder is defined as persistent and recurring problematic gambling behavior that causes distress and impairs your overall livelihood. Gambling addiction affects roughly 0.2% to 0.3% of the general U.S. population, and tends to affects males more than females, though this gender gap has narrowed in recent years. Gambling disorder is a behavioral addiction that can be effectively treated using a range of cognitive and behavioral therapies.
Table of Contents
The desire to buy scratch tickets, play slot machines, and visit casinos aren't necessarily signs of gambling addiction. But when the desire to gamble becomes overwhelming to the point you can't stop thinking about it until you gamble on something, may be a sign you need help. Those who suffer from gambling addiction will continue to gamble despite negative financial, legal, and social consequences.
Gambling disorder is a brain disease that can cause you to do things you wouldn't normally do if you weren't suffering from addiction. Behavioral addictions like gambling disorder are often difficult to manage and control without getting professional help. Addiction treatment centers can help you overcome gambling addiction and teach you important skills aimed at helping you repair problems in your life caused by your disorder.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gambling Addiction?
There are no physical health symptoms associated with gambling disorder. Familiarizing yourself with common gambling addiction behaviors can clue you into whether you or a loved one may need professional help.
Chasing after losses is the most common tell-tale sign of gambling disorder. This particular symptom is marked by the urgent need to continue gambling to earn back a loss or series of losses. Individuals diagnosed with gambling disorder may abandon their usual gambling strategies to win back all losses at once and may lie to family, friends, and therapists to hide the severity of their addiction.
The following behaviors are potential signs of gambling addiction:
- Needing to gamble using increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired rush and excitement.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
- Inability to control, reduce, or quit gambling despite numerous repeated attempts.
- Preoccupation with gambling, such as devising ways to get more gambling money and reliving past gambling experiences.
- Gambling when experiencing feelings of distress, helplessness, guilt, anxiety, and depression.
- Chasing after your losses to get even after losing money gambling.
- Lying to conceal the severity of gambling behaviors, and the addiction.
- Loss of personal relationships, job, and educational pursuits due to gambling.
- Replying on others to provide money to resolve financial situations caused by gambling, such as a threat of eviction from the home.
Those with a mild gambling addiction may exhibit between four and five of these behaviors, while those with a moderately severe gambling addiction may exhibit six to seven of these behaviors. People who suffer from severe gambling addiction will usually exhibit all nine behaviors. Moderate to severe cases of gambling disorder tend to be more common than mild cases.
You might have a gambling problem if:
- You feel compelled to keep gambling until you've spent your last dollar. You may keep bidding until you've spent everything to win your money back, or you continue increasing bet amounts.
- You hide your gambling from friends or family members. You may sneak off to gamble without telling anyone, or lie about your gambling activities.
- You spend money you don't have on gambling. You may use money intended for important bills like rent, mortgage, car payments, credit card bills, and other expenses for gambling.
- You steal from others or sell your possessions so you can gamble. You may steal money or belongings from others so you can gamble, or sell or pawn valuable possessions like musical instruments and vehicles to obtain more gambling money.
- You prioritize gambling over obligations related to work, school, family. You may stop going to work or school so you can gamble, or stop buying household necessities so you can use the money for gambling instead.
- You're experiencing financial hardships due to gambling. You may have lost your home, car, job, and important personal possessions due to gambling.
- You're facing a range of negative emotions triggered by gambling. Gambling may be a serious problem in your life if it's triggering depression, anxiety, frustration, agitation, and remorse.
- You want to stop gambling but can't. You have tried to stop gambling but can't seem to stop despite your desire to do better and to stop gambling.
Negative Effects of Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction can produce many more negative effects than just financial hardship. Gambling disorder can affect your physical health, mental health, and social functioning, and lead to the loss of important relationships with friends and loved ones. You may also suffer a decline in work or school performance, and feel more restless and bored with all other areas of life that don't involve gambling.
• Article by Las Vegas Review-Journal about how problem gamblers could shift to online play following the shutdown of physical casinos due to covid-19
https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/business-columns/inside-gaming/casino-shutdown-could-move-problem-gamblers-online-instead-1993471/
•Press Release by Project Worth about Problem Gambling recovery providers going digital https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nevada-gambling-recovery-providers-go-digital-301032153.html
The National Council on Problem Gambling has developed this list as a starting point for those seeking help or information about gambling problems. Gambling addiction is preventable and treatable.
The information compiled by NCPG is intended to be a starting point for individuals to learn more about problem gambling — it is not a complete list of information or services. We encourage you to ask questions, gather information and conduct research on the type of help that is most appropriate for your situation. The information, resources and links on this page will be updated periodically.
Medically reviewed:06/22/2018
Last updated: 04/17/2020
Author: Addictions.com Medical Review
Reading Time: 7minutes
What is Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction or gambling disorder is defined as persistent and recurring problematic gambling behavior that causes distress and impairs your overall livelihood. Gambling addiction affects roughly 0.2% to 0.3% of the general U.S. population, and tends to affects males more than females, though this gender gap has narrowed in recent years. Gambling disorder is a behavioral addiction that can be effectively treated using a range of cognitive and behavioral therapies.
Table of Contents
The desire to buy scratch tickets, play slot machines, and visit casinos aren't necessarily signs of gambling addiction. But when the desire to gamble becomes overwhelming to the point you can't stop thinking about it until you gamble on something, may be a sign you need help. Those who suffer from gambling addiction will continue to gamble despite negative financial, legal, and social consequences.
Gambling disorder is a brain disease that can cause you to do things you wouldn't normally do if you weren't suffering from addiction. Behavioral addictions like gambling disorder are often difficult to manage and control without getting professional help. Addiction treatment centers can help you overcome gambling addiction and teach you important skills aimed at helping you repair problems in your life caused by your disorder.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Gambling Addiction?
There are no physical health symptoms associated with gambling disorder. Familiarizing yourself with common gambling addiction behaviors can clue you into whether you or a loved one may need professional help.
Chasing after losses is the most common tell-tale sign of gambling disorder. This particular symptom is marked by the urgent need to continue gambling to earn back a loss or series of losses. Individuals diagnosed with gambling disorder may abandon their usual gambling strategies to win back all losses at once and may lie to family, friends, and therapists to hide the severity of their addiction.
The following behaviors are potential signs of gambling addiction:
- Needing to gamble using increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired rush and excitement.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
- Inability to control, reduce, or quit gambling despite numerous repeated attempts.
- Preoccupation with gambling, such as devising ways to get more gambling money and reliving past gambling experiences.
- Gambling when experiencing feelings of distress, helplessness, guilt, anxiety, and depression.
- Chasing after your losses to get even after losing money gambling.
- Lying to conceal the severity of gambling behaviors, and the addiction.
- Loss of personal relationships, job, and educational pursuits due to gambling.
- Replying on others to provide money to resolve financial situations caused by gambling, such as a threat of eviction from the home.
Those with a mild gambling addiction may exhibit between four and five of these behaviors, while those with a moderately severe gambling addiction may exhibit six to seven of these behaviors. People who suffer from severe gambling addiction will usually exhibit all nine behaviors. Moderate to severe cases of gambling disorder tend to be more common than mild cases.
You might have a gambling problem if:
- You feel compelled to keep gambling until you've spent your last dollar. You may keep bidding until you've spent everything to win your money back, or you continue increasing bet amounts.
- You hide your gambling from friends or family members. You may sneak off to gamble without telling anyone, or lie about your gambling activities.
- You spend money you don't have on gambling. You may use money intended for important bills like rent, mortgage, car payments, credit card bills, and other expenses for gambling.
- You steal from others or sell your possessions so you can gamble. You may steal money or belongings from others so you can gamble, or sell or pawn valuable possessions like musical instruments and vehicles to obtain more gambling money.
- You prioritize gambling over obligations related to work, school, family. You may stop going to work or school so you can gamble, or stop buying household necessities so you can use the money for gambling instead.
- You're experiencing financial hardships due to gambling. You may have lost your home, car, job, and important personal possessions due to gambling.
- You're facing a range of negative emotions triggered by gambling. Gambling may be a serious problem in your life if it's triggering depression, anxiety, frustration, agitation, and remorse.
- You want to stop gambling but can't. You have tried to stop gambling but can't seem to stop despite your desire to do better and to stop gambling.
Negative Effects of Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction can produce many more negative effects than just financial hardship. Gambling disorder can affect your physical health, mental health, and social functioning, and lead to the loss of important relationships with friends and loved ones. You may also suffer a decline in work or school performance, and feel more restless and bored with all other areas of life that don't involve gambling.
Those who suffer from gambling addiction tend to suffer from higher rates of poor general health than those who don't gamble. Tachycardia and angina are common health problems among those diagnosed with gambling addiction. Many who suffer from gambling disorder also tend to experience distortions in thinking surrounding their addiction, such as superstitions, overconfidence, and a sense of power over the outcome of chance events. Nearly 50% of those receiving treatment for gambling disorder experience suicidal ideation, while an estimated 17% have tried to commit suicide.
The negative effects of problem gambling include:
- Financial problems including high debt, poverty, or bankruptcy
- Domestic violence and child abuse in families
- Suicidal thoughts, attempts, or the act of suicide
- Legal troubles, including arrests for theft or prostitution
- Behavior problems in children of problem gamblers
- Depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders
- Loss of relationships with friends and family
- A decline in performance at work or school
- Suicide and death
- A risk for drug or alcohol abuse
How Does Gambling Addiction Interact with Addiction?
Alcohol and cocaine are the two most common substances associated with gambling and binge gambling, respectively. Alcohol is legally available in most gambling settings such as bars and casinos and is often rewarded to gamblers for free at many of these establishments. Roughly 44% of people with gambling disorder in the U.S. also suffer from an alcohol use disorder.
Binge gambling is defined as intermittent episodes of uncontrolled gambling after long periods of abstinence. For instance, a person who practices binge gambling may only visit the casino five times per year but gamble non-stop for long periods during their stay. Cocaine use tends to be common among these gamblers since it produces stimulating effects of increased energy, alertness, focus, concentration, and confidence.
Individuals with gambling disorders tend to suffer higher rates of co-occurring alcohol and drug use disorders compared to their peers. Gambling often takes place in environments that enable and encourage alcohol and drug use. Gambling can also trigger mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which many may self-treat using alcohol and drugs like marijuana, painkillers, and other addictive substances.
How Are Gambling Addiction and Substance Use Treated?
Gambling addiction is commonly treated using cognitive and behavioral therapies that treat the root psychological causes of your addiction. These therapies also help you identify and change negative, unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that may have led to your gambling addiction. Treatments for gambling addiction can be tailored especially for you or your loved one based on the factors surrounding your disorder.
Gambling addiction can also be treated using community reinforcement, group therapy, and 12-step support groups like Gamblers Anonymous. These treatments help you identify your triggers that can lead to gambling and teach you ways to overcome and manage those triggers. For instance, if a stressful day at work usually makes you feel like gambling, you may learn yoga, deep breathing, or other healthy methods that relieve stress without putting your health and well-being at risk.
Gambling Addiction Help
If you or someone you love needs treatment for gambling addiction, it's important that you use a treatment approach that best suits your recovery needs. Gambling addiction treatment is available in many different settings, including inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.
Inpatient gambling addiction treatment can greatly benefit those who suffer from severe gambling disorder, and who have suffered severe financial, legal, or social problems. Inpatient treatment includes around-the-clock supervision in a hospital-like setting where you can live for the duration of your treatment program. The intense level of therapy, counseling, and supervision provided by inpatient treatment centers can help significantly reduce the risk of relapse while in recovery.
Negative Effects Problem Gambling Losses
Compulsive gamblers often need support from friends, family members, and peers to help them stop gambling. Gamblers Anonymous groups can provide peer and social support for those in recovery or for those who wish they can stop gambling. These groups can provide a solid, healthy foundation for a successful and long-term recovery from gambling addiction.
Here's how to help a family member or loved one suffering from a gambling addiction:
Negative Effects Problem Gambling Definition
- Understand the addiction. The first thing you can do to help a loved one who is addicted to gambling is to learn all you can about the addiction. Find a support group that can help you cope with the stress that comes from having a loved one who is addicted to gambling.
- Find support. Support for yourself and for your loved one who is addicted can be very beneficial in helping with a gambling addiction. Many support groups are available throughout communities and in treatment centers. Therapists and counselors can also provide support for gambling addiction.
- Manage money tightly. If your loved one is addicted to gambling and is actively pursuing help, take over managing all financial responsibilities for your loved one. This can help reduce any gambling impulses your loved one may be experiencing throughout their recovery.
