Science Behind Gambling Addiction

There is a special assessment test for problem gambling behavior in the form of scales (3)  such as “Social consequences”, “Financial consequences”, “Damaging behavior”, “Signs of depression” and “Compulsive disorder”. Let's have a closer look at them.

Financial consequences:

• Lack of a transparent planning and spending budget;
• Debts and their constant increase;
• Inability to fulfill one’s financial obligations (loan payments, utility bills, etc.) due to the impossibility of forecasting cash income.

Damaging behavior:

• Causing harm to others or yourself, including physical, which can be expressed by scratching the skin, pulling out the hair, etc.

Signs of depression:

• Long-term state of apathy;
• Feeling distressed;
• Lack of energy and reaction to pleasant events, as if nothing provides any enjoyment.

Compulsive disorder:

• Disturbing obsessive thoughts, often provoking irrational behavior.

Using these criteria, you can determine whether you are presently experiencing problem gambling behavior. If you notice that you’re showing some of these signs, then you should immediately stop gambling and seek specialist for advice.

Below you will find a list of indicators by which you can understand whether you are at risk. Use it as a self-assessment test.

• The bettor needs more and more money to bet in order to experience more excitement and adrenaline rush.
• There is a feeling of anxiety and irritation when there is no access to gambling.
• It is difficult to interrupt the game and take a break.
• Obsessive thoughts about betting or how to fund betting.
• Betting as a way to get away from anxiety and depression.
• Chasing losses.
• Lying about the frequency of gambling.
• Gambling is becoming more important than actual job or study.
• Encouraging other people to place bets.

If you find yourself with more than three signs, then you should discuss this with a psychologist.

How To Avoid Falling Into Problem Gambling Behavior?

• Carefully study the rules of the game esp. hidden commissions and other terms.
• Check the license and reputation of the operator you want to gamble with.
• Do not gamble when tired, upset, anxious and vice versa in excitement and euphoria.
• Remember that alcohol, drugs and medications impair judgment, which will affect your decisions.
• Financial management: determine the amount you can spend on gambling without borrowing or using money intended for other purposes.
• Time management: determine the time you can spend on gambling, take breaks from the game, gamble at such a time of the day when you do not feel exhausted.
• Never try to chase a big loss.
• Discuss your gambling with your loved ones and a psychologist so that they can give feedback if something appears to be wrong;
• remember that the chances of winning are not so great, there is always a risk of losing.
• Do not rely on superstitions.

If you feel that you are not in control of the situation, isolate yourself from the game by using a self-exclusion tool.

Scientific research also shows that the most effective method of preventing problem gambling behavior is self-control and personal responsibility of the player (4).

To improve your mood and be filled with the right energy, focus on producing “hormones of happiness” (5).