Legalized Gambling: Addiction, Treatment, and the Debate

Introduction to Legalized Gambling

Gambling is defined as the staking of money or goods with material value on a particular event, with the intention of winning additional money or goods. The result of this wagering becomes evident within a short period of time. Gambling has grown into a major commercial activity conducted internationally; the legal gambling market was estimated at $335 billion in 2009 (The Economist, 2010).

The games played in modern casinos were first developed in China and Europe (The History of American Gambling, 2012). Games that originated in Europe include baccarat, blackjack, craps, and roulette, while those that originated in China include keno and pai gow poker (Gambling History, from the beginning, 2011).

There are many countries where gambling has been banned outright. At the same time, many other countries have legalized gambling but regulate it through government licensing and taxation. The main aim of this paper is to analyze legalized gambling from the perspective of addiction counselors and the organizations that help people abstain from gambling when it becomes more of an addiction than a pastime.

Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling

Gambling addiction is also referred to as "compulsive gambling" and is classified under the impulse-control disorder category (Saisan et al., 2012). People considered to be compulsive gamblers do not have the willpower to stop gambling even when they are fully aware that it is harmful to themselves and their loved ones. They do not care about the consequences and simply want to keep gambling. Nothing curbs their habit — not whether they are flush or broke, happy or sad. These individuals cannot resist the urge to bet even when they know they cannot afford to lose, and even when they know gambling will hurt them.

Before proceeding further, it is important to understand the related term "problem gambling." It is defined as any gambling behavior that has a negative impact on one's life (Saisan et al., 2012). If a person constantly feels preoccupied with gambling and spends increasing amounts of time and money on it despite disastrous consequences, he or she has a gambling problem.

Many people view gambling addiction as purely a financial problem. However, that is not the case. Problem gamblers suffer far more than financial hardship — they also endure stressed family lives and strained friendships.

Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of Gambling

It is sometimes difficult for people to recognize when they have become gambling addicts, because this addiction does not produce physical signs and symptoms the way alcohol or drug addictions do. Those who have become addicted to gambling often hide their behavior and deny it. They begin avoiding loved ones and may lie about their gambling activities.

A person can identify himself or herself as a problem gambler when unable to resist the urge to gamble and when gambling until the very last dollar is gone. The time frame and frequency of gambling are also important indicators for assessing the severity of addiction.

For the treatment of gambling addiction, it is important to understand what drives people to gamble in the first place. Many people gamble to bring excitement into their lives. Some gamble because they want to become more social and to overcome shortcomings such as isolation or shyness. When people feel unpleasant or depressed, they often visit a casino to make themselves feel better. Others are drawn to gambling when they are bored, lonely, or have nothing else to do. After a long, stressful day, gambling can seem like a way to relax. There is also a significant fraction of gambling addicts who turn to gambling because they are experiencing financial problems and hope to win their way out.

Treatment Approaches for Gambling Addiction

Once a person is diagnosed with a gambling problem, it is wise to seek professional help. Many people think that going to a counselor or doctor signals weakness, but only those who recognize the value of professional support are able to fix their problems effectively and without shame.

Gamblers Anonymous

Because problem gambling affects approximately 1.6% of the adult population in America, Gamblers Anonymous was established as a program for people addicted to gambling (Petry, 2003). This twelve-step program started in Los Angeles in 1957. The only requirement for Gamblers Anonymous membership is the desire to abstain from gambling. Meetings are held throughout the world to help people with this condition.

When comparing gamblers who attend Gamblers Anonymous (GA) with those who do not, research indicates that GA members tend to have more intense gambling problems, are older, have higher incomes, and are more likely to be married. They also tend to carry larger debts, experience more family conflicts, and have almost no history of drug abuse (Petry, 2003). GA has also been shown to be effective in preventing relapses of gambling addiction (Brown, 1987).

A significant portion of GA's time and resources is devoted to counseling members on how to manage financial and legal problems. GA supports Pressure Relief Groups, in which members interact with and encourage one another to become honest with their loved ones and colleagues at work. Some gambling addicts who feel that the GA meetings have not benefited them are likely to stop attending; meanwhile, gamblers who believe they can simply quit after the first meeting are also likely to discontinue. GA is therefore most suitable for gamblers who hold a balanced and realistic view of what the meetings can offer (Ferentzy, 2005).

Some critics claim that GA is a gender-biased program. Although the probability of men and women attending is nearly equal (Crisp et al., 2000), many believe that because the program does not adequately address interpersonal and spiritual issues in ways that resonate with women, it is less attractive to female participants.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is another treatment available to gambling addicts, conducted by addiction counselors or service providers. The focus of these counselors is on changing unhealthy gambling behaviors and thought patterns. They also help gamblers manage unpleasant emotions and address problems related to finances, relationships, and work. This therapy is structured as a four-step program.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the social and financial threats posed by addiction to gambling are far worse than the few economic benefits that can result from legalization. However, in the cities and countries where gambling has been legalized, strict regulation and taxation are essential so that the non-gambling public does not bear the costs of an unregulated industry. Regulatory bodies such as the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the UK Gambling Commission provide models for how governments can oversee this sector while minimizing harm to society.

Bibliography

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Saisan, Joanna & Segal, Jeanne. (2012). "Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling." Helpguide.org.