Online Gambling Addiction

Misconceptions

Many mistakenly believe that an online gambling addiction results from weakness that can be simply overcome by “pulling on your bootstraps.” But this is hardly the case. Problem gambling is classified by psychologists and mental health professionals as an emotional problem that can affect all aspects of an addict’s life or the lives of his family and friends. Problem gambling refers to those who have some gambling-related problems or who are at high risk for developing pathological gambling.

Online gambling is a persistent and recurring behavior that has many of the same symptoms of gambling. But online gambling is a solitary activity, which makes it even more dangerous. Addicts can gamble uninterrupted and undetected for unlimited periods of time. Pathological online gambling is sometimes accompanied by other disorders including alcohol or drug abuse.

Symptoms of Online Gambling Addiction

Here are similar symptoms as developed by the American Psychiatric Association:

• Preoccupation: Frequent thoughts about online gambling experiences, past, present, future, or fantasy.
• Tolerance: Craving a bigger “fix;” needing larger or more frequent wagers to get a "rush."
• Withdrawal: Restlessness or irritability when attempting to quit.
• Escape: Temporary mood respites relieving guilt, anxiety or depression, allowing escape from problems of perceived powerlessness or helplessness.
• Chasing: Repeated attempts to win back losses with more wagers.
• Lying: Attempts to hide gambling extent by lying to family, friends, therapists or employers.
• Loss of control: Inability to reduce frequency or quit, despite potential loss of job, career, relationships, family, financial ruin or other negative consequences
• Illegal: Justify lawbreaking activity to get gambling money or offset losses.
• Bailout: Relying on family, friends, or others for financial assistance.

A Cause for Concern

In 1996 there were approximately 30 online gambling Web sites and $17 million in wagers. Online gambling has grown to 53,000 Web sites approximately $6 billion in wagers in 2004, projected to reach $48 billion by 2010. Today there are approximately 12 million online gamblers of whom 5.3 million are Americans. The number of online gambling sites numbered 53,000 in 2004.

Online gambling differs from other forms of gambling. Few regulations exist to assure fairness of games or provide checks to insure responsibility of game operators, most of whom operate outside the U.S.. Online gambling is a 24/7/365 activity. In addition to dangers associated with gambling’s addictive behaviors, online sites are subject to hacking attacks by criminals looking to steal funds from credit card accounts, and online sites frequently invade home or employer computers with viruses, spyware and malware.

About 10% -15% of young people in the United States report having experienced one or more problems related to gambling, with 1%-6% of these matching diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling. This potential for addiction is increased because many online game Web sites targeting children and teens have direct links to gambling sites, offering “freebies” to get the young started on the road.

Are You Addicted to Online Gambling?

If you suspect that you are or are developing behaviors similar to those outlined above, go to these Web sites and take a multi-question test.

• Center For Online Addiction

• National Council on Problem Gambling

Treatment Options

Help is available through psychiatrists, mental health professionals and organized gambling treatment programs. Most treatment is done on an outpatient basis.

• 800.522.4700 Gamblers Anonymous Problem Gambling Helpline toll-free number.

• Gamblers Anonymous International telephone directory

• Gam-Anon provides self-help programs for family members.