Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.

Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.
  • Home Page
  • The Facts
  • Types of Gamblers
  • Self Assessment
  • Truth & Consequences
  • Recovery Support/Tools
  • Treatment/Counseling
  • Criminal/Legal Issues
  • About ACCG

Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.

Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc.
  • Home Page
  • The Facts
  • Types of Gamblers
  • Self Assessment
  • Truth & Consequences
  • Recovery Support/Tools
  • Treatment/Counseling
  • Criminal/Legal Issues
  • About ACCG

TYPES OF GAMBLERS

DEFINITIONS OF GAMBLING

GAMBLING

COMPULSIVE GAMBLING

PROBLEM GAMBLING

Any betting or wagering, for self or others, whether for money or not, no matter how slight or insignificant, where the outcome is uncertain or depends upon chance or "skill" constitutes gambling.

(Source: Gamblers Anonymous)

PROBLEM GAMBLING

COMPULSIVE GAMBLING

PROBLEM GAMBLING

Continued participation in risky gambling behaviors that negatively impact an individual's well being and affect his/her relationships, family, financial standing, social interaction and vocational pursuits. 

(Source: ACCG)


COMPULSIVE GAMBLING

COMPULSIVE GAMBLING

COMPULSIVE GAMBLING

A progressive disorder characterized by a continuous or periodic loss of control over gambling; a preoccupation with gambling and with obtaining money with which to gamble; irrational thinking; and a continuation of the behavior despite adverse consequences. 

(Source: Richard Rosenthal, Psychiatric Annals, February 1992)

ACTION GAMBLERS VS. ESCAPE GAMBLERS

ACTION GAMBLERS

ACTION GAMBLERS

ACTION GAMBLERS

Action gamblers prefer "skill-based" games such as live poker or other card games, craps or other dice games, and horse and/or dog racing. Action gamblers dominate fantasy sports and legal and illegal sports betting. They gamble to beat other individuals, the odds, or the "house." They often believe they can develop a repeatable "system" to achieve their goal.


65% of our Male Helpline Callers are Action Gamblers


Characteristics


Started gambling early in life (teens or even earlier)


Euphoric state (similar to being high from drugs like cocaine). 


Feeling of being "high" while thinking about, planning, or actively gambling.


Huge ego, domineering, controlling. Likes taking risks. Narcissistic, gregarious. Seeks approval of others.


Becomes compulsive a few years after first starts to gamble, often upon emergence of predisposing factors.


Progresses through four phases: Winning, Losing, Desperation, Hopelessness


Gambles 10-30 years before considering a recovery program.


Probability of long-term abstinence from gambling unlikely unless treated by a qualified professional who can assist in treating the underlying predisposing factors.


Frequently switches to Escape Gambling in later stages of the Desperation phase.


ESCAPE GAMBLERS

ACTION GAMBLERS

ACTION GAMBLERS

The act of gambling provides temporary relief or escape from life problems and overwhelming psychological and emotional trauma. Escape gamblers use slots, bingo, keno and video poker to self-medicate. They come to believe they will be unable to endure the pain they fear will return if they stop anesthetizing themselves with gambling.


95% of our Female Helpline Callers are Escape Gamblers


Characteristics


Gambling becomes problematic later in life (after 30) 


Numb, almost in a hypnotic state, while gambling. 


Gambles to escape other problems. Free from physical and emotional pain while gambling.


Nurturing, quiet, reserved, codependent. Often a victim of abuse. Does not like confrontation.


Often has numerous wins prior to becoming compulsive.

 Winning merely provides means to gamble longer.


Progresses through four phases: Winning, Losing, Desperation, Hopelessness


Gambles for six months to 2-3 years prior to seeking help.


More likely to seek treatment. Higher probability of long-term abstinence if able to replace gambling with another activity and regain or develop coping skills.

OTHER TYPES OF GAMBLERS

TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS

TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS

TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS

Problem gambling creates serious issues for pre-teen/teen gamblers ages 10-18 and their families. It may impact relationships, schoolwork and/or leisure interests.


For younger adult gamblers ages 18-34 and their families, problem gambling may interfere with relationships, education and/or work, and result in diversion of funds meant for other uses. The gambler may accumulate substantial debt in order to continue the activity.


Know the warning signs and be prepared to act!

Warning signs

SENIORS

TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS

TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS

For most seniors, gambling is simply recreational. But for some, it can become a progressive illness.


Seniors who have never had a problem with gambling before are especially prone to becoming escape gamblers. 


Any one of the following factors may make seniors more vulnerable: boredom, loneliness, depression, chronic pain, grief, isolation, relocation, abuse, loss of a loved one, health issues, fear of death.


Know the warning signs and be prepared to act!

Warning Signs

KIDS + GAMING

TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS

KIDS + GAMING

In moderation, mobile, online and video gaming can be fun, healthy, educational, and entertaining.


Excessive and progressive gaming can lead to erratic and unstable behavior that impairs personal relationships, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, health, and well-being.


Early action is the key to preventing moderate gaming from becoming excessive, and excessive gaming from becoming progressive.


Know the warning signs and be prepared to act!

Warning signs

MORE INFO ON PRE-TEEN/TEEN PROBLEM GAMBLERS

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MORE INFO ON YOUNGER ADULT PROBLEM GAMBLERS

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MORE INFO ON SENIOR PROBLEM GAMBLERS

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KIDS + GAMING: CHILD'S PLAY OR PLAYING WITH FIRE?

Download PDF

ARE YOU PRACTICING "SAFE GIFTING?"

ASK YOURSELF, HAVE I EVER...

Tucked a lottery ticket into a child's birthday card or a teenager's graduation gift?

Stuffed a handful of scratchers into a kid's holiday stocking?

Authorized an upgraded reward purchase for a child or teen who's playing mobile/video games?


Many of us do so without a thought.

It's easy, convenient, and inexpensive. 

It's harmless fun, right?

Or is it?

CONSIDER THE MESSAGE YOU MAY BE SENDING...

Something as seemingly benign as receiving a winning ticket, scratching off a $1 game card, or opening a video game loot box could stimulate the pleasure center of a young person's brain - and send a subtle message of social acceptability and adult approval.

PLEASE, THINK BEFORE YOU GIFT!

  • The Facts
  • Types of Gamblers
  • Self Assessment
  • Truth & Consequences
  • Recovery Support/Tools
  • Treatment/Counseling
  • Criminal/Legal Issues
  • About ACCG

Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc

1-800-777-7207

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