TYPES OF 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.

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.