Gambling addiction refers to instances in which a person can’t stop gambling despite the problems that the activity is creating in their life. While some Australian players are able to let gambling remain a healthy pastime, others may develop into problem gamblers in which the hobby grows to threaten their entire livelihood.
At Casino-Aus, we wish for all our players to remain responsible gamblers. Thus, we have created this page to provide information on gambling addiction for those interested in knowing the warnings signs of the disease as well as steps on how to combat it.
What is Gambling Addiction?
Gambling addiction (or problem gambling) refers to the compulsion to keep gambling despite the potential negative effects it may have on one’s life. Australian players who suffer from severe gambling addiction will keep on placing wagers in an effort to feel the rush that is experienced when winning, even if they don’t have the money to do so. It is considered to be a pathological disorder that holds unfortunate ramifications for society as a whole. A person is often categorised as a gambling addict if their compulsive habit has severe harmful effects on those around them.
Types of Gambling Addiction
If players are to learn about how to stop gambling addiction, then they need to understand the different types of gambling addiction seen within Australian communities. There are three common types of addiction:
- Problem Gambling – problem gamblers are not entirely addicted to the pastime yet but do show hints of developing a severe problem. Their habit has already begun to create some issues in their life. These players may lie about how much they’re spending or how much time they’re spending gambling.
- Binge Gambling – these players go on sprees where they do not gamble at all, but then also have periods where they simply cannot stop placing wagers. During these periods, they will make ridiculous bets with money they may not even have, which may have serious negative consequences.
- Compulsive Gambling – compulsive gamblers are full-blown gambling addicts that have no control whatsoever over their problem. These players continue to make bets despite the negative outcomes that may result bet and, as with binge gamblers, will place bets with money not available to them. They feel all the consequences of gambling addiction but seemingly have no power to fight their habit.
Signs of Gambling Addiction in Adults
Just as with drug addiction, sometimes it is difficult to identify a problem gambler. This is due to the fact that some gambling addicts hide their issues from those around them up until a point where they can no longer do so.
Thus, if you are worried about somebody in your life being addicted to gambling, be sure to check for any of the potential gambling addiction symptoms described down below:
- The person keeps placing bigger bets in order to get the same adrenaline rush. If they lose cash, they will try to win back their losses – sometimes with money that they do not have.
- The person lies about how much time and money they have spent on gambling. They may also ask for loans in order to help cover up their losses.
- The person may engage in illegal activities in order to fund their playing habits.
- The person may try to stop gambling repeatedly but fail to do so, getting very agitated in the whole process.
- The person only ever thinks about gambling and where they can place their next wager.
What Causes Gambling Addiction?
While not every problem gambler developed a problem for the same reasons, the following causes have often been identified as huge gambling addiction causal factors:
- Brain Chemistry – every time a player wins a bet, a hint of dopamine is released in the brain creating a pleasurable experience. Some players get addicted to this dopamine hit and can’t stop gambling as a result.
- Stress – some Aussies use gambling as a way to relieve stress. While the method may be useful in helping people wind down, it is never good to keep gambling in a way that may hurt oneself in the long run.
- Depression and Substance Addiction – people who are depressed or addicted to drugs or alcohol are more likely to develop an addiction to gambling.
How to Stop Gambling Addiction
Stopping gambling addiction is not easy, but a person admitting that they have a problem is the first step to rectifying the issue. There are several gambling addiction support services available to Aussies, including those outlined down below.
Gambling Addiction Number
The following gambling addiction services are available by phone:
- Gambling Help Hotline: 1800 858 858
- Lifeline Australia: (02) 6215 9400
Internet Gambling Addiction Services
Players who suspect that they have an issue can get gambling addiction help and information here: