A Bit of a Gamble

Our pubs and clubs are filled with poker machines (close to 100,000 in NSW alone) and casinos are popping up everywhere. There are lottery outlets and TABs, and now internet gambling as well as sports gambling are placing temptation at every corner.
Something is going on in our society, but what is also going on for individuals with problem gambling? These people experience the obvious harm financially and sometimes this leads them into illegal activity trying to recoup losses.
Around 50per cent of problem gamblers have anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation and are more likely to engage in substance misuse. There are almost always family and relationship problems, often including a sense of betrayal for those when the problem is kept from them for a long time, or when despite promises, they continue to gamble.
Considering almost everybody loses and the costs can be so huge, it can be difficult to understand why they do it. Psychologists have not found one single explanation for problem gambling behaviour and no single personality type, rather a range of possible causes.
One way of understanding why people gamble is that gambling is a learnt behaviour. The flashing lights, bells and whistles and the carefully delivered payout at random intervals serve to reinforce the feeling of excitement for the gambler, which they associate with playing the machine.
Others have linked it to superstition. Gamblers might think a machine is lucky, is due to pay out soon, and feel regret when leaving a machine in case it pays soon.
Another way of looking at gambling is as an addiction, with strong urges to gamble leading to a continuation of gambling despite the problems it causes, as well as difficulties associated with stopping. If you or someone you know struggles with problem gambling, there is help available. Speak to your GP or contact the G-Line on 1800633635.