For most people, gambling entails placing occasional bets via their favorite online Casino U.K. real money. This is what you would call harmless entertainment. On the contrary, to some, gambling has led to serious issues in various aspects of their lives. 

Understanding gambling addiction facts can go a long way in reducing the misunderstandings and stigma associated with this disorder and makes it easier to seek professional help.  

Gambling trends

As with all kinds of data, certain trends of behavior start to emerge within a given population. Statistics on gambling addiction are no different. Below are some common gambling trends: 

  • People with alcohol use disorders have a 23-fold increased risk of acquiring a gambling addiction.
  • Over 80% of American adults gamble on an annual basis.
  • 60% of people who gamble struggle with a gambling problem. 
  • As many as 750,000 youngsters falling under the age of 14-21 suffer from gambling addiction. 

Gambling and criminal activity 

As far as criminal activity and gambling goes, gambling addiction statistics show that the severity of gambling addiction directly correlates with the likelihood of committing crimes. On average, about 50% of those suffering from gambling addiction commit crimes to support their addiction. Here are other statistics on this issue:  

  • 63% of Gambler Anonymous members confessed to writing bad checks, and around 30% reported stealing from work.  
  • Compulsive gamblers are seven times more likely than non-gamblers to get arrested. 

College gambling 

Gambling is becoming more and more prevalent among college students. What do statistics show? 

  • People between 20 and 30 years have the highest probability of getting addicted to gambling.  
  • 1 out of every 20 students meets the criteria for compulsive gambling. 
  • The rate of gambling addiction among college students is twice that of the general adult population.  
  • The risk of acquiring a gambling problem more than doubles for youngsters in college settings.

Online gambling statistics

Today, starting an online casino is relatively straightforward. Here is an article highlighting the different costs of starting an online casino https://entrepreneurhandbook.co.uk/the-costs-of-starting-an-online-casino/. Now, the fact that people can access thousands of online casinos from the comfort of their homes has come with some negatives. Actually, a report on online gambling revealed that the easy accessibility of online gambling sites presents a considerable risk of problem gambling. Today, even underage youth can easily enter an imaginary date of birth to access betting sites intended for use by adults.

Compulsive gambling in Men vs. Women 

When comparing gambling addiction in men and women, it’s clear that compulsive gambling is more prevalent in men. According to a national telephone survey investigating the demographics patterns of gamblers in the U.S, 2.9% of women had a problem with gambling compared to 4.2% of men. 

Why are males more susceptible to gambling addiction than women, you may ask. This disparity could be due to the fact that female compulsive gamblers tend to start gambling later in life. However, it is worth mentioning that when women begin gambling, they appear to grow addicted to it more quickly.

Gambling and PTSD trends

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients experience high levels of anxiety and stress on a daily basis. Studies on gambling addiction show high rates of compulsive gambling among PTSD patients.  

  • PTSD symptoms affect about 12.5% – 29% of problem gamblers. 
  • 34% of gambling addicts who seek treatment exhibit symptoms of PTSD.  

Gambling and mental illness 

As addictions, in general, affect brain chemical functions negatively, people with a gambling problem have a higher probability of developing mental disorders. Statistics on gambling addiction show a high prevalence of certain mental illnesses, including: 

  • Depression disorder.
  • Substance abuse disorders.
  • Anxiety disorders.
  • Anti-social personality disorder.

Gambling addiction treatment and outlook 

While gambling addiction is treatable, data show that only a small percentage of those who suffer from it seek professional help. Of people behind bars who were fully aware of their gambling addiction, over 60% said they wanted help, but only 25% sought assistance. Only 5.4% of people who have a gambling problem say they have attended gambling addiction treatment 

This discrepancy in recognizing the problem and seeking treatment could be attributable to conservative views that compulsive gambling is not a disorder. Appreciating that gambling addiction is a recognized mental health issue rather than a moral flaw requires a shift in mindset.

Gambling addiction treatment methods are comparable to those used to treat substance abuse disorders in many ways. Motivational interviewing (MI), an approach that focuses on raising personal drive and knowledge of the negative repercussions of behavior, is likely to benefit those who aren’t certain they have a gambling problem. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also used to treat compulsive gambling.

Gambling addiction treatment differs in intensity from outpatient therapy, inpatient treatment facilities, and mutual aid groups. Among the most common mutual aid groups for gambling addicts is Gamblers Anonymous. Like Narcotics anonymous and Alcoholics anonymous, this group relies on peer support. 

All said and done, if you think you are struggling with gambling addiction, seek help immediately. Seeking professional help allows you to avoid adding to the already worrying statistics.