Gambling Isn’t Risk-Free

by Renee C. Wert, Ph.D.

Coordinator, Gambling Recovery Program, Jewish Family Service

For most people, gambling is harmless fun and recreation. In the last survey of gambling in New York State (in 1996), almost 93% of adults have never had a gambling problem. However, 3.6% of adults currently have some level of gambling problem and 1.4% have the most serious type of gambling problem called pathological (compulsive) gambling. This number is much higher among people who experience chemical dependency or mental health problems, especially depression. Fortunately, awareness of the problem can help to prevent problems from starting.

Pathological gambling is a serious problem. While finances are most obviously affected, pathological gamblers also have relationship problems, work problems, and even legal problems. “Joan,” who agreed to let her story be told, is a good example. She is 42 and the youngest of her children has just gone off to college. She has always struggled with depression and sometimes has been on antidepressant medication. Joan started gambling two years ago, on the lottery. She began with the twice-weekly Lotto drawing and has increased her gambling with the daily numbers as well. By the time she got into treatment she was spending between $10 and $20 daily on gambling. Instead of paying the bills, she was using household money to gamble. Her husband found out and threatened to leave her. She had thoughts of suicide, but her sister urged her to get help for her problems.

Joan has now had six months totally free of gambling. She is taking her antidepressant medication and is feeling that she is getting healthier all the time. She is able to think more clearly about her life. “When I was gambling I could forget all of my problems for a while. I’d stand in line and think that I had the winning numbers today. I’d think if I won, all my problems would be solved. Gambling was the only time I didn’t feel like a loser. Now I know I’m a better person without it, and I’m certainly not a loser.”

Gambling problems are increasingly affecting teens as well. Eighty-six percent of New York State teens have gambled at least once and 15% gamble weekly, according to a 1998 study. Teen problem gamblers (2.4% of all teens) spend an average of $146 monthly on gambling. Fourteen percent of teens are at risk of developing serious gambling problems.

As mentioned earlier, anyone can develop a gambling problem, and the risk is higher in people with mental health problems. Being aware of the following facts and suggestions may help you reduce this risk:

• Lottery and bingo are gambling too. People can and do get addicted to lottery or bingo.

• Don’t spend more than you can afford to lose. How much you can afford to spend depends on your income and your bills. Some people can spend a lot of money on gambling but don’t have a problem because they can afford to spend that amount. Other people might not even be able to afford to gamble $5.

• You should never borrow money or get into debt to gamble.

• Set a limit on the amount of time and money you can afford to spend on gambling. When the time or money is gone, walk away.

• Take a break every hour or two. Get up and walk around. Don’t get caught up in the excitement and lose track of how much time or money you’re spending.

• Remember that gambling is entertainment and not a way of getting money. Winning is fun but the odds are always against you.

• Gamble with family or friends, not alone.

• If you have trouble controlling your gambling, get help. Without the support of a self-help program or treatment, gambling problems usually just keep getting worse.

• Don’t gamble to deal with stress, problems or negative feelings.

• Get involved in other hobbies or activities. Gambling shouldn’t be your only way of having fun.

Most people don’t have a gambling problem, but for those who do, there are people that can help. Gamblers Anonymous is a 12 Step self-help group for people with gambling problems and can be reached at 716-515-4372. GamAnon is a self-help group for the families and friends of compulsive gamblers and can be reached at 716-832-9735. The Gambling Recovery Program at Jewish Family Service (716-883-1914) offers treatment for people with gambling problems as well as those who have been affected by the problem. Getting help is the best bet of all.