Types of Gambling Addictions

Gambling comes in many forms. According to Dr. Robert L. Custer, there are 6 different types of
gambling addictions. Each one has its own level of risk. However, it’s important to note that not
everyone who falls into one of these categories is addicted to the activity.

For example, the professional gambler may make the risky activity a full-time gig, but that doesn’t
mean he can’t stop at any time. To be addicted, one must exhibit the symptoms of addiction that we
listed above.

                                     The Professional Gambler

Professional gamblers are just that: full-time gamblers who make their living off of their
winnings. Their skill allows them to mitigate their risk to the point of walking out with a profit.

However, in order to have a successful “career” in the gambling field, one must have a strong level
of patience, awareness, and control. He or she has to wait for and anticipate a profitable bet and
know when to stop even if they are on a winning streak.

Because of this, the professional gambler is considered at a low risk for addiction. Yet it doesn’t
mean an addiction cannot be formed. If he or she begins to lose the control that made their skills
so profitable then that risk becomes elevated.

                                The Antisocial Personality Gambler

Antisocial personality gamblers may also make a living in the gambling scene. However, they are
very different from the professional gambler. Many actually have an antisocial personality.

They also have a tendency to participate in illegal forms of gambling. This includes engaging in
fixed bets or using marked cards and loaded dice. Most individuals who fall into this category have
a history of illegal activity.

They tend to be described as manipulative, irritable, deceitful, and aggressive. While these people
may use addiction as a defense if caught in the act, they typically have a personality disorder
that is reflected in their addictive habit rather than the addiction causing their quirks.

                                     The Casual Social Gambler

Casual social gamblers are rarely addicts. They engage in gambling as a form of recreation, whether
it’s in a social setting or for their own personal entertainment. These individuals balance their
gambling habits well.

Their gambling will not interfere with more important aspects of life, including their financial
situation, family relationships, or career. You likely know a casual social gambler, such as the
friend who sometimes buys scratch-off cards and lottery tickets or a neighbor who holds annual bets
on the Super Bowl.

This individual is at a low risk for becoming addicted, but it could happen if the hobby becomes a
crutch for dealing with something traumatic in the person’s life.

                                    The Serious Social Gambler

Serious social gamblers take their engagement in gambling further than the casual individual. He or
she gambles on a regular basis. However, they aren’t considered addicts.

In spite of their love for gambling, a serious social gambler will keep the hobby secondary to more
important aspects of life, including financial stability, family, and professional obligations.

This level of control places them at a higher risk of addiction than the casual social gambler, but
it would still take a traumatic event or massive win to sway them into making gambling a priority.

                                   The Relief and Escape Gambler

Relief and escape gamblers are typically on the verge of or are becoming addictive to the activity.
They use gambling as an escape from situations or feelings in life that they feel incapable of
facing.

This includes loneliness, depression, anger, anxiety, or even boredom. While they may still have
some level of control over their gambling habits, the line may blur if pushed further into a state
of vulnerability.

Any negative element in life could be enough to do this, from a stressful relationship or loss to
simply a bad day at work.

                                The Compulsive-Pathological Gambler

Compulsive-Pathological gamblers are completely addicted to their gambling habits. Control is no
longer within their grasp. These people are described as having a pathological disorder.

These people are emotionally tumultuous. Wins and losses will influence their feelings of
self-worth and they will struggle with guilt over their inability to control their habits.

Many compulsive-pathological gamblers develop other addictions alongside gambling as they try to
cope with their remorse. They spiral further into self-destructive behaviors as a result.


Zdroj: https://trafalgarresidence.com/