Problem Gambling
What is problem gambling?
Problem gambling includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. The essential features are increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences. In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even suicide.
What kind of people become problem gamblers?
Anyone who gambles can develop problems if they are not aware of the risks and do not gamble responsibly. When gambling behavior interferes with finances, relationships and the workplace, a serious problem already exists.
Can you be a problem gambler if you don't gamble every day?
The frequency of a person's gambling does not determine whether or not they have a gambling problem. Even though the problem gambler may only go on periodic gambling binges, the emotional and financial consequences will still be evident in the gambler's life, including the effects on the family.
How much money do you have to lose before gambling becomes a problem?
The amount of money lost or won does not determine when gambling becomes a problem. Gambling becomes a problem when it causes a negative impact on any area of the individual's life.
Source: National Council on Problem Gambling
Connecticut Resources
- Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Programs
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling
- Connecticut Gambling and Gaming Youth Prevention
- Connecticut Gambling Awareness Community and Leadership Teams
- DMHAS Problem Gambling Services
- Responsible Play the CT Way
Research & Statistics
- Center for Gaming Research, University of Nevada, Las VegasIncludes statistics, reports, dissertations, and other publications on all aspects of gambling.
- International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors - Research/PublicationsClick on Research & Publications to view publications, research reports, conference presentations, and more.
- Journal of Gambling Issues
Published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Ontario, Canada), the journal provides a scientific forum for developments in gambling-related research, policy issues, and treatment.
- PubMed
PubMed comprises more than 20 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.
- The Worldwide Addiction Gambling Education Report (The WAGER)The WAGER is a public education research bulletin published by the Division on Addictions at Harvard Medical School.
- Young Adult Statewide Survey (YASS)
The Young Adults Statewide Survey (YASS) was a two- phase, social marketing driven behavioral health survey of young adults(18-25).
For more information about the Young Adults Statewide Survey, contact: sussman@uchc.edu