Gambling addiction is the dark side of online casinos. From a fun game to an unhealthy obsession, gambling can lead to some pretty serious consequences. Whether it is casinos, online games, or poker, addiction can wreck lives. When these fun and chill games turn into a compulsive disorder, an individual simply cannot resist the urge to bet one more time.

Gambling addicts play the bets even when they have nothing to lose and they know that they cannot afford another doom. Addiction causes people to gamble during their highs and lows. From financial disasters to ruined relationships, and poor personal life, gambling has unimaginable impacts.

No matter how worse it gets, recovering from this type of addiction is still possible. With each passing year, the number of addicts keeps increasing. Here are 8 shocking facts about gambling that you should know about:

1) Problem Gambling Common with Occasional Players:

One does not have to necessarily gamble every day to come under the problem gambling category. It is often a behavior that chases losses and some cravings fuel this drive to gamble more.

They may be aware of the negative situations and all that could go wrong but problem gamblers continue to repeat the behavior. Even if one can afford to gamble without any money problems, the addiction can cause mental health issues and an unstoppable urge to gamble no matter what happens. 

2) Young People are More Vulnerable to Problem Gambling:

The world of gambling sucks the most vulnerable people which includes teenagers and young adults. The industry profits significantly from this age group. Australia is one of the top nations when it comes to gambling. 

With more than $25 billion spent on poker, casinos, as well as sports, and betting, gambling is trending. Since the youth has easy access to apps that promote illegal gambling, they often become prey in such situations. Australians bet more than any other nation and this number increased by 20% due to the upsurge in mobile phone betting. 

3) Monetized Video Games Can Lead You There:

The Australian Gaming and Screens Alliance warns that monetized video games provide an entry to the world of online betting. Parents noticed a significant debt on their credit cards and later found that their teens used it for buying loot boxes or additional features in video games. 

Moreover, the Australian gaming alliance even found proof of how these video games encourage gambling. What’s surprising is that most people are still unaware of how betting is rising day by day, especially in online gaming. Without any urgent action, the youth is in danger of considering gambling from such an early age.

4) Online Gambling Numbers Sustain after the Pandemic:

During the pandemic lockdowns, Australian betting was at an all-time high. Since mobile apps are accessible and there was sufficient time during the lockdown as well, the numbers were quite alarming. With a 20% increase in betting patterns, there was a tremendous rise in aggressive advertising that led people to such websites. 

Australian Gambling Research Centre states that conventional gambling decreased in these years but there was an upsurge in online betting during Covid times. Researchers expected that this number would drop again as soon as people start going back to work but this did not happen.

5) Gambling Addiction Reaching the Tipping Point:

A trauma surgeon suggests that Australia is at a critical tipping point. Online gambling is successfully targeting the most vulnerable groups of the community. Moreover, the concept that the one who gambles the most loses the most prevails and continues to shatter the lives of people. 

Numerous parliamentary submissions focused on how gambling addiction is more of a health threat rather than a job-creating industry. From depression to interpersonal violence, there are a lot of health hazards that can happen because of gambling addiction. 

6) Gambling can Ruin Relationships, Families:

Gambling addiction is often known as a hidden addiction. For instance, the effects of drinking or drug abuse are quite visible. An individual may be deep into a gambling addiction and others won’t have a clue for the longest time until the situation turns worse. 

Moreover, gambling can easily be done through phones and laptops which makes it difficult to identify if the person is starting to get addicted. This factor ruins the family relationships as the person gets distant from kids and their loved ones. Gambling destroys families and ruins relationships even if not controlled. 

7) Gambling Addiction a Coping Mechanism for Many:

Gambling for fun once and then is fine as long as one can set boundaries. Once someone starts spending more and more time on gambling than they intend to, it may be turning into an addiction. Several people use gambling as an escape and indulge in such activities only when they are sad, highly stressed, or anxious. 

While some people also see gambling as a coping mechanism and turn to this when they feel helpless. Lying to cover up for the losses, spending all the time gambling, and even prioritizing this activity over a family or the job are some serious symptoms of addiction. 

8) Gambling Addiction is Curable:

One can overcome gambling addiction with the help of cognitive behavioral therapy. It helps in shattering the vision of chasing wins after losing. Also, the therapy is great for reinstating the concept of financial security.

Such therapies also address problems like depression and anxiety which are a result of gambling addiction. Psychological therapies and financial counseling open doors for healing. Meditation combined with lifestyle changes will allow an individual to get out of gambling addiction and resist the urge to chase wins.

Conclusion:

Untreated gambling addiction can result in financial debt, loss of personal and professional life, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Everyone must keep a check on their loved ones and spread awareness about advertising or websites that promote gambling. While gambling in moderation is acceptable, there is a fine line between having fun and starting to get addicted to the feeling of winning.

Blog Sources:

https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/information-and-support/problem-gambling/

https://aifs.gov.au/media/raising-stakes-how-australians-are-gambling-during-covid-19

https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral

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