Problem Gambling

Problem gambling refers to gambling behavior that is disruptive to other areas of life (vocational, family, social, physical, psychological, etc.). The term is frequently used to encompass all levels of problematic gambling behavior.

Compulsive, or pathological, gambling is a progressive behavior disorder characterized by an increasing preoccupation with gambling activities, a need to bet more money more frequently, “chasing” losses, and a loss of control that is characterized by continued participation in gambling activities despite the mounting negative consequences for the individual. The key signs of compulsive gambling are emotional dependence on gambling, loss of control and interference with normal functioning.

The American Psychiatric Association describes pathological (compulsive) gambling as a “disorder of impulse control”. This illness is both diagnosable and treatable.

Missouri has taken a broad based approach to attacking problem gambling, believing the solution is much like an old family recipe – leave out one ingredient and the dish doesn’t work. The Missouri effort places equal premiums on awareness, education, prevention, treatment and enforcement. The objectives are as follows:

Awareness

Make the public aware that gambling is a product that has risks and that if used inappropriately it can have devastating consequences.

Education

Educate the public about the risks of problem gambling and how to identify warning signs exhibited by their family, friends or co-workers. Educate the public about how to deal with a problem gambler and the treatment and prevention services that are available. Establish and maintain a properly educated network of professional counselors, volunteers and clergy to help treat and counsel those who suffer from problem gambling.

Problem Gambling Advocate

Provide an advocate for problem gamblers and their families to gather and disseminate information on problem gambling issues.

Prevention

Establish prevention curriculum for gaming industry workers, young people, the elderly and others who are at risk of becoming a problem gambler. Create a network of speakers to give prevention presentations to community organizations. Establish a toll free hotline to catch problem gambling early. Promote research to develop a better understanding of the condition and how it might be prevented.

Treatment

Provide resources for counselor training and free or subsidized treatment for problem gamblers. Maintain a well-educated counseling force. Missouri offers free compulsive gambling counseling to both problem gamblers and their family members Click here to access the list of certified counselors. Create a method for problem gamblers to isolate themselves from the temptations of gambling such as Missouri’s voluntary exclusion program Click here for more information.

Enforcement

Do not allow gamblers to escape the consequences of their destructive behavior. If their gambling creates a legal problem make them pay a price while supporting their recovery efforts with treatment. Teach people not to “bail out” compulsive gamblers by covering bad checks or loaning money.

The success of this six-prong approach has been greatly enhanced through the use of an alliance of public, private and non-profit organizations interested in helping build awareness about the risks and consequences of problem gambling and developing treatment solutions for problem gamblers. Click here to learn more about the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling.