Gambling Solutions and Counseling Services of Michigan, P.L.C.

What is problem or pathological gambling ?

Gambling is a growing and popular form of recreation in the United States. For most people going to a casino, racetrack or bingo hall or buying a lottery ticket is a form of entertainment. Not everyone who gambles develops a gambling problem. Unfortunately, for some people gambling becomes more than a harmless form of entertainment. Problem gambling can lead to financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even suicide. Much like a dependency to alcohol, the need to gamble may become the most important activity in the life of someone who gambles excessively.

Gambling in the United States

In 1998, National Gambling Impact Study Commission found that 86% of Americans report having gambled at least once in their lives. 68% of Americans report having gambled in the last year. In 1998, people gambling in this country lost $50 billion in legal wagering.  All but 2 states have some form of legalized gambling. Hawaii and Utah have no legal gambling.

2.5 million (1.5%) of U.S. adults are estimated to meet the criteria for pathological gambling in a given year.  Another 4-6 million (2-3%) would be problem gamblers; that is they do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling, but meet one or more of the criteria and are experiencing problems due to their gambling behavior.


Michigan

Michigan has approximately 300,000 residents ages 18 years and older with a lifetime of problem gambling.  2% of all Michigan residents currently have a gambling problem and 4.1% have had a gambling problem at some point in their lives.  About two-thirds (66.0%) of all problem gamblers in Michigan currently reside in either in Detroit or the Metro-Detroit regions.  These regions account for about 74% of all Michigan residents whose gambling might be considered pathological.


What is Gambling?

Gambling is any betting or wagering for onself or others, whether for money or not, no matter how slight or insignificant, where the outcome is uncertain or depends on "skill or chance" (Source:  Gamblers Anonymous).

What is Pathological (Compulsive) Gambling?

“ Pathological Gambling is a progressive behavior disorder in which an individual has a psychologically uncontrollable preoccupation and urge to gamble. This results in excessive gambling, the outcome of which is the loss of time and money. The gambling reaches a point at which it compromises, disrupts or destroys the gambler’s personal life, family relationships or vocational pursuits. These problems in turn lead to intensification of the gambling behavior. The cardinal features are emotional dependence on gambling, loss of control and interference with normal functioning”. (Ohio Council on Problem Gambling)

DSM IV

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) first included pathological gambling in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III) in 1980. The APA classifies pathological gambling as an impulse control disorder.

Diagnostic criteria for 312.31 Pathological Gambling Richard Rosenthal, M.D. and Henry Lesieur, Ph.D.

A. Persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

  1. Is preoccupied with gambling (e.g., preoccupied with reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning the next venture, or thinking of ways to get money with which to gamble)
  2. Needs to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the desired excitement
  3. Has repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, to cut back, or to stop gambling
  4. Is restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling
  5. Gambles as a way of escaping from problems or of relieving a dysphoric mood (e.g., feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression)
  6. After losing money gambling, often returns another day to get even (“chasing” ones losses)
  7. Lies to family members, therapist, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with gambling
  8. Has committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement to finance gambling
  9. Has jeopardized or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational or career opportunity because of gambling
  10. Relies on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

B. The gambling behavior is not better accounted for by a Manic-Episode.

This information on problem gambling is offered solely in the interest of helping those individuals who have developed problems with their gambling behaviors. If you or someone you know exhibits the behaviors of problem gambling, seek help. The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for treatment.