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Different types of problem gamblers
It has never been easier for people to gamble legally, comfortably, conveniently on a variety of games and events. In the United States, all but two states have some form of legalized gambling. The two states without legalized gambling are Hawaii and Utah. Casinos, lotteries, race tracks, video lottery terminals and bingo are but a few of the types of gambling available. There are many forms of gambling and many types of gamblers.
Unfortunately, for some people gambling becomes much more than a harmless form of entertainment. They spend more time thinking about gambling, they gamble much more often, and they gamble much more than they can afford to lose. Based on criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association, the National Gambling Impact Study estimates that about 2.5 million adults are pathological gamblers and another 4-6 million should be considered problem gamblers.
There are two major types of Pathological Gamblers
Many times a person will fit neatly into one of the two the general categories below. Most often, however, a person will present a combination of these categories.
The Action Gambler
The "Action" Gambler is interested in games that require some skill. They are highly competitive individuals who have had some sports backgrounds. They gamble to "beat" the other individual or the "house" and often believe they can develop a system to achieve this goal. Their gambling histories generally start in adolescence, through the college years, and into adulthood. Their gambling choices may include poker, blackjack, craps or other dice games, horse racing, stock market, or sports betting.
The Escape Gambler
The "Esacape" Compulsive Gambler typically play games that do not require high levels of skill or knowledge such as handicapping. They play games of "luck". They gamble initially for recreation, socialization, and then uses gambling as an "escape from problems. They tend to choose games such as slot machines, video poker, bingo and keno, pull tabs, and scratch tickets. The escape gambler may go into a “trance” like state and spends excessive amount of time “lost” in their gambling.
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.