Who is at risk of a gambling addiction?

Many people enjoy playing at casinos, buying lottery tickets, and playing a friendly game of poker. According to PlayItSafeOhio.org, which promotes responsible gambling and offers help to those who may have a problem with gambling, about 85 percent of Americans in 2012 said they gambled at least once in their lives.
In fact, the American Gaming Association has found that a majority of Americans have positive attitudes toward gambling. Two-thirds believe that it benefits the economy and provides high-quality jobs.
Many people can participate in gambling, even with significant amounts of money, without developing an addiction. For others, however, gambling can become a costly, devastating habit.
Are some people at higher risk of gambling problems? What puts a person at risk of harmful gambling? Let’s take a look.
Are there risk factors for problem gambling?
Anyone who participates in gambling could potentially develop an addiction. However, certain risk factors may make it more likely.
A person who already struggles with another addiction may be more likely to develop problem gambling. Someone who is experiencing stress or anxiety in their life—for example, if they recently lost their job or a loved one—may use gaming as a coping mechanism and develop an addiction.
A person going through a normal, but stressful, life change may also develop a gambling habit. For example, a recently retired person may become addicted to gambling as a way to spend their new free time. This is a particular risk for individuals who live near a casino or who have a social group that participates in a lot of gambling.
Are men more likely to develop a gambling addiction?
Most research data show that men are more likely to develop problematic gambling. A survey by researchers at Prevention Insights, part of the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, found that 6.9 percent of men in Indiana reported “pathological gambling,” compared to 0.5 percent of women.
However, there may be a rise in problem gambling among women. Research from Stirling University in Scotland found that more people began gambling online during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and that women are as likely as men to engage in gambling.
Chief Financial Officers may be at risk of gambling problems.
CFOs may have a higher risk of gambling addiction compared to other types of jobs, due to a variety of factors. CFOs have access to both company and personal funds, and their experience with finances and numbers may convince them that they have better chances of winning. Gambling-like financial behaviors, such as stock trading, can also trigger compulsive gambling.
The findings come from a recent survey by the National Council on Problem Gambling. Among 2,000 participants, those who traded in the financial markets at least weekly were twice as likely to have problematic gambling behavior.
As gambling, including sports betting, expands across many states, behavioral health and addiction treatment organizations should prepare to see an increased demand for treatment options. The right tools can help you serve your clients appropriately and see better outcomes.
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