Pathological Gambling- Is it an addiction? Part II

February 17th, 2011

Michael Campos, Ph.D.

This is part II in Michael’s series on pathological gambling (click the preceding for part I):

The risk factors for pathological gambling

There are a number of factors that are important in pathological gambling including types and number of games played, alcohol use, and socio-demographic factors. Some research suggests that casino gambling, pull tabs, card playing outside a casino, bingo, and sports betting are associated with increased risk for gambling problems. In addition, the number of different types of games played is associated with gambling problems such that the more different types of games a person plays, the greater the risk for gambling problems. Alcohol abuse/dependence is associated with increased risk for gambling problems as well. Finally, socio-demographic factors (e.g., low socio-economic status, minority ethnicity) are associated with gambling problems even after controlling for gambling behavior. Read the rest of this entry »

Pathological Gambling – Is it an addiction?

January 23rd, 2011

Michael Campos, Ph.D.

In the past few decades gambling has become an increasingly available and socially acceptable activity; however, some individuals who gamble do so in a way that results in severe and wide-ranging negative consequences. Although the majority of individuals who gamble do so without experiencing problems, many people have themselves suffered, or know friends and family members who have suffered dire personal, financial, and social consequences as a result of their gambling behavior. Read the rest of this entry »