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Gambling addiction refers to the compulsive urge to participate in games of chance. People around the world suffer from gambling addiction because it brings the same symptoms as alcohol or drug addiction. When people gamble uncontrollably at gaming tables and machines in casinos or on the Internet, they can lose their entire fortunes. Many even get into debt. The consequences of gambling addiction are thus dramatic for many. Without professional help, only a few manage to quit. Although the number of women who succumb to gambling is lower, female gamblers are also at risk. Perhaps this is because women are more attentive to the choice of online casinos before playing and choose only platforms that practice responsible gambling, you can find them, for example, on the website SlotsSpot, which provides a large number of reviews of the best casinos to play.
What is gambling addiction?
Gambling addicts – both men and women – spend a large part of their time gambling. This can extend to several hours a day and thus represents a serious problem. Gambling addiction is accompanied not only by a loss of a lot of money, but also of social contacts. Gambling addicts isolate themselves and cut themselves off from friends and family.
Unlike addiction to certain substances such as alcohol or other drugs, gambling addiction is a behavioral addiction. However, the symptoms are similar. There is a loss of control and an internal compulsion to constantly participate in gambling. In addition to high debts and isolation, there is also the threat of losing one’s job because the addiction gets out of hand and duties are neglected.
The addictive effect of gambling is due to the release of happiness hormones in the brain. When gambling, or primarily when winning, a euphoric feeling is triggered that can even show itself in physical symptoms such as tingling and a feeling of heat. The pursuit of this euphoria is often the reason for gambling addiction.
Gambling addiction is recognized as a disease
Pathological gaming addiction is recognized by health insurance companies as a disease. Depending on which therapy is applied, the health insurance funds will also cover the costs. In each individual case, the best method of treatment must be agreed upon with the physician and the health insurance company.
This is because gambling addiction can have different consequences on the one hand and different causes on the other. The largest proportion of gambling addicts play slot machines. These are followed by sports betting, card games and dice games.
Cause of gambling addiction often lies in escape from problems
Nevertheless, demonizing online casinos is not the solution to all problems. Gambling has always existed and always will. Gambling on the Internet is just a logical consequence of technological progress. The majority of gamblers also do not show any problematic behavior when gambling and do not exhibit any addiction. However, there is a risk that should not be disregarded.
Addictive behavior is usually accompanied by other psychological problems or disorders. Those affected try to escape their problems with gambling, but this can intensify the problems and manifest the gambling addiction. Men and women addicted to gambling often suffer from the following diseases:
- Alcohol addiction
- Anxiety disorders
- Commitment anxiety
- Depression
- Drug addiction
- Panic attacks
- Personality disorders
More than half of all gambling addicts are said to also suffer from alcohol addiction. The satisfaction of both addictions can be well combined. This can be done almost as easily in casinos as in online casinos within one’s own four walls. Moderation is difficult for many after a certain time, when one loses oneself further and further in the satisfaction of addiction.
However, the proportion of alcohol-dependent gambling addicts is greater among men. In women, gambling addiction is usually accompanied by other emotional disorders. Due to the fact that the motivation of women – as described above – is distraction from stress and emotional problems, this connection is logical.
Online gambling particularly dangerous?
While men are increasingly into gambling in sports betting and slot machines, women have different gambling habits. They prefer to play slot machines at online casinos. Therefore, addiction experts are increasingly warning about the risks that online gambling poses to women.
Social considerations play no role here, and women can indulge in gambling in privacy. Problems from this can arise more easily than when women have to worry about appearing in public. Another reason for the increase in women becoming addicted to gambling is that simply more women are getting involved in risky gambling with their money.
With easy Internet access, women can play 24 hours a day. It also works great on the side when you have to babysit during the day. For many women, gambling in the evenings is part of relaxing after the kids are put to bed. Stress can be relieved with a few enjoyable rounds at an online casino. Of course, online gambling also provides a sense of liberation for childless and/or working women.
Relevant research of gambling addiction has proven that women want to relieve or block emotional stress and anxiety through gambling. For men, by contrast, the motivation to gamble is rooted in the prospect of winning or realizing power.
Conclusion
It can be stated that gambling addiction is a problem to which one should not turn a blind eye. However, online casinos are not responsible for more women becoming addicted to gambling. The combination of various circumstances leads to a gradual development up to gambling addiction. Anyone who is affected or thinks they may be affected should seek help.
There are significantly more gender studies for those addicted to chemical substances than for pathological gambling. However, the similarities between the disorders indicate that a better understanding of the correlation between gambling addiction and gender holds promise for future treatment success.
Medical studies show that women’s gambling addiction must be dealt with differently than men’s – even if the symptoms that occur are the same or similar. Thus, although there are few studies regarding gambling addiction in women, it is clear that gender-specific gambling addiction therapy is the right approach. Therapy with a focus on emotional problems and needs has the greatest chance of success with female gamblers.