Online Gambling Addiction

While online gambling can be a fun and profitable diversion, it can also lead to an online gambling addiction. There are many different definitions for problem gambling, including 'pathological gambling,' and 'compulsive gambling.' For some people, there is a stigma attached to problem gambling, but recognizing it as an emotional problem is the first step towards overcoming that stigma. Problem gambling is no different than any other type of emotional problem in that it's not advisable to simply ignore the issue and hope it will go away.

Comments

You raise a good point, Audri. Unfortunately, the ads on this site can't be turned off for a single article. Because they pick up on words and phrases in the text, it's impossible to control whether they choose to highlight "gambling sites" or "fighting gambling addiction."

I think there is very good information about addiction here. But I am a bit curious as to why there are a lot of links to places to gamble on the net on this very same page. What a double message. I would feel the same if I walked into an AA meeting and saw beer ads on the walls or neon liquor signs.

Jennifer, one thing I would suggest is having someone to talk to about the issues you're facing. A professional counselor or religious advisor would be most beneficial, but even having a sympathetic friend could be helpful. Gam-Anon (http://www.gam-anon.org) is a support group for those affected by a loved one's gambling. The organization's site includes a list of local meetings, organized by state (http://www.gam-anon.org/meeting.asp), along with hotlines when available. The group also has literature available (http://www.gam-anon.org/lit_summary.htm) with advice, personal stories, and spiritual guidance.

If you're uncomfortable talking about your significant other's problems face-to-face, you can also find online support groups. Of the online forums and chat rooms I mentioned in a previous comment, Gambling Problem (http://www.gamblingproblem.co.nz/cgi-bin/talkingpoint/discus.cgi) is open to both compulsive gamblers and the family and friends of compulsive gamblers.

A few other online resources to help you deal with online gambling addiction are:

• The Better Health Channel (http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Gambling_advice_for_family_and_friends?OpenDocument) with a list of advice for family and friends
• The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (http://www.afm.mb.ca/Learn%20More/information.htm) has information for friends and family of problem gamblers
• Gamblers Anonymous (http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/) is a potential resource to suggest to the gambler

From perusing these sites, a few common words of advice I've found include:

• Learn more about gambling addiction – This will help you make informed decisions and open a dialogue with the gambler.
• Urge the problem gambler to seek help – Be supportive and offer potential resources. However, recognize that you can't force someone to seek help. He must go on his own timetable.
• Don't loan the gambler money – Providing money will only enable the gambler and keep him from facing up to his problem.
• Protect your own money - Make sure you have separate bank accounts and credit cards whenever possible, and on a smaller scale, don't leave cash around the house.

I hope this information is helpful to you in dealing with the gambler in your life.

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