If you’re battling a gambling addiction, you should start by strengthening your support system. While family and friends are important sources of support and motivation, it’s also helpful to make new friends who don’t involve gambling. Enroll in classes, volunteer for a cause, or join a peer support group. You can also join Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step program modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. The 12-step program includes the role of a sponsor, a fellow gambler who can offer advice and guidance.
Problem gamblers are more likely to blame others
Identifying a problem gambler’s behavior is difficult, but recognizing the signs and symptoms can help. Gambling problems are not limited to those with weak willpower, poor judgment, or low intelligence. Problem gamblers are equally likely to develop a gambling problem, even if they are intelligent, independent, or well-adjusted. They rationalize their behavior and blame others to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. Identifying and helping problem gamblers can help them avoid becoming a burden on others and themselves.
Significant other issues associated with gambling include isolation and self-blame. These problems can lead to loneliness, anger, and resentment among family members and friends. The gambler’s gambling often entails the involvement of significant others, such as spouses and partners. Significant others are often victims of violence. In some cases, problem gamblers even attempt to hide their behavior from their significant others.
They have a negative expectation of return
Gamblers often have a negative expectation of return. For example, GICs have positive expected returns as long as the financial institution exists. Similarly, most stocks and bonds have positive expected returns over time. But nearly all commercial forms of gambling have a negative expectation of return over time. This is not the case with all games. For example, sports betting and card counting in blackjack have positive expected returns for players who know how to use the rules and strategy of the game.
They often blame others for their losses
Problem gamblers often blame others for their losses. This is not unusual. Some spouses and significant others hide the fact that their partner has a gambling problem by lying to their spouse. Other spouses and significant others try to hide the problem by trying to make the gambler seem more responsible. However, if you or your significant other are struggling financially because of a gambling problem, you need to do something to help.
