Antisocial
Gambler
Defined by Robert Custer as
the type of gambler who engages
in rip-offs and scams. Gambling
is a method to steal money,
may use loaded dice, marked
cards, and fixed sports events
or horse races. They are different
from the gambler who commits
a crime to pay gambling debts.
Compulsive
Gambling
A
term used by Gamblers Anonymous
to define a member that has
a desire to stop gambling. "Compulsive
gambling is an illness, progressive
in nature, which can never be
cured, but can be arrested."
Also defined as an impulse control
disorder in which the subject
is driven by an overwhelming,
uncontrollable urge to gamble.
The impulse is progressive and
becomes more frequent. It consumes
more of the individual's time,
energy, and money. It can destroy
everything that is meaningful
in the person's life.
Escape
Gambling
Gambling to escape problems
in personal or business life.
This type of gambler usually
plays against machines and avoids
human contact. The most popular
forms of escape gambling are
slot machines and video poker.
The gambling tends to have an
emotional "numbing"
effect on the individual. Gambling
episodes are usually very long
in duration and the behavior
has a consistent repetitive
quality to it. It is an attempt
to cope with painful emotions
but it leaves the gambler more
depressed afterwards.
Gambling
To play a game of chance for
stakes or money. To bet on the
outcome of a game or contest.
To take a risk in the hope of
gaining an advantage.
Impulse
Control Disorder
Recurrent loss of control over
impulses; pattern of acting
before thinking; difficulty
organizing and waiting; failure
to resist urges; often is neurologically
caused.
Pathological
Gambling
A progressive disorder characterized
by a continuous or periodic
loss of control over gambling
and with obtaining money with
which to gamble; irrational
thinking; and a continuation
of the behavior despite adverse
consequences. (R. Rosenthal,
MD) "Pathological Gambling
Disorder" is defined as
a mental disorder in the classification
group of Impulse Control Disorders
(along with kleptomania and
pyromania). It is characterized
by a persistent, recurrent,
and uncontrollable impulse to
participate in gambling activities.
The terms pathological gambling
and compulsive gambling are
similar in definition.
Problem
Gambling
Participation in any form of
gambling to the extent that
it creates any negative consequences
to the gambler, their family,
place of employment, or community.
This includes patterns of gambling
and related behaviors (usually
financial issues) that compromise,
disrupt, or damage personal,
family, educational and/or vocational
interests.
Process
Addictions
Gambling, Shopping, Work, Exercise,
Sex
Professional
Gambler
Professional gamblers will not
frequently lose control when
placing bets, rather gambling
is methodical and planned (e.g.
a professional horse gambler
may not bet on every race).
Gambling is their primary source
of income. It is estimated that
there are fewer than 3,000 professional
gamblers in the US and Canada
and only 50 professional gamblers
in the US who earn over $100,000
dollars annually by gambling.
Social
Gambling
Usually occurs with friends,
family, or colleagues. The gambling
episode lasts for a limited
period of time. If they set
an acceptable dollar loss in
advance they stick to it. Usually
the gambling is for entertainment.
The person does not lose control
of their behavior. Social gambling
can occur on a regular basis,
but there are no negative consequences
for the person in terms of lost
time or lost finances. Social
gambling can escalate to serious
social gambling or problem gambling.
Social
Gambling (Serious)
For the serious social gambler,
gambling is a very important
part of their lives and would
be greatly missed if it were
not possible to engage in. There
may be an intense focus on a
single form of gambling (e.g.
horse racing, cards). There
is little or no loss of control
or negative consequences from
the gambling, but usually there
is extensive preoccupation.
(Adapted from Custer and Milt,
1985.)
