Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals

Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals
• have had a recent loss or change, such as divorce, job loss, retirement
or death of a loved one
• often feel bored or lonely, or have a history of risk-taking or impulsive
behaviour
• have financial problems
• have few interests or hobbies, or feel their lives lack direction
• have a history of mental health problems, particularly depression
and anxiety
• have been abused or traumatized
• have a parent who also has (or has had) problems with gambling
• have (or have had) problems with alcohol or other drugs, gambling
or overspending
• tie their self-esteem to gambling wins or losses.
The more factors that apply, the more likely a person is to develop a
gambling problem.
Risk Groups
Research into gambling problems suggests that some groups may be
more at risk of developing problems or may experience greater harm
because of their gambling behaviour.
youth
Research shows that teens are twice as likely as adults to have gambling
problems. Easy access to gambling, its wide acceptance as a way to have
fun, the perception that it is a quick way to a good life and the element
of risk make gambling attractive to teens. The social, educational and
emotional consequences are serious. Gambling in teens is correlated
with poor academic and vocational performance, mental health problems,
problems with alcohol or other drugs and high-risk behaviour.
Long-term studies are not yet available to tell us if gambling in youth
becomes a lifelong problem.
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