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Problem gamblers are more likely to engage in Internet gambling
Among problem gamblers, those who have been involved with gambling for at least two years have the highest rates of substance abuse and serious mental health problems in the past month. They also report higher rates of suicide ideation and attempts than non-problem gamblers. This pattern appears to be the same for all forms of Internet gambling. Nevertheless, the prevalence of problem gambling is significantly higher for men.
The prevalence of problem gambling among problem gamblers varies across various educational levels. In fact, those with high school education are less likely to be problem gamblers than those with only a GED. However, people with a PhD or professional degree also have higher rates of gambling. Moreover, three-fourths of working, self-employed and out-of-work people reported engaging in gambling in the past year. The prevalence of problem gambling was lowest among students and retirees. While Internet gambling was more prevalent among problem gamblers, it is not the sole mode for their addiction.
Problem gamblers are more likely to be young
In recent years, studies have shown that men are seven and a half times more likely than women to develop a gambling problem. Gambling is usually considered harmless entertainment, but for problem gamblers, it becomes an unhealthy habit that can affect other areas of their lives, such as relationships and their physical and mental health. Problem gamblers may have to place larger bets in order to get the same rush as before, and they continue to engage in the behavior despite the negative effects.
Research has found that problem gambling is more common in young people, as their brains are still developing and more vulnerable to stress and addiction. Gambling problems often overlap with other risky behaviors, such as binge drinking. Statistics show that 6.5 percent of young people experience problem gambling and 2.1 percent of these individuals are underage. Researchers have also found that the earlier a young person is introduced to gambling, the higher their likelihood of developing a gambling problem. Children who start gambling as early as age 12 are 4x more likely to develop a gambling problem than children who are introduced at a later age.
Problem gamblers are more likely to be less educated
Internet-based problem gamblers are more likely than their land-based counterparts to report problems with sports betting, poker, and EGMs. Poker is also more common among problem gamblers, especially Canadians. However, problem gamblers report less education when gambling online. It’s not clear why Internet-based problem gamblers are less educated. However, this fact does not mean that Internet gambling is entirely without risk.
The study found that problem gamblers were predominantly male, aged 37.6, and less educated than their non-gambling peers. The most common marital status was “never married,” followed by “married” or “de facto” (living with another person). Nearly seventy percent (434/620) reported living with others, while 62.6% reported living in a major city. Seventy-nine percent (483/620) had a job or were in school. In addition, 52.7% of problem gamblers had completed a tertiary degree. Problem gamblers tended to be born in Australia, and spoke English as their primary language.
Problem gamblers are more likely to be in debt
Internet gambling has several drawbacks for problem gamblers. Some of the reasons include the availability of electronic payment and constant access, which interferes with normal sleeping patterns. Other reasons include psychological comorbidities, irrational thinking and depression. These are common characteristics of both types of problem gamblers. Therefore, a comprehensive research program should be conducted to determine the cause of these problems.
Increasing losses may motivate problem gambling. Personal luck or irrational cognitions may drive these gamblers to continue their pattern of gambling. Access to credit can accelerate the process of developing problem gambling. In addition to mounting losses, problem gamblers may find themselves in a cycle of debt and financial distress. The ability to borrow money to fund online gambling activities also increases the risk of developing problems with financial management.