Pathological gambling has become a problem of modern society over the years, which tells of a fairly hidden addiction that can endanger players who lose control over their bets. It is defined as hidden because unlike other addictions, which tend to manifest themselves, it can work silently and lead a person to isolate themselves and alienate themselves from the outside world without anyone noticing anything.
According to global estimates, it is considered that one in six people has problems related to gambling. And very often those close to them are unable to notice it in time to prevent or avoid the problem.
Knowing the typical traits of risk profiles can help not only the person directly affected, but also their loved ones to notice the problem in time so as to ask for help. In the broader context of gambling behavior, some individuals may turn to alternative platforms, such as licensed bingo not on GamStop, which operate outside traditional UK self-exclusion systems and may not have the same safeguards in place.
The phenomenon of gambling addiction
The numbers recorded in the UK tell of gambling addiction as a phenomenon that must be fought in every way. According to a survey in the UK, 2.5% of the population is affected by gambling addiction.
Psychological profiles at risk
It is true that it can be difficult to identify pathological gambling at non GamStop casinos, but paying attention to the details and behaviors of those around us can make the difference. There are in fact key signals that allow us to recognize clear profiles that we will explain in the next chapters.
People with mood disorders
One of the main causes that influences gambling addiction is certainly linked to mood disorders. Those who suffer from anxiety or depression, but also from personality problems (see for example borderline personality disorder), live the experience of betting and gambling as an escape from reality. Betting becomes a distraction, a perception of happiness because one distances oneself from everything that is real and is experienced as a cage. In reality, one escapes from a social problem with the risk of experiencing another.
Impulsive people
Experts have also found that a pathological gambler tends to have a rather impulsive character. This is a characteristic found in most compulsive gamblers, because it is practically impossible for them to control the impulse that guides their life and the actions they perform. The lack of control goes hand in hand with the inability to manage their gaming session and therefore their budget, thus leading to losing significant amounts of money.
However, impulsivity has a markedly different weight between men and women: the former more easily develop a propensity for pathological gambling. Women, on the other hand, are able to better manage the stress phase that can be linked to betting.
People with a need for strong stimuli
One of the risk profiles also concerns those people who often seek strong positive emotions and overwhelming stimuli at non GamStop casinos. In fact, the person finds himself not living with lucidity the moment of a win and this immediately pushes him to play again, increasing the bets and prolonging the playing time.
In the mind of the pathological gambler, in fact, the sense of gratification does not exist, because it is all obscured by the need to continue to engage in the betting action. This generates a strong sense of irritability and restlessness not only in the face of losses but also in the face of winnings, precisely because they are not experienced as such. And the risk factor increases as the excitement for the bets increases.
Contributing and environmental factors
The typical antisocial attitude that all the profiles of risky players at non GamStop casinos agree on can also be linked to external factors. As explained by several doctors, there are in fact genetic and also environmental factors. Specifically, relational, social, professional and family factors are considered.
The brain of a gamer records an alteration in the release of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that provides a positive feeling after a win. But the mind of a compulsive gambler presents a large amount of dopamine, which therefore also increases the achievement of the sense of gratification. Experiencing this condition, the player will continue to play, ending up in a real routine.
Prevention and intervention strategies
In order to combat this social scourge, several initiatives have been introduced, but it is important to continue spreading the concept of responsible gaming through prevention programs. Even within families, it is appropriate to address topics that are considered taboo, especially if we consider that many minors often expose themselves to dangerous risks.
Furthermore, within non GamStop casinos and betting platforms, it is possible to take advantage of a series of useful tools to prevent the problem before asking for help from specific associations. Let’s think for example about the use of self-exclusion from remote gaming, in addition to setting limits on deposits, winnings and losses.
Conclusion
As we have seen, gambling addiction is a very serious problem that must be treated carefully and precisely. Players at risk, and the loved ones who are close to them, must learn to understand the psychological mechanisms to act immediately with prevention programs or request support for those who are now addicted to gambling.
