Male Gamblers - Predisposing Factors

PREDISPOSING FACTORS LEAD TO GAMBLING ADDICTION FOR ESCAPE GAMBLERS

95% OF WOMEN AND APPROXIMATELY 30% OF MEN WHO HAVE CALLED THE ARIZONA COUNCIL ON COMPULSIVE GAMBLING IN THE PAST YEAR FOR HELP HAVE MET OUR CRITERIA FOR ESCAPE GAMBLING : Gambling was not a problem until predisposing factors appeared; plays "luck" games e.g. bingo, lottery, slot or video poker machines; gambled first as recreation then as "escape" from problems. All previous coping skills are abandoned for the anesthetizing quality the gambling has for them. It becomes their only coping mechanism

STEPPING OVER THE LINE: WHY ME? WHY NOW?

ACCEPTABILITY+ ACCESSIBILITY + PREDISPOSING FACTORS= POSSIBLE ADDICTION

ACCEPTABILITY: Although male gambling was always socially acceptable, it was once socially unacceptable for women to go to gambling establishments by themselves. In 1981 the Arizona Lottery introduced its first form of gambling: a single scratch ticket. Followed by the Pick and Lotto, by the time Indian Casinos were introduced, the climate of acceptability had been established. Now it is okay for everyone to gamble.

ACCESSIBILITY: Most escape gamblers will only gamble if legal gambling is easily accessible. Since the early 90's, the number of Indian Casinos in Arizona has grown to 19.

Add to acceptability and accessibility any one or a combination of the factors in column two and someone who previously gambled "normally", or not at all, may find gambling becoming a problem.

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MALE GAMBLERS
Male Gamblers Predisposing Factors of Escape Gambling Symptoms of the Compulsive Gambler Also Click on: "Types of Gamblers" and read the appropriate material according to your type. Still not sure? Click on "Take the TEST" PREDISPOSING FACTORS LEAD TO GAMBLING ADDICTION FOR ESCAPE GAMBLERS 95% OF WOMEN AND APPROXIMATELY 30% OF MEN WHO HAVE CALLED THE ARIZONA COUNCIL ON COMPULSIVE GAMBLING IN THE PAST YEAR FOR HELP HAVE MET OUR CRITERIA FOR ESCAPE GAMBLING : Gambling was not a problem until predisposing factors appeared; plays "luck" games e.g. bingo, lottery, slot or video poker machines; gambled first as recreation then as "escape" from problems. All previous coping skills are abandoned for the anesthetizing quality the gambling has for them. It becomes their only coping mechanism STEPPING OVER THE LINE: WHY ME? WHY NOW? ACCEPTABILITY+ ACCESSIBILITY + PREDISPOSING FACTORS= POSSIBLE ADDICTION ACCEPTABILITY: Although male gambling was always socially acceptable, it was once socially unacceptable for women to go to gambling establishments by themselves. In 1981 the Arizona Lottery introduced its first form of gambling: a single scratch ticket. Followed by the Pick and Lotto, by the time Indian Casinos were introduced, the climate of acceptability had been established. Now it is okay for everyone to gamble. ACCESSIBILITY: Most escape gamblers will only gamble if legal gambling is easily accessible. Since the early 90's, the number of Indian Casinos in Arizona has grown to 19. Add to acceptability and accessibility any one or a combination of the factors in column two and someone who previously gambled "normally", or not at all, may find gambling becoming a problem. ��		EMOTIONAL ESCAPE FROM PREDISPOSING FACTORS BOREDOM STRESS GRIEF LOSS OF FINANCES/ HOME HEALTH PROBLEMS FEAR OF DEATH ISOLATION LACK OF LEISURE ACTIVITIES/HOBBIES CONTROLLING OR DOMINEERING SPOUSE LONELINESS CHRONIC PAIN LOSS OF YOUTH DEPRESSION "EMPTY NEST’ IDENTITY ISSUES RELATIONSHIP DIFFICULTIES ABUSE Compulsive gambling is a diagnosable & treatable disease, not a disgrace. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, get help somewhere.
We welcome your comments and questions: azccg@azccg.org The Arizona council is a proud affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling, Inc.