Male Gamblers - Predisposing Factors

FOR ESCAPE GAMBLERS,
PREDISPOSING FACTORS CAN LEAD TO ADDICTION

ABOUT 40% OF MEN WHO CALL THE ARIZONA COUNCIL MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA FOR ESCAPE GAMBLING...

Played "luck" games
(e.g. bingo, lottery, slot/video poker machines)
Gambling had an anesthetizing quality
Gambled first as recreation, then as "escape"
Gambling not a problem until predisposing factor(s) appeared
Gambler abandoned all previous coping skills
Gambling became their only coping mechanism

STEPPING OVER THE LINE:
WHY ME? WHY NOW?

ACCEPTABILITY + ACCESSIBILITY + PREDISPOSING FACTORS = POSSIBLE ADDICTION

ACCEPTABILITY: 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: it was okay for everyone to gamble.

ACCESSIBILITY: Most escape gamblers will play only if legal gambling is easily accessible.

Add to ACCEPTABILITY and ACCESSIBILITY any one or a combination of the following predisposing factors and someone who previously gambled "normally" or not at all, may find gambling becoming a problem.


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" FOR ESCAPE GAMBLERS, PREDISPOSING FACTORS CAN LEAD TO ADDICTION ABOUT 40% OF MEN WHO CALL THE ARIZONA COUNCIL MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA FOR ESCAPE GAMBLING... Played "luck" games (e.g. bingo, lottery, slot/video poker machines) Gambling had an anesthetizing quality Gambled first as recreation, then as "escape" Gambling not a problem until predisposing factor(s) appeared Gambler abandoned all previous coping skills Gambling became their only coping mechanism STEPPING OVER THE LINE: WHY ME? WHY NOW? ACCEPTABILITY + ACCESSIBILITY + PREDISPOSING FACTORS = POSSIBLE ADDICTION ACCEPTABILITY: 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: it was okay for everyone to gamble. ACCESSIBILITY: Most escape gamblers will play only if legal gambling is easily accessible. Add to ACCEPTABILITY and ACCESSIBILITY any one or a combination of the following predisposing factors and someone who previously gambled "normally" or not at all, may find gambling becoming a problem.		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 and treatable disease, not a disgrace! If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, get help somewhere.
The Arizona council is a proud affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling, Inc.