MALE GAMBLERS

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.