Until the 1990s, most clinical studies relating to pathological gambling were conducted using male compulsive gamblers; thus, much of the information available about the disease is specific to male "action" pathological gamblers. Current data indicates a surge in Arizona of another type of compulsive gambling which we call escape gambling. Escape gamblers have a much different profile than the traditional action gambler and include men as well as women. (See Escape Gamblers)
PROFILE OF THE ACTION COMPULSIVE GAMBLER
Many "action" gamblers are domineering, controlling, manipulative men with large egos. They see themselves as friendly, sociable, gregarious and generous. Their average IQ is over 120. They are energetic, assertive, persuasive and confident. In spite of all this, they usually have low self esteem. Historically they started gambling at an early age, often in their teens, by placing small bets on sporting events or playing cards with friends or relatives. They progress through the four phases of the disorder over a ten to thirty year time span.
TYPES OF GAMBLING PREFERRED BY ACTION GAMBLERS
Action compulsive gamblers gamble primarily at "skill" games such as poker or other card games; craps or other dice games; horse and dog racing and sports betting. Both legal and illegal sports betting is dominated by these gamblers. They gamble to beat other individuals or the "house" and often believe they can develop a system to achieve this goal. During the desperation phase of the disease, action gamblers many often begin to gamble specifically for escape, medicating the pain they are feeling from the destruction created by their gambling with the narcotic-like effect of slot or more likely, video poker machines.
