Online gambling addiction: signs, symptoms, psychological effects, and treatments
Online gambling addiction is defined by the irrepressible compulsion to participate in internet-based gambling activities, despite the adverse consequences. An individual experiences major upheavals in their personal, professional, and financial lives as a result.
The signs and symptoms of online gambling addiction include preoccupation with online gambling, mood swings, increasing amounts of money spent, inability to stop or reduce gambling, insomnia, chasing losses, craving, and lying about gambling habits.
The psychological effects of online gambling addiction are anxiety, depression, emotional instability, guilt and shame, and decreased coping ability.
Treatment options for those suffering from online gambling addiction include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), medications, support groups, and mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
What is online gambling addiction?
Online gambling addiction, otherwise known as internet gambling disorder, is characterized by the compulsive and repeated involvement in online gambling activities notwithstanding negative outcomes.
Individuals with this disorder often experience a preoccupation with gambling, a need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement, and repeated unsuccessful efforts to cut back or stop gambling.
Additionally, they lie to conceal the extent of their gambling involvement, jeopardize important relationships or opportunities, and turn to illegal activities to finance their gambling.
According to a 2002 publication titled, “Internet Gamblers May be More Likely to Have a Serious Gambling Problem than Other Gamblers, Study Finds” from the American Psychological Association, an analysis of the gambling habits of 389 individuals seeking complimentary or discounted dentistry or health services at the university’s medical clinics revealed that the prevailing types of gambling mentioned by the participants were lottery (89%), slot machines (82%), and scratch tickets (79%). The subsequent kinds of gambling were card-playing (71%), sports betting (57%), bingo (56%), and animal betting (53%).
How common is online gambling addiction?
Online gambling is generally less common than offline gambling, as a recent analysis of international research found that 5–15% of adolescents engage in online gambling, with significant variations among countries, according to a 2021 study by Montiel et al., published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions.
However, the study added that the popularity of online gambling is on the rise, particularly among young people, as a result of its progressive legalization and promotion, as well as the advancement of technology.
Why is online gambling addictive?
Online gambling is addictive due to its accessibility, ease of use, and the psychological processes it incites. The constant availability of online gambling platforms allows individuals to engage in gambling activities at any time, often in the comfort of their own homes.
This high level of accessibility results in frequent and extended gambling sessions. Additionally, the addictive potential of online gambling is intensified through the implementation of a variety of psychological strategies. These include using visually and auditorily engaging elements to create an immersive experience, as well as intermittent reinforcement schedules with surprising rewards to keep players interested.
Pathological gambling develops as individuals become increasingly preoccupied with the activity, chasing losses and gambling despite negative consequences. People are able to conceal their gambling activity more readily thanks to the anonymity that internet platforms offer, which worsens the problem.
Findings of a 2009 study by June Cotte and Kathryn A. Latour titled, “Blackjack in the Kitchen: Understanding Online versus Casino Gambling” indicates that those who gamble online do it more regularly and aggressively.
This is due to the fact that it is more difficult to conceal in-person gambling at a casino. On the other hand, there is little effort required to access online gambling; it becomes an integral part of regular home routines, leading to increased gambling time.
Furthermore, due to the absence of social connection, individuals engage in online gambling primarily for the game itself, rather than for any other reasons. This appeals to their competitive nature and heightens the likelihood of addiction.
Is online gambling a mental illness?
Yes, online gambling is a mental illness that falls under the broader category of gambling disorder, which is recognized as a mental health condition by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
Gambling disorder is characterized by persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior that leads to significant distress or impairment. When this behavior occurs specifically in the context of online gambling, it exhibits similar traits and consequences, including preoccupation with gambling, increasing the stakes to achieve the same level of excitement, unsuccessful attempts to control the behavior, and continuing to gamble despite adverse effects on personal and professional life.
What are the signs and symptoms of online gambling addiction?
Signs and symptoms of online gambling addiction pertain to the particular actions and experiences that signify a problematic involvement with internet-based gambling activities. The signs and symptoms of online gambling addiction are listed below.
- Preoccupation with online gambling: Individuals with online gambling addiction often find themselves constantly thinking about gambling. This preoccupation includes reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling session, and figuring out ways to obtain money to gamble. Thoughts of affected individuals are often dominated by gambling activities to the extent that it interferes with daily responsibilities and social interactions.
- Mood swings: The anticipation and excitement of placing bets and the potential for winning leads to heightened feelings of euphoria. Conversely, the disappointment and frustration of losing results in significant emotional lows. This rollercoaster of emotions causes rapid and unpredictable changes in mood. A 2016 report by Goldstein et al., titled, “Mood, motives, and money: An examination of factors that differentiate online and non-online young adult gamblers” revealed that during gambling events, online gamblers reported having more negative affect (e.g., upset, fatigued, bored). Non-online gamblers quit playing frequently because their friends stopped playing or because they felt better.
- Increasing amounts of money spent: Another common manifestation of online gambling is the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement. This escalation is where the gambler requires higher stakes to experience the initial thrill. This behavior leads to significant financial losses, as individuals continuously raise the stakes despite the risks involved.
- Inability to stop or reduce gambling: Despite numerous attempts to cut down or stop gambling, individuals with an addiction find themselves unable to do so. They experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen in substance dependence. This compulsion to gamble overrides rational decision-making, leading to continuous engagement in gambling activities. Their repeated failure to stop gambling perpetuates the cycle of addiction.
- Insomnia: The constant preoccupation with gambling, coupled with the stress and anxiety related to losses and the urge to gamble, make it difficult for individuals to relax and fall asleep. Late-night gambling sessions, often facilitated by the 24/7 availability of online platforms, further disrupt normal sleep patterns and lead to chronic sleep deprivation. Pathological gamblers are at a higher risk of experiencing difficulty initiating sleep (2.3 times), difficulty maintaining sleep (4.6 times), and early morning awakening (4.0 times) compared to the control group, according to the results of a 2013 study by Parhami et al., titled, “Pathological Gambling, Problem Gambling and Sleep Complaints: An Analysis of the National Comorbidity Survey: Replication (NCS-R).”
- Chasing losses: Chasing losses involves the compulsion to continue gambling in an attempt to recover money lost during previous gambling sessions. The idea that a significant win is capable of making up for losses motivates this behavior, which results in repeated and frequently bigger bets. The constant quest of recovering losses leads to a risky loop that ensnares the person in an ongoing gambling addiction.
- Craving: Craving is a strong, often irresistible urge to engage in online gambling, driven by the desire to experience the excitement and thrill associated with winning. These cravings are typically triggered by various cues, such as seeing gambling advertisements, receiving emails from gambling sites, or even thinking about past gambling experiences. A 2023 review from the Journal of Behavioral Addictions titled, “Craving in gambling disorder: A systematic review” stated that gambling severity, gambling episodes, pursuing behavior, and income-generating offenses are all associated with craving. It is additionally linked to negative urgency and emotional states.
- Lying about gambling habits: Habitually lying about the extent of one’s gambling activities is a significant symptom of online gambling addiction. Individuals deceive family members, friends, or colleagues to hide the frequency and severity of their gambling. Usually, sentiments of guilt, humiliation, or fear of intervention drive this dishonesty. Lying all the time undermines relationships and trust, further isolating the individual and feeding their addiction.
What are the psychological effects of online gambling addiction?
Psychological effects of online gambling addiction describe the variety of negative mental and emotional outcomes that arise from an obsessive online gambling habit. The psychological effects of online gambling addiction are listed below.
- Anxiety: Anxiety, which presents as persistent uneasiness, trepidation, and apprehension, is a common psychological consequence of an addiction to online gambling. Anxiety is increased by persistent concerns about losing money, getting caught, and needing to win more. A 2016 study by Medeiros et al., titled, “Anxiety, Gambling Activity, and Neurocognition: A Dimensional Approach to a Non-Treatment-Seeking Sample” found that there is a strong positive relationship between the number of DSM-5 gambling disorder (GD) criteria that are met and the intensity of anxiety symptoms. Gambling problems tend to be more severe in those with higher levels of anxiety.
- Depression: Suffering from financial devastation, damaged relationships, and an inability to rein in gambling behavior amplify feelings of depression. Affected people often become disengaged from activities they used to enjoy, change the way they eat, and find it difficult to concentrate. A 2018 study from the Journal of Behavioral Addictions titled, “Explaining the relation between pathological gambling and depression: Rumination as an underlying common cause” suggested that brooding, a subfactor of rumination, is associated with both depression and problem gambling, indicating that it is possibly a fundamental element that explains the high rates of co-occurrence between pathological gambling and depression.
- Emotional instability: Emotional instability is another significant psychological effect, characterized by mood swings and an inability to regulate emotions. Individuals experience rapid shifts from euphoria during winning streaks to deep despair and frustration after losses. Relationships suffer, decision-making is difficult, and there’s a general sense of disorder in one’s life as a result of this emotional instability.
- Guilt and shame: These feelings often arise from recognizing the negative impact of gambling on one’s financial situation, relationships, and overall well-being. The affected individual often feels remorseful about the time and money wasted, leading to a cycle of negative emotions. A 2022 study titled, “Shame and Blame in Gambling: Relationship with Emotion Regulation and Gambling Motives” published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction found that among the study participants, increased gambling severity is correlated with elevated levels of guilt and shame, both currently and within the past two weeks. Shame is directly correlated with gambling and potentially serves as a precursor to engaging in gambling activities.
- Decreased coping ability: Online gambling addiction significantly impairs an individual’s ability to cope with everyday stressors and challenges. The addiction often becomes a primary coping mechanism, replacing healthier strategies for managing stress and emotions. This reliance on gambling for emotional relief leads to a decreased capacity to handle stress, making the individual more vulnerable to emotional and psychological distress.
What are other consequences of online gambling addiction?
Other consequences of online gambling addiction encompass the effects of compulsive online gambling that extend far beyond the mental health issues that arise from such behavior. The other consequences of online gambling addiction are listed below.
- Altered neurobiological processes: There is a lot of overlap between the brain areas implicated in substance dependence and those involved in pathological gambling. These areas include the orbitofrontal cortex, the midbrain reward system, and the anterior cingulate. Neurochemical investigations have suggested that pathological gamblers experience modifications to their dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine systems. It is believed that these neurochemical variations influence the responses of individuals to impulsivity, learning, reward, and self-control, as per a 2005 article titled, “The Biopsychosocial Consequences of Pathological Gambling” by Timothy W. Fong.
- Overall health deterioration: Poor sleep, irregular eating habits, and a sedentary lifestyle due to long hours spent gambling contribute to health problems. Over time, these issues lead to chronic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Influence on nutritional status: Given their tendency to seek instant gratification, their impulsivity, and the prevalence of food available to them (such as buffets and free meals), it is reasonable to assume that compulsive gamblers are more prone to binge eating and have higher-than-expected obesity rates. Secondly, chronic gambling is likely to amplify the risk of obesity due to the sedentary nature of the activity, according to a 2005 publication from the journal Psychiatry (Edgmont) titled, “The Biopsychosocial Consequences of Pathological Gambling.”
- Monetary losses and mounting debt: Financial losses and accumulating debt are common consequences of online gambling addiction. Individuals often spend more money than they’re able to afford, leading to significant financial strain and the depletion of savings. To sustain their gambling habits, they borrow money, max out credit cards, or even resort to selling possessions.
- Legal consequences: When financial difficulties emerge, the legal ramifications of compulsive gambling typically follow. Pathological gambling is associated with approximately 30 to 40 percent of numerous white-collar offenses, according to an article by Timothy W. Fong published in the March 2005 issue of Psychiatry (Edgmont). In order to finance their ongoing gambling, desperate gamblers have been known to resort to theft, prostitution, embezzlement, insurance fraud, and the use of loan sharks.
What are the treatments for online gambling addiction?
Treatments for online gambling addiction involve diverse therapeutic interventions aimed at helping individuals overcome their compulsive online gambling behaviors and tackle the root causes of their addiction. The treatments for online gambling addiction are listed below.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is particularly effective in the treatment of GD, as per a 2018 review by Menchon et al., titled, “An overview of gambling disorder: from treatment approaches to risk factors.” It encompasses cognitive restructuring and motivational components to mitigate cognitive distortions associated with gambling behavior. CBT assists people in acquiring more effective coping strategies and problem-solving techniques by correcting these mental distortions. It additionally focuses on managing triggers and avoiding relapse by teaching ways to deal with urges and high-risk circumstances.
- Motivational interviewing (MI): Motivational interviewing (MI) is an approach to gambling treatment that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about changing their behavior, such as online gambling addiction. A 2017 review from the Annals of General Psychiatry titled, “Treatment modalities for patients with gambling disorder” stated that multiple research studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of MI in the treatment of gambling disorder (GD), frequently in short, one-session forms or in conjunction with other therapies.
- Medication: Medications are used to treat co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that contribute to online gambling addiction. According to a 2017 review by Choi et al., titled, “Treatment modalities for patients with gambling disorder,” opioid receptor antagonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and mood stabilizers are medications that are frequently employed to treat GD. Pharmacotherapy has beneficial effects on GD patients, including the prevention of relapse, the treatment of comorbidities, and the reduction of urge.
- Support groups: Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous provide a community of individuals who share similar struggles with gambling addiction. Regular meetings and a regimented program centered on the 12-step paradigm allow these groups to provide accountability, peer support, and encouragement. Gaining insights from individuals who have effectively navigated their addiction and exchanging personal experiences instill optimism and drive.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, help individuals manage stress and emotional triggers that lead to gambling. Mindfulness practices, which enhance awareness of the present moment without judgment, have demonstrated substantial advantages in alleviating the psychological discomfort, stress, and anxiety frequently associated with GD, as per a study titled, “An overview of gambling disorder: from treatment approaches to risk factors” published in the April 2018 issue of F1000Research. Additionally, brief mindfulness interventions improve cognitive and behavioral flexibility, reduce rumination, and enhance quality of life.
How to overcome online gambling addiction?
To overcome online gambling addiction, a complete strategy including self-awareness, professional help, and lifestyle changes is needed. Recognize the issue and the harm it does to your life before taking any action.
Seeking professional help is essential; cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses underlying issues and modifies harmful thought patterns, while support groups like Gamblers Anonymous offer peer support and accountability.
Through developing healthy coping mechanisms like exercise, hobbies, or mindfulness practices like meditation, it is additionally feasible to stop gambling addiction. Committing to these strategies and seeking ongoing support allow someone to regain control over their life and maintain long-term recovery from online gambling addiction.
When is online gambling addiction counseling necessary?
Online gambling addiction counseling is necessary when gambling behavior begins to seriously affect one’s finances, relationships, and overall health. Signs that counseling is needed include an inability to control gambling activities, frequent thoughts about gambling, and using gambling as a means to escape from stress or other emotional issues.
If the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness or irritability when trying to stop gambling, or if they engage in deceitful behavior to hide the extent of their gambling, it is a clear indication that professional help is required.
What are the symptoms of online gambling addiction withdrawal?
Symptoms of online gambling addiction withdrawal refer to the reactions that occur when an individual with a gambling addiction attempts to stop or reduce their gambling activities. The symptoms of online gambling addiction withdrawal are listed below.
- Intense cravings: Intense cravings to gamble are a common withdrawal symptom, where the individual feels a powerful desire to engage in gambling activities. The strength of these urges makes it challenging for the person to focus on daily tasks or resist the temptation to gamble.
- Irritability: Irritability is frequently experienced during withdrawal, characterized by heightened frustration and short-temperedness. The absence of gambling, which previously served as a coping mechanism, leaves individuals feeling agitated and on edge. This symptom causes tension in relationships and hinders the ability to participate in everyday tasks.
- Restlessness: Restlessness is another symptom, marked by an inability to relax or remain still. Without the stimulation of gambling, individuals feel uneasy and struggle to find comfort in their usual activities. A 2022 study by Maris Catania and Mark D. Griffiths titled, “Applying the DSM-5 Criteria for Gambling Disorder to Online Gambling Account-Based Tracking Data: An Empirical Study Utilizing Cluster Analysis” pointed out that restlessness is often challenging to detect online, with the exception of observing the aggressive communication that the gambler may engage in within gambling chat rooms.
- Headaches: Headaches are a physical symptom of withdrawal, often resulting from the stress and tension of trying to quit gambling. The constant mental strain and emotional turmoil manifest as persistent or recurrent headaches. These headaches tend to affect daily functioning and exacerbate feelings of irritability.
- Racing heart: A racing heart is a symptom during withdrawal where the heart beats rapidly due to stress and anxiety. Findings of a 2011 study from Frontiers in Psychiatry titled, “Brief Report: Coronary Heart Disease: An Unknown Association to Pathological Gambling” revealed that patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and pathological gamblers share psychological traits such as elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Palpitations: Palpitations, or the sensation of the heart pounding or skipping beats, occur during withdrawal from online gambling. This symptom is often linked to heightened anxiety and stress, as the body reacts to the lack of gambling activity. A 2021 study by Moccia et al., titled, “Heart rate variability and interoceptive accuracy predict impaired decision-making in Gambling Disorder” highlighted that people are able to make better decisions when they have greater awareness of internal body signals and better control over their heart rate under stress. These systems perform worse in patients with gambling disorder (GD), which results in poorer decision-making.
- Tightness in the chest: Chest tightness is a physiological manifestation that occurs during withdrawal, frequently linked to feelings of anxiety and tension. This discomfort feels like pressure or constriction in the chest area, sometimes accompanied by difficulty breathing. The sensation tends to be alarming and exacerbates feelings of panic.
What are the causes of online gambling addiction?
Causes of online gambling addiction pertain to the root causes of a person’s propensity to engage in online gambling activities. The causes of online gambling addiction are listed below.
- Genetic predisposition: Genetic predisposition refers to the inherited traits that make an individual more susceptible to developing online gambling addiction. A 2017 meta-analysis by Xuan et al., titled, “Genetic and Environmental Influences on Gambling: A Meta-Analysis of Twin Studies” revealed that genetic factors account for approximately 50% of the variance in gambling behavior, which is moderately heritable. This implies that genetic differences account for half of the variances in gambling behavior among individuals.
- Environmental influences: Environmental influences play a significant role in the development of online gambling addiction. Easy access to online gambling sites, often facilitated by the internet and mobile devices, makes gambling more convenient and pervasive. Additionally, targeted advertising and promotions entice individuals to gamble, while social pressures from friends or online communities further encourage the behavior.
- Reward system dysregulation: Dysregulation of the brain’s reward system, involving neurotransmitters like dopamine, contribute to online gambling addiction. Gambling activates the brain’s reward pathways, creating feelings of pleasure and excitement similar to those produced by substances like drugs and alcohol. Over time, the brain becomes conditioned to seek out these rewarding experiences, leading to compulsive gambling behaviors.
- Cognitive distortions: Cognitive distortions, such as the illusion of control and the gambler’s fallacy — the mistaken belief that past events affect future outcomes — have the potential to lead individuals to believe that they’re able to influence or predict gambling outcomes. The illusion of control makes gamblers think they have a better chance of winning than they actually do, fostering overconfidence and continued gambling. In a 2019 study by Yokomitsu et al., titled, “Gambling symptoms, behaviors, and cognitive distortions in Japanese university students,” participants exhibited a variety of cognitive distortions associated with gambling, including the perceived inability to quit gambling, interpretative bias, predictive control, illusions of control, and gambling expectancy. Gambling symptoms were significantly correlated with these cognitive distortions.
- Peer influence: Friends or acquaintances who gamble tend to encourage others to join in, normalizing the behavior and making it seem socially acceptable. A 2023 study from the Journal of Adolescent Health titled, “Peer and Parental Social Norms as Determinants of Gambling Initiation: A Prospective Study” determined that peer pressure is a substantial social factor that influences the initiation of gambling among adolescents. Gambling is more prevalent among adolescents who are more susceptible to peer pressure.
What are the risk factors for online gambling addiction?
Risk factors for online gambling addiction are the different traits, circumstances, and factors that make it more likely for someone to develop a problematic relationship with online gambling. The risk factors for online gambling addiction are listed below.
- Co-occurring physical and mental health conditions: Physical and mental health comorbidities significantly increase the risk of online gambling addiction. According to a 2015 article by Sally M. Gainsbury titled, “Online Gambling Addiction: the Relationship Between Internet Gambling and Disordered Gambling,” research has indicated that those who place bets online have greater rates of health and mental health comorbidities, such as alcohol and tobacco usage, drug addiction or dependence, and mood disorders, than people who do not gamble online.
- Personality traits: Certain personality traits elevate the likelihood of developing an addiction to online gambling. For instance, a 2023 study titled, “Association between problem gambling and personality traits: a longitudinal study among the general Norwegian population” published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people who have high levels of neuroticism, meaning they tend to experience negative emotions, and low levels of conscientiousness, which means they are not very organized, prompt, or good at planning and self-control, as well as low levels of agreeableness, meaning they are not very sympathetic, warm, or considerate towards others, are more likely to develop a problem with gambling.
- Age: Age is another important risk factor, with younger individuals and adolescents being particularly vulnerable to online gambling addiction. A 2009 review by Johansson et al., titled, “Risk Factors for Problematic Gambling: A Critical Literature Review” indicated that being younger than 29 years old is a substantial risk factor for problem gambling.
- Sex: A large body of research on gambling indicates that men are more likely to be problem gamblers and online gamblers, as per a 2012 study from the Journal of Gambling Studies titled, “An Empirical Study of Gender Differences in Online Gambling.” Men favored poker, spread betting, sports betting, horse race betting, and betting exchanges when it came to gambling activities. Additionally, when it came to online gambling, men were more likely to feel a range of emotions, such as happiness, anger, and irritability.
- Financial motivations: Financial motivations often drive individuals to gamble online, with the hope of winning large sums of money quickly. The allure of financial gain is particularly strong during times of economic hardship or financial stress. However, this motivation leads to chasing losses and increased gambling as individuals try to recover their money.
