Over half of Finns play gambling games at least once a month. Problematic gambling is often difficult to recognize, as it may not be visible externally and is often accompanied by a lot of shame. Often, it is only financial problems or debt, concerns from loved ones, or the psychological distress caused by gambling that lead someone suffering from gambling problems to seek help.
It is estimated that only 5–10% seek external help for their gambling problems.
Warning signs of excessive gambling
Gambling addiction is associated with certain traits that can help identify and recognize the addiction. These include the traits listed below.
Normal routines are disrupted
Problematic gambling begins to interfere with normal daily routines, such as work, studies, sleep, eating, and exercise. The gambler’s motivation and ability to regulate the time spent gambling decline, resulting in reduced interest in other activities.
“The pleasure derived from gambling and the hope of winning the jackpot maintain motivation despite the harms.
Often, the recovery process from addiction begins when the gambler acknowledges their problem, both to themselves and to their loved ones.”
Denial of the problem
Often, the gambler tries to hide their problematic gambling and deny that the problem exists. The gambler may be aware of the harms caused by gambling, yet continues to gamble even more. The pleasure derived from gambling and the hope of winning the jackpot maintain motivation despite the harms. Often, the recovery process from addiction begins when the gambler acknowledges their problem, both to themselves and to their loved ones.
Interpersonal relationships
The gambler’s interest in people outside of their gambling hobby decreases. The addiction is experienced as shameful, which can lead to distancing from loved ones. The gambler may find it difficult to focus on anything outside of the game, making meaningful interaction with others challenging. On the other hand, the gambler may find peers online—other people with gambling problems—from whom it is easy to receive support and acceptance. The shared approval within these communities can further reinforce and normalize problematic gambling.
“The experience of having no control and feeling powerless in relation to life’s challenges often explains the increase in gambling problems, as gambling is often used as a way to escape from these problems.”
Risk factors
An aggressive, impulsive, or antisocial personality can, in addition to genetic factors, be a risk factor for developing a gambling addiction. Furthermore, the experience of having no control and feeling powerless in relation to life’s challenges often explains the increase in gambling problems, as gambling is frequently used as a way to escape from these problems. Often, the gambling behavior of close ones, such as parents or friends, also increases the likelihood of gambling.
Debt accumulation
In 2019, the majority of money spent on gambling (62%) came from players with gambling problems. Problematic gambling can take precedence over everyday expenses, making loans necessary to maintain normal daily life. Money may be borrowed from family members or friends, or through payday loans. In the worst cases, gambling may be financed through criminal activities, such as theft or drug trafficking.
The cycle of gambling
In the cycle of gambling, play continues regardless of wins or losses. Often, gambling and the motivation to continue are maintained by situations in which a near win slips into a loss. This creates an illusion of control, where the gambler believes they can influence the course and outcome of the game through their own choices. This illusion is also reinforced in near-miss situations, where the gambler receives enough encouragement from almost winning, which further strengthens the behavior—the jackpot was so close that they feel compelled to try again and again.
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How to recognize a gambling addiction?
RGambling addiction can manifest in many ways, but at the very least, pay attention to the following factors.
- Daily routines: Have your normal daily routines been disrupted?
- Secrecy: Do you deny or hide gambling that has become harmful?
- Withdrawal: Have you distanced yourself from people outside the gaming world?
- Other challenges in life: Do you feel that you have no influence over the challenges in your own life?
- Money: How do you finance your gambling? Does gambling take priority over everyday expenses, or have you had to take out loans or even commit crimes to enable your gambling?
- Cycle: Have you fallen into a gambling cycle, creating the illusion of control, where you believe your choices can influence the course and outcome of the game?
If these questions have raised concerns for you and you feel that you cannot control your gambling on your own, do not hesitate to seek help. Addictions can be very persistent, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness. You do not have to face this struggle alone. For example, the Päihdelinkki website provides a list of various organizations offering different forms of support and assistance for excessive gambling. Short-term therapy can also be one possible option for working through the addiction.
Concern for a loved one?
What should I do if I am concerned about a loved one’s gambling?
Gambling addiction can manifest in many different ways, but be sure to keep an eye on these factors in particular.
- Bring up the matter with your loved one empathetically and without blaming. Express that you are concerned about them and want to help. The gambler may not admit to having a problem, in which case it is better to revisit the topic later. Unnecessary blaming that feels pointless to the gambler can put them on the defensive, turning the conversation easily into an argument.
- If your loved one acknowledges their problem, you can guide them to seek professional help. In Finland, help for gambling addiction is available, for example, through substance abuse treatment units, mental health offices, and other treatment centers specializing in addictive disorders. Assistance can also be obtained through student or occupational health services, as well as health centers. Online help is available, for example, through the website peluuri.fi, or by calling the site’s support line.
- Reducing or stopping gambling requires motivation to change, which the gambler can strengthen themselves, for example, by using online assessment tools or keeping a diary of their gambling, including the time and money spent. Other self-help methods for gambling addiction include limiting and blocking gambling, planning money usage, and support from loved ones. Financial support can also be obtained, for example, through advocacy services.
About the author of this article
I am Juuli Jylhä, a psychology intern at Heltti. I wrote this article based on an interview with Samuli Shintami.
Samuli Shintami is an occupational health psychologist whose areas of expertise include neuropsychological topics as well as anxiety regulation, awareness skills, mindfulness, and sleep.