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Ten years ago, the typical problem gambler was typically a man in his middle age, holding a full-time occupation and possessing a college degree.
With the progress of online gambling, the average has now stepped into a new era.
The National Council on Problem Gambling presently acknowledges that the typical individual with gambling issues is a male aged 18 to 35.
As we kick off Problem Gambling Awareness Month, let’s shed light on the evolving image of the problem gambler in today’s society.
Today’s problem gambler
The legalization of online sports betting and iGaming in Michigan brought about a monumental transformation in the gambling industry landscape within the state.
The introduction of mobile apps has brought the gambling industry to users’ fingertips, eliminating the need for them to go out and gamble.
According to Michael Burke, executive director of the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling, the most significant transformation in the gambling industry over the past two decades, in his opinion, has been the accessibility of casinos. Previously, individuals had to travel 50 to 60 miles to visit a casino, but now they can access it easily through their smartphones. This shift has resulted in every person in Michigan carrying a casino in their pocket, marking a substantial change in the gambling landscape.
The increased availability and focus on mobile technology has naturally provided opportunities for younger individuals to engage in gambling activities. However, this also brings along the issue of younger individuals developing problematic gambling behavior.
Burke stated that the National Council conducted a thorough examination of the emerging gambling trends, revealing a notable shift in the demographics of those participating. Specifically, it is the younger male population aged between 18 and 35 who are now presenting as the primary group affected by problem gambling. This observation can be attributed to their familiarity and ease with the various devices utilized for online gambling.
Looking back at problem gamblers of the past
As we assess the current situation, let’s reflect on the appearance of the problem gambler in the past.
In 2011, the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada conducted a study that aimed to analyze the typical characteristics of problem gamblers. This research involved surveying a large sample of gamblers from both North America and various international locations. The study encompassed individuals who engaged in both online and offline gambling activities.
It was discovered that the typical retail gambler was a male with an average age of 51.2 years.
In 2011, the study examined Internet gamblers, although their access and available services were considerably restricted compared to the present day. During that period, individuals residing in the United States who wished to engage in online gambling had no choice but to resort to offshore sportsbooks.
In 2011, it was found that the typical internet gambler was a male with an average age of 45.7 years.
Additionally, more than half of the problem gamblers were from notable demographics.
- Married
- A minimum requirement is to have completed some level of college education.
- Full-time employment
Despite change in age, same characteristics exist
While the average age of gambling addicts is decreasing, the attributes of problem gamblers remain unchanged.
A significant number of individuals with gambling addiction continue to face difficulties in recognizing the indicative signals they display.
Burke emphasized that the concerning issue lies in the fact that only 10% of compulsive gamblers seek assistance for their gambling addiction. This leaves the remaining 90% trapped in the grasp of their compulsions. Reflecting on the matter, Burke shared a quote that resonates with him, illustrating that addiction slowly tightens its grip until it becomes unbreakable. Unfortunately, by the time gamblers realize the severity of their problem, it is often too late – they are already entangled in addiction.
Having personally struggled with gambling addiction, Burke believes that the initial triumph in gambling marks the first step towards becoming a problematic gambler.
“In the end, their belief in long-term victory drives them. This is why winning becomes the initial step towards addiction, often accompanied by a significant triumph,” explained Burke. “Consider a problem gambler who visits the casino 20 times, only coming out ahead once. Yet, their memory fixates on that one successful visit, disregarding the 19 losses. They hold on to the belief that if they continue playing, they are bound to win. This is known as the gambler’s fallacy. It all relies on the casino’s advantage, which is well-known and never concealed. However, compulsive gamblers, for some inexplicable reason, have confidence in their ability to fare better. They dismiss empirical evidence that suggests one could spend a week without a win or hit a million-dollar jackpot with a single pull. The gambler has no control over the outcome. Unfortunately, we often delude ourselves into believing that we possess some form of control.”
Spreading awareness
Problem gambling awareness advocates are becoming increasingly concerned as the average age of problem gamblers continues to decline.
In the coming year, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, alongside the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan, aims to increase efforts in educating young individuals about the perils of gambling addiction.
Alia Lucas, a specialist in gambling disorder prevention and treatment at the MDHHS, mentioned that with the rise in accessibility to gambling, there is a growing number of younger individuals involved in gambling. Their focus is to ensure that these individuals receive more information about gambling and understand when it becomes problematic. Additionally, they are also directing their efforts towards parents, as they often overlook the possibility of their children engaging in gambling. The aim is to raise awareness among parents about the prevalence of this behavior and bring it to their attention.
One of the numerous subjects to be addressed at the Problem Gambling Symposium, occurring virtually on March 3 and 4, will be the aforementioned topic. The event spans across two days, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and is open to all individuals interested in participating. Simply complete the registration process beforehand to secure your spot.
If you or someone you are acquainted with requires assistance regarding a gambling-related problem, please reach out to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117.