Gambling Problems – Four Types of Gamblers

Gambling

There are a number of different kinds of gamblers. Listed below are the four types of gamblers: Problem gamblers, Social gamblers, Professional gamblers, and Lottery players. These people are different from one another but they all share similar problems. You may be one of these types or you might even be one of the last two. No matter which category you fall under, there are things you can do to overcome your gambling problem.

Problem gamblers

While there is no definitive figure for the number of problem gamblers in Wisconsin or the United States, the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders states that up to 4 percent of adults suffer from pathological gambling. Another study by the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling indicates that those who are located near a casino are twice as likely to engage in problem gambling. But who are these problem gamblers? Does proximity to a casino cause problem gambling?

Social gamblers

A significant percentage of online players identify themselves as social gamblers. They often gamble for recreation, meet new friends, and unwind on weekends. While these people may exhibit symptoms of gambling addiction, they never neglect their professional or personal responsibilities. Instead, they view their gambling activity as a way to escape their everyday lives and indulge their passion for gambling. Here are some of the traits of social gamblers. You might spot one in yourself next time you’re in a casino.

Professional gamblers

A lot of wannabe professional gamblers don’t know the difference between games of chance and games of skill. Games of chance are designed to favor the house, which means winning streaks are unlikely to occur. Professional gamblers, on the other hand, know how to use strategy to win. They avoid making common mistakes that beginners make. They also know when to quit a game, and when to limit their losses. Here are some of the tips they follow to maximize their wins.

Lottery players

The gambling behavior of lottery players is a complex phenomenon. Most lottery players are low-income, young and less educated. They consider playing the lottery as socially acceptable risk-taking. Lottery players fantasize about acquiring wealth or escaping from a bleak status. Heavy players purchase more tickets during low jackpot levels. In addition, they are less educated than light lottery players. This research is limited by sample size.

Adolescents

The socio-ecological model accounts for the relationship between gambling and social and psychological characteristics of adolescent populations. The model examines the role of risk factors at the individual, family, and community level, as well as the effects of gambling on societal institutions. Several research questions were addressed, including the impact of gambling on adolescent health, family life, and school success. However, further research is needed to understand the determinants of gambling and how these risk factors can be influenced.

Non-regulated forms of gambling

The total amount wagered on gaming activities is approximately $10 trillion per year. Of this amount, at least $1 trillion is attributed to legal forms of gambling, such as state-run lotteries. Illegal forms of gambling are widespread, with total wagering amounts reaching even higher amounts. The most popular forms of gambling include lottery tickets, gambling on sporting events, and football pools. Virtually every European country has organized football pools, while other countries allow their citizens to gamble on other sporting events.