The origin of gambling is considered to be divinatory: by casting marked sticks and other objects and interpreting the outcome, man sought knowledge of the future and the intentions of the gods. From this it was a very short step to betting on the outcome of the throws. The Bible contains many references to the casting of lots to divide property. The line between what kinds of gambling activity are legal or illegal varies widely from state to state, as does the forms of gambling permitted within the state's local jurisdictions. (An overview of the forms of gambling by state can be found here.) What one state legalizes. Gambling games can be broadly categorized into two types, chance-based games and skill-based games. Remember, while chance plays a greater role in chance-based games, it is a powerful factor in skill-based games. In all forms of legitimate gambling, game outcomes can never be predicted with 100% certainty, 100% of the time. Chance-Based (100% dependent on chance) Skill-Based. Unlike most forms of gambling, sports wagering is typically conducted without any immediate need to pay for the wager. So unlike putting a 100 dollars on the blackjack table, the sports gambler can put a large bet on a team and not have any money to back the bet up. This creates a situation where they owe the bookie and builds a dependent. CHARITABLE GAMBLING REGISTRATION PROGRAM. Please note: The current processing time frame is 30 business days for all charitable gambling registration forms. Charitable Gambling Fundraisers At-A-Glance, pdf; Annual Registration Form for Nonprofit Organizations; Annual Registration Form for Suppliers of Gambling Equipment/Services.
Dr. Robert L. Custer was the psychiatrist and medical doctor who first identified 6 categories of gambling ‘types'. These types vary from low to moderate and high risk habits. He also advocated for gambling addiction to be treated in the same way as a disease.
Custer believed that the basis of gambling addiction stemmed from a sense of rooted sorrow and the fear of death; he asserted that addictive gambling was a method of escaping pain, rather than a method of seeking monetary gain or recreational/social pleasure.
It's important to state that not all of the forms of ‘gambler' listed here are of an addictive nature. Most gamblers are actually ‘casual social gamblers' who have a very small chance of developing a serious gambling problem.
According to a previous Gambling Commission report, 51% of Britons aged 18 to 24 take part in some form of gambling activity, with an ever increasing number of young people gambling. Yet, studies suggest that only 3-5% of those who do gamble have a serious problem with it.
The Six Types of Gambler
- Professional Gamblers consider gambling to be an occupation. They do not consider themselves to have an addiction. These type of gamblers rely on calculations and statistics; they pick bets or games that they believe will win more frequently. However, even those who consider themselves to be professionals understand the inevitable risks and losses that come with gambling and eventually, they often progress into a more casual or social category of gambling – which carries less risk.
- Antisocial Personality Gamblers are persons who may have an antisocial personality disorder. They are more likely to illegally fix bets, and they are occupied with the illegal side of gambling. This type of gambler may have a history of unlawful behaviour and is characterised by deceitfulness, manipulation, lack of remorse, glib charm, impulsivity, irritability and aggressiveness.
- Casual Social Gamblers bet infrequently. For this category, gambling is just one of many forms of recreational activities. This type of gambler will have a variety of other hobbies and interests and will rarely develop problematic gambling habits. Often, if this type of gambler develops an addictive relationship to gambling, it is due to a traumatic event or big win.
- Serious Social Gamblers consider gambling to be a primary source of entertainment. This kind of gambler can control their gambling habits, however they have an increased chance of developing more detrimental gambling habits following a traumatic event, a big win or from raised levels of stress and anxiety at work or in relationships. You could liken this type of gambler to a ‘football fanatic'.
- Relief and Escape Gamblers bet to escape feelings of anxiety, depression, boredom, anger or loneliness in their personal or professional life. Often this kind of gambler displays more control than the compulsive gambler. Gambling acts for them as an emotional relief from the underlying feelings of trauma that they cannot verbalise. This type of gambler tends to be highly vulnerable, and the negative elements of their social or work life may lead to ‘chasing' – an indicator and attribute of compulsive gambling.
- Compulsive-Pathological Gamblers have lost any element of control over their gambling habits. These persons are classified as having a pathological disorder. When gambling becomes an addiction the individual is highly likely to develop other substance abuse habits such as drug and alcohol abuse. They will experience altered moods, feel guilt and remorse about their habits, and often they will tie their self-worth to losses and wins.
Ten Forms Of Gambling
Despite the negative consequences that arise from compulsive gambling, it is highly unlikely that the individual will be able to break the cycle of addiction without treatment.
All gambling providers must offer the ability to ‘self-exclude'. This is a voluntary act of barring which usually lasts between six months and two years. This scheme aids those who are worried about their gambling habits and it can even be done with online gambling sites.
In the period of October 2013 to September 2014, the Gambling Commission reported that 28,844 people in Great Britain were seeking ‘self-exclusion' to quit cold turkey on dangerous gambling habits. 21,002 of these breached their own self-exclusion and 5,802 of these cancelled their self-exclusion after the minimum period.
Chips and palace casino. Problem gambling occurs when the effects of gambling begin to interfere with your life. Play roulette now.
Common signs of a problem are: money worries, stress at work and at home, arguments with friends and family, unhappiness and lethargy.
This list is not exhaustive though; for more information on identifying compulsive gambling addiction, symptoms and how to help a loved one, our very own Louise Petty wrote an informative article on how to provide help for someone with a gambling problem.
Different Types Of Gambling
Further Resources:
Illegal Forms Of Gambling
