Why Does a Person Gamble?

We have heard it said that people gamble because they're lonely, because it's something to do, because the activity is stimulating. While it's true that these factors may play a part for some, the real answer is...because it's fun. And as we've stated before, most people do gamble for fun without negative consequences.

But such analyzing usually comes in reference to people seeking recovery from problem gambling. Even if caught up in problem gambling to the point of addiction, the person asks,"Why do I gamble?", "Why did I get into trouble and not someone else?" 

It's as if figuring out the cause will figure out the solution and therefore the cure. The fact is, cause doesn't matter. For the addict there is no cure, only arresting the behavior and learning to build an overall better life. For example, in Gamblers’ Anonymous (GA), the problem gambler will learn that figuring out the "why" is not a mandatory part of stopping problem gambling.

So what is the answer? Get treatment. DCGP can assist you in getting treatment with a counselor knowledgeable about problem gambling. Get support from a group like GA.

Trying to do it alone is futile. With no fresh input to work with, you’ll use the same old material and make the same old mistakes. Keep doing what you did and you'll keep getting what you got. 

Get help.

Please see our section on Signs and Symptoms for an overview of new research being done at the University of Pennsylvania on gambling problems associated with treating Parkinson's, and a study on a possible treatment  to alleviate these side effects.

PROBLEM GAMBLING IS TREATABLE

For more information call:
DCGP Helpline at
1-888-850-8888
or
The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems
Wilmington: 1-302-655-3261
Rehoboth: 1-302-226-5041

Funded by
The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse
and Mental Health
Delaware Health and Social Services