Gambling Addiction Treatment Blog

Gambling addiction is commonly perceived as being a “man’s problem,” but women are also susceptible to developing a gambling problem. The gap between men and women struggling with gambling is dwindling, and the rate at which women meet the criteria for gambling addiction is rising.

Recent data from the National Gambling Treatment Service has shown that the number of women receiving treatment for gambling in the U.K. has doubled in the past five years.

It is known that video games can be addicting, but some studies are now suggesting that gaming can even be a gateway into gambling. The vast majority of American children and adolescents play video games, with the average child and adolescent playing between 13 and 14 hours of video games per week. Video games also play a large role in the lives of young adults, with 38% of US gamers aged between 18 and 34. 

What are the risks of gaming, and how can you protect your child from developing an unhealthy relationship with gaming that could turn into gambling? 

Since the legalization of sports betting in many states, and the increase of online gambling, there has also been an influx of gambling-related ads in all forms of media. Advertisements not only encourage consumption habits, they also impact the view of what is normal, which is part of what makes gambling ads problematic. 

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and while the majority of people can gamble without developing a problem, there are millions of Americans who struggle with gambling addiction. With the rising accessibility of online gambling and sports betting, people are more at risk than ever for developing an addiction to gambling.