Problem Gambling Often Misunderstood by Social Workers

But studies around the world have found that problem gambling is a symptom of a deeper mental issue, dealing with risk/reward centers of the brain that are physiologically different from the general population.

There are admirable organizations around the world attempting to help compulsive gamblers to deal with their issue. Unfortunately, many of those trying to help addictive gamblers don't have the scientific training or expertise to properly define problem gambling, let alone provide effective therapy.

Assertions are frequently made that seem just common sense, but in reality have not been tested by scientific theory to be sure of their truth. For many years, one of those was the concept that proliferation of gambling venues means more problem gamblers. It's so simple, it seems too obvious to need proof. But it is wrong.

Wiley Hawell, executive director of the Oklahoma Association for Problem and Compulsive Gambling, told local reporters that as the number of casinos in Oklahoma has increased, so have the number of compulsive gamblers. But he offers no empirical evidence for such a claim; and why should he, the hypothesis seems obvious.

But studies around the world have found that problem gambling is a symptom of a deeper mental issue, dealing with risk/reward centers of the brain that are physiologically different from the general population. Scientists have discovered that those suffering from addictive gambling will merely transfer their behavior to another dysfunctional pattern if gambling is not available.

As sociologist Dan Mullen says, "The number of individuals at risk remains the same. More casinos may mean that some who would find cocaine or alcohol gamble instead, but the problem exists regardless of outlet."

Scientists make a careful distinction between players who overextend themselves gambling, learning a painful lesson, and actual problem gamblers, who cannot control the need to gamble, no matter the losses.