Problem Gambling And Its Causes
Introduction to Problem
Gambling refers to any activity where one risks a possession of value on a result of an occurrence that is mostly left up to chance. Problem gambling refers to the excessive engagement in gambling activities, impacting various aspects of an individual’s life, often negatively. This includes one’s school or work performance, physical and mental health, finances, as well as interpersonal relationships. As with other forms of addiction, cases can range from mild to severe, with the most extreme form being pathological gambling.
Problem gambling can be an issue on its own, as well as a result borne out of stressful situations. The former arises when the endorphin-induced high derived from winning grips individuals, similar to the consumption of alcohol or narcotics. While the latter comes about as what may be initially rationalised as a potential quick fix to existing monetary deficiencies, it eventually leads to a form of destructive escapism from the individual’s other problems. In my opinion, to state that compulsive gambling stems from poor personal decision-making, and/or a mere lack of responsibility would hence be somewhat of an oversimplification of a much more complex issue.
The choice to begin gambling does in fact lie with the individual, however to claim that there is a choice one consciously makes to go down the slippery slope of becoming addicted to gambling is quite a stretch. Elizabeth Karter, a psychotherapist specialising in this area mentions that her findings through her practice show that gambling addiction is a learned coping mechanism, a way of alleviating perceived intolerable emotion triggered by thoughts about a here and now situation, with which the person with the addiction feels unable to cope, or as a way of attempting to dissociate from intrusive thoughts and feelings from past trauma. This coping mechanism is a subconscious development, not so much a conscious choice. This is generally more prevalent in the individuals trapped in the lower end of the industrial capitalistic social order where alienation is commonplace, for gambling provides them with an “escape hatch” from the monotony of poverty and routine alongside the possibility of wealth and status. That said, there is indeed a clear and strong demand for gambling services in casinos, that comes from the mentioned factors, and at the core of it all, may have been fostered by the society’s view of gambling.
The Sociology of Gambling
Gambling is deeply rooted in our society so much that it is present in various societal structures, regardless of cultural differences across the globe. Asians for example, view gambling as more of a social activity as compared to Americans. This is because gambling is commonplace at gatherings, be it with family or friends. Variations of tile and card games like Mah-jong and Blackjack is often taught to children from a young age by their elders, which in turn allows them to be socialised to view this form of gambling as a norm and simply just another form of interaction.
In accordance to the principles of structural functionalism, gambling plays a variety of roles in society, all of which are not necessarily negative. Gambling gives hope to the lower classes whom are otherwise stuck in their lives of toil and budgetary requirements whilst representing a symbolic means of protest against the economic discrepancies of capitalism. It is also able to act as a scapegoat to be blamed for keeping the masses in a perpetual state of poverty. This effectively aids the defenders of the capitalistic society, mainly the middle and upper class, for it serves as an essential tool in preserving the social system which permits exploitation of the masses.
Gambling has a role to play across the three classes, aiding society’s functionality by maintaining status quo. Be it for entertainment or a means to pass time, gambling is a widespread practice. Although not entirely global, gambling services have shown consistent demand, particularly in our increasingly capitalistic society.
The Role of Casinos
Where there is demand, supply follows almost naturally. Especially when we assume corporations to be profit maximising, who see a gap in the market for gambling services and yield to the forces of the free market with the promise of revenue to be earned. This supply is delivered by the numerous casinos, betting facilities, run by organisations, governments, or individual businesses, legal or not. Casinos are not entirely blameless in regard to problem gambling simply by virtue of the fact that they, with full knowledge, are enabling the commencement of an activity that provides harmless recreation to plenty but also destruction to many more. However, it would be pointless to expect potential casinos to self-regulate and curb their own entry into such an enticing and profitable market, since a failure to meet the current market demand will inevitably lead to the entry of other suppliers, regardless of legality.
Even so, while casinos are not really at fault for meeting the initial demand, their presence will inevitably propagate and even exacerbate the issue of problem gambling since, in the name of profit maximisation, casinos have been known to go to great lengths, using underhanded tactics seemingly synonymous with deception.
Problem gamblers on average spend a lot more money in the casinos as compared to the occasional gambler. At least nine independent studies have demonstrated that problem gamblers generate anywhere between 30% to 60% of total revenue from gambling at the casino. Hence, they are regarded as valuable customers as well as a hugely profitable target group by the casinos. Casinos have developed internal systems specifically for the purpose of identifying these compulsive gamblers. They range from using loyalty cards which track data comprising their habits like, the amount of money they bet, how often they bet, which electronic machines they use, the length of time spent at each machine, how often they win or lose, etc, to miniature cameras in certain machines with the aim of monitoring an individual’s behaviour whilst they gamble. ATMs installed within casinos also act as an outlet for data collection for the casinos.
Casinos aim for extensive gambling durations and have invested and curated methods which subconsciously pressure individuals to remain at their station. These methods work especially well with problem gamblers as their minds are already wired to be receptive to these manipulations. New electronic gaming machines are often designed to attract as well as induce addiction upon its players. This is done using animation, graphics, sound effects and careful programming using the data collected as well as knowledge on psychological triggers like near misses, of which is often registered in the problem gambler’s mind as a win, despite it being a loss.
The casino’s efforts are not contained to the windowless and clockless walls of the venue. Problem gamblers who often spend large amounts of money at the casino are usually lured back with complimentary hotel stays, limousine services, food and drink, spa and golf packages for themselves or their non-gambling partner. As an intended result, this makes it more difficult for the problem gambler to completely remove themselves from this continuous trap, for they are most vulnerable given their state of mind.
The Reality of Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is often misconceived as an addiction that can be kicked on one’s own, whereas in reality involves changes in the chemical system of the brain, making it a very physical as much as psychological ailment requiring aid to rid. Contrary to popular belief, gambling addiction is not a character problem, but is instead a chronic relapsing disease afflicting the brain, according to Dr Thomas Lee, a consultant psychiatrist at Resilienz clinic. (2016, Poh) Individuals addicted to gambling are often ashamed of their affliction, and some even completely unaware of the toll it has taken on them. This makes it difficult for loved ones to spot the addiction as problem gamblers often take specific measures to hide. According to the Straits Times, gambling addiction is an alarmingly objective social issue as it severely impacts approximately up to eight individuals surrounding each problem gambler. This makes it crucial for governments to step in by implementing safeguards against addiction, by reducing the accessibility of casinos to locals, like the $100 levy Singaporeans are required to pay.
Conclusion
As casinos are built with not just recreation in mind but mainly the potential market value the compulsive gamblers have, however well-regulated with self-exclusion lists, which bans problem gamblers or potential ones from gambling activities in that state, the threat of addiction will always be around as a result of the casino’s role in induction as well as facilitation of the onset of gambling addiction. There will always be avenues for people to gamble whether it is sanctioned by the state or not, and thus to try and control the level of gambling through the regulation of the quantity of casinos would be difficult.
However, the banning of commercialised casinos may aid in reducing the issue of problem gambling, not in the current population but the in the future generation, by limiting their initial access to casinos so that the habit of gambling never starts in the first place. This is done by controlling the demand for casinos that is created by the supply itself. Steps can also be taken to provide emotional and financial support systems to troubled individuals who have a high potential of turning to means like gambling in hopes of easing their monetary problems, controlling the source of much of the demand.
Problem gambling as a whole is partially the result of excessive profit maximisation by casinos worldwide, despite boosting the economy of the country and making progress as defined in a capitalist society from a Marxist’s perspective, it is increasingly detrimental as well as exploitative to society, especially as the methods used by the casinos continue to be refined and perfected for optimal results with the improvements of scientific studies and technology. It needs to be curbed early on with heavy regulation on casinos and rules against possible manipulation, before the induction of addiction becomes too well crafted, posing a very real danger to society.
