Whether it be poker nights at a friend’s house or participating in a local bingo fundraiser, gambling is often considered a fun social activity. Sometimes, however, gambling can become more of a problem. Individuals may find themselves preoccupied with gambling or continuously chasing losses. They may lie about their gambling habits or feel irritable when trying to cut back. Problem Gambling occurs when gambling behaviors continue despite negative personal, social, or financial consequences.
Data show that many adults in Oregon gamble, and approximately 88,000 Oregon adults (2.6%) meet the clinical diagnosis of a gambling disorder.1 Despite its prevalence, disordered gambling is often known as the “hidden addiction”. Unlike substance use disorders, problem gambling has few outward signs, making it challenging to identify, and is not routinely screened for. Additionally, many are unaware of the risks associated with excessive gambling and how quickly a fun activity can turn into a detrimental habit.
Youth are also impacted by gambling behaviors. While most Oregon high school students (82%) don’t gamble,2 we know that Oregon 11th graders who reported gambling had higher rates of skipping school, being in physical fights, being sad for two or more weeks, and using alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs.3 Fortunately, most Oregon adults agree (76%) that people under the age of 21 should not gamble.4 Creating a family rule about not gambling before the age of 21 can help prevent these devastating effects.
The good news? Problem gambling is preventable! By establishing responsible gambling guidelines such as: “Setting a dollar limit and sticking to it” and “Not chasing back losses”, gambling can remain a healthy social activity. The Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR.org) has more information on how to establish your own personal guidelines for responsible gambling as well as how to recognize the signs and symptoms of problem gambling and how to get help for yourself or a loved one. Most Oregon adults (78%) agree that getting help for someone with a gambling problem is the right thing to do, and they personally would want someone to intervene if they had concerns about their gambling.5
Interested in learning more? Contact the Adapt Prevention & Education Team (prevention@adaptoregon.org) today to schedule a free training on problem gambling prevention. Together, we can shed light on this “hidden addiction” and work towards healthier gambling behaviors.
References:
- Oregon Council on Problem Gambling: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Oregon, 2018
- Oregon Student Health Survey, 2022
- Oregon Student Wellness Survey, 2016
- Center for Health and Safety Culture, 2019. Oregon Problem Gambling Survey on Guidelines. Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana (n=734)
- Center for Health and Safety Culture, 2018. Oregon Problem Gambling Survey. Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana (n=1225)