Are Your Gambling Habits Crossing an Invisible Line?

Florida Compulsive Gambling Council (FCCG) We would like to take this opportunity to share how our experts review and diagnose the different stages of gambling. gambling problem and cimpulsive gambling is a synonym for the clinical term “”.disorderly gamblingIt is classified as a substance-related and dependence disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM V) of the American Psychiatric Association (APA).¹ Usually it is considered and treated as an addiction. If you can relate to any of the following, your one thing is certain I’m calling for help 888-Permit-IT.

disorderly gambling APA is defined as persistent and recurrent problem gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as noted by the individual. Exhibit 4 (or more) of the following in a 12-month period And that behavior is not apt to be explained by a manic episode.

1. To get the desired excitement, you need to increase the amount of gambling.
2. Feels restless or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling.
3. Has made repeated unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
4. Often addicted to gambling (e.g., obsessive thoughts about reliving past gambling experiences, handicapping or planning next business, figuring out how to get money to gamble) ).
5. Often gambles when feeling distress (feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, depression, etc.).
6. After losing money gambling, they often come back another day to get it back (“chasing” the loss).
7. Lying to hide the extent of your involvement in gambling.
8. I have jeopardized or lost important relationships, jobs, education or career opportunities because of gambling.
9. Relying on others to provide money to save their desperate financial situation from gambling.²

type of gambler:

• low risk gambler:
  1. Social gambler: someone who gambles for fun or entertainment, who can control their spending by setting and adhering to limits and take home the winnings.
  2. Serious Social Gambler: Regularly engages in heavy gambling while under control. You can quit, but you miss it.
• Risky Gambler: Answer ‘yes’ to 1 or 2 of the above criteria,In general Relief or Escape Gambler A traumatic event or life-changing situation can quickly lead to a gambling addiction.
• Problem gamblers: answer ‘yes’ to 3 or 4 standard Anything listed above, generally Situational Gambler or Binge Gambler. Where gambling is no longer fun, problems start to arise.
• Compulsive/disorderly gambler: Answer yes to at least 5 of the above criteria.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing one of these signs and you need to talk to someone to find help or resources, please call or text. 888- Admit it. This Florida Helpline is free, confidential, multilingual, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support those struggling with compulsive gambling.

1. “Annual Helpline Report on 24 Hour Gambling Problems 2021-2022”. Florida Compulsive Gambling Council, February 2023.
2. Ditto.